Home renovations can occur for various reasons, from needing more space for your growing family to remodeling your backyard area for better entertaining. No matter the reason for your home project, however, there are several universal considerations you’ll need to make, including figuring out how to navigate the process with your neighbors and figuring out how much you can spend. This guide will take you through many of the most important things to keep in mind as you get started with the renovation process, as well as offer a few helpful resources.

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Make an informed decision about your renovation 

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Before you start looking for a contractor, it’s important to make sure you understand all that your chosen project will entail and, if necessary, make some changes to the plan. For instance, you might have your heart set on a basement remodel, only to realize it falls outside your budget. Do some careful research on the project you want to tackle, including whether it will add to the overall value of your home. One makeover that could help you make a fast sale when you’re ready to put the house on the market is a stellar home office, but you’ll need to ensure that it’s in a location that will provide privacy and that it has plenty of adequate lighting; namely, natural light, if possible, as this is beneficial for your mood and productivity. If sunlight isn’t available, invest in great overhead lighting that will reduce eye strain and improve your overall vision health.

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Learn how to clearly communicate with your contractor

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Once you know which type of project you want to start, you’ll need to do some homework in order to find the right contractor. There are many online sources that can help, but make sure you read customer reviews and ask the contractor for references. You’ll need to make your budget extremely clear to them from the beginning and let them know about any special circumstances your family might have that would impact construction. 

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Find out how they prefer to communicate, and make sure you’re able to reach each other, whether through email, text, or phone. You can also ask about the types of software they use for tasks like estimating costs so you can get familiar with it yourself.

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Communicate with your neighbors, as well

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Communication is also important when it comes to your closest neighbors since they’ll be dealing with extra noise, mess, and new people in the neighborhood. Let them know about the renovation ahead of time so they can plan accordingly, and keep communication up with them throughout the process, so they’ll know what your timeline is. If your project will impact your neighbors’ property–for instance, if there will be dust or debris flying around–you might offer to provide a tarp to cover their lawn furniture and other outdoor items.

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Protect your latest home update

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If your home renovation project will involve electrical, HVAC, or plumbing systems, or if you just want some peace of mind where costly appliances are concerned, consider protecting it all with a home warranty. This renewable, annual contract will cover breakdowns of these systems when home insurance won’t, so you don’t have to worry about making costly fixes right after paying for the renovation itself. Finding the best home warranty company can take some time, but it’s important to read up on everything that will be covered under your contract without rushing through.

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Starting a home renovation is a big job, so it’s important to do your research beforehand and make sure you understand each step. Whether you’re adding a home office or investing in a home warranty, learning more about the process will give you peace of mind.‍

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