If you’ve never been through a major renovation, the very idea of it can be daunting. This will be a big change and a big disruption in your life, no matter how beautiful the end result.

The best way to get ready is to be as prepared as you can be. Your experienced renovator will be your best friend in this situation, because renovators know how to help you plan. 

Make a list of things to ask yourself in those early stages when you first entertain the idea of a big project for your home. If you can, speak to others who have gone through it and ask about their biggest challenges. This will be especially important if you have a young family or anyone with mobility or health issues.

Once you have an idea ‒ a Plan A and a Plan B ‒ for each possible situation, you’ll find your renovation will go much more smoothly. Preparation is a major stress-buster.

Here are some questions to get you started. You’ll probably want to add to the list as you get deeper into the thinking and planning process.

  • Will I be moving out during construction, or will I live through it at home?
  • What will I do to keep pets and children safe? 
  • Will renovations disrupt children’s school year(s)?
  • Am I ok being disrupted at work for last minute decisions or do I prefer a process that avoids this? 
  • Should I talk to the neighbours to warn them about possible noise and disruption? 
  • Will I be working from home? Will there be distractions, and if so, can I handle them?
  • What will I do about cost overruns? Is there a contingency? What do I need to know beforehand?
  • How will I deal with possible delays when products aren’t available? Should I tell my contractor I don’t want to start a project until we know for sure when products will show up? Or will I just roll with it if things have to grind to a halt sometimes? 
  • Will I have to pack up dishes and other belongings? Do I have a system for that ‒ storage containers, for example? 
  • Will furniture be covered up or moved to a storage unit?
  • Will I have access to a stove and fridge, or will I have to rely on takeout/parents/grandparents/neighbours?
  • Ditto about daily access to a shower and laundry facilities.
  • Will my renovator clean up properly at the end of each day, and can I have that written into the contract?