When homeowners first decide they’re ready for a change – that they’re ready to design their forever home and start their renovation project – the overwhelming feelings are typically excitement, maybe even relief. Those feelings can easily turn sour in the midst of the process. This is often due to a lack of preparation for the realities of the project process and execution.

That’s not how I like to do business with my homeowners. It’s my job to give you the full scope of what’s to come in your home renovation. Full transparency. No unexpected processes.

These are full-proof tips to not only get through the process but to enjoy it, too. Let’s get your project done! But first, let’s prepare.

1. Create a Budget

It’s easy to determine what you don’t like about your home and what you’d like to change. It is an entirely different challenge to determine how you’d like to upgrade those areas of improvement.

The how is the key to figuring out an adequate budget for your project. You don’t need to break the bank to make your dream space a reality. But in any project, there has to be a little give-and-take. This is where you should be most honest with yourself.

How much are you willing to spend? How large of a budget can you tolerate? Are you the only person financially investing in this project?

The questions can go on and on for this part of preparation. My greatest advice? Use our free Timeline and Budget Guide. It asks all of the important questions I ask my clients. Plus, it offers interactive prompts to help you determine an average budget needed to complete your project’s specific needs.

2. Decide Details as a Family

If you aren’t investing in this project alone (read: you are not the only person spending money on this project), then you need to be on the same page about how much money is going into your renovation.

Every person in your family has a right to live in a space that makes them feel comfortable and taken care of, which is why I do this work. This is also why every financial partner in this process deserves a say in how their money is being invested.

This process may take a little time to complete. That is perfectly OK! The bottom line: make sure that all of the possibilities and perspectives are considered before you start.

3. Commit to a Scope of Work

The transformation process is an ever-evolving and developing part of the renovation process.

The course of action we take when actually executing the design we create will ebb and flow over time. This is simply the nature of home renovations and remodeling. It’s a roll with the punches process!

However, when starting out it is extremely important to create an outline of all of the responsibilities for the design and construction team. Consider this a roadmap for your contractors.

If there are voluntary or purposeful changes at any time to the plan, your budget and timeline may both be affected. This is why it is so important to nail down your plans to near perfection before you start.

4. Make Confident Choices

Did you know that there are approximately 400 design decisions to be made per room? I know. That’s a lot. Hey – that’s why I’m here, remember?

“Decision fatigue” is a very real feeling homeowners may encounter before and during their renovation project. Throughout the Jackie Barnes Design process, our team will alleviate some of the decision making responsibilities through research, sourcing and suggesting the perfect fixtures and materials for your project.

Remember:

Delays in making materials selections can affect your timeline and budget. You can use our Timeline and Budget Guide to sort out these processes in further detail. Best part? It’s FREE!

5. Be a Great Teammate

Our team is always on your side. It is our job to best help you navigate the renovation process and avoid the typical pitfalls and roadblocks.

However, at times there will be unexpected delays and events that we cannot control – no matter how many years of experience we have. We are not perfect, and neither are the companies you order materials and furniture from. Nevertheless, we will have a beautiful space that exceeds your expectations by the end of your project.

Read more about unforeseeable events that can cause delays in a home renovation project in our blog 3 Reasons Why It’s Taking so Long to Get Your New Furniture.

6. Trust the Process

We know a tremendous amount of trust goes into hiring a team to create your forever home. We don’t take this trust lightly.

You are entrusting your time and money into others, believing in turn that they will produce your forever home. We appreciate your trust in us. Our team is here to make wise investments and decisions regarding your most personal assets: your money and your home.

Trust us with your project and we will trust you to allow us to do our best work for your home.

Not sure if you’re ready to collaborate on your home with a professional? Read our blog, 3 Simple Ways to Know if You’re Ready to Work with an Interior Designer to find out!

7. Email (or Call) Your Team

Clear communication is a great way to keep everyone on the same page.

We can only help if we know there is something bothering you. A good team is there to answer questions, talk through concerns, and communicate solutions. Do not hesitate to reach out to your team – it is literally their job to listen!

Additionally, a good team will communicate any issues they come across throughout the project execution. Once again, you should have full transparency every step of the way and never be left in the dark.

8. Remember to Celebrate!

Whew. There sure is a lot of planning and prepping that goes into a renovation project. But in your busy schedule and to-do of how to prepare, did you make time to celebrate?

Leaving time at every stage of your project, especially in the planning phases, to celebrate the fact that it’s all coming together is crucial to your overall well being. Your vision is coming to life – don’t forget this!

Even as you experience ups and downs and lulls throughout your renovation process, you are still creating something amazing. It is all worth it in the end to have your forever home.

Let’s Recap

Give yourself your greatest chance of success and joy during your renovation project by:

1. Creating a clear budget

2. Deciding details as a family

3. Committing to a scope of work

4. Making confident choices

5. Being a great teammate

6. Trusting the process

7. Emailing (or calling) your team when issues come up

8. Remembering to celebrate every step of the way – not just at the end

Ready to talk about the potential for your forever home? Schedule a FREE 15-minute Discovery Call today!