Major renovations can be a very trying time for a homeowner. There are big changes, large expenses, and construction phases that they might not understand. To help, general contractors Tom Silva and Zack Dettmore explained the need-to-know information on preparing for a home renovation.
Get in the Right Mindset
Tom says one of the most important steps is to get into the right mindset. Know and embrace that renovations can be overwhelming for families, as they’ll be losing access to part of their home. Also, contractors will be on site every day, and the project will typically cost more than you expect. It’s important to understand that early.
Prepare Your Budget
Zack finds that homeowners often get lost when preparing a budget. The best option is to discuss the scope of the work with a contractor, who will provide a rough ballpark estimate of the cost. If the estimate and the homeowner’s budget align, they can work together on a real budget.
Tom says you’ll need to add 10-20% to your estimate to make sure you’re covered in case you change your mind about a finish, find an issue that needs fixing, or another problem arises. Tom believes you should take your budget, remove 10-20% of that, and make that your budget.
Permits and Scheduling
Tom explains that your general contractor will usually handle pulling permits for the renovation, but depending on the project’s scope, additional professionals may need to get involved. Specialized work, such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC upgrades, may also require licensed tradespeople to provide documentation to the town’s building department.
According to Tom, an experienced contractor can help homeowners understand exactly which professionals are needed for the job. Some projects may require only a basic permit, while larger renovations may involve multiple approvals from different departments. Permitting timelines can vary significantly depending on the project’s complexity and the completeness of the submission.
Select Finishes Early
Tom and Zack both agree that one of the biggest causes of renovation delays is waiting too long to choose finishes and materials. Cabinets, tile, flooring, fixtures, countertops, and other selections can have long lead times, especially if they’re custom-ordered. If materials become unavailable or backordered midway through the project, homeowners may need to restart the selection process, which can push the timeline back even further.
To help avoid delays, Tom recommends choosing finishes as early as possible and having backup options ready for any custom or specialty products. That way, if something becomes unavailable, the project can continue moving without major interruptions. Zack also stresses the importance of being decisive throughout the renovation. Delays can happen on any project, but homeowners should avoid becoming part of the problem.
