Do you have a renovation that’s been nagging the back of your mind? Have you been putting things off in favor of hitting the slopes? We can’t blame you. In a town like Park City, it’s easy to put mundane tasks like home renovations on the back burner.

Whether you’re taking care of a few small upgrades or a larger remodeling project, we can say with absolute certainty that the feeling of euphoria when all is said and done is worth the pain of living through a renovation, not to mention the potential value a renovation would add to your home.

If you’re thinking about renovating your home and coming out on the other side without incurring more grey hairs, or if you find yourself asking, “I want to renovate my house, where do I start?” This post is for you.

Keep reading to learn about renovating a house without losing your mind (or marriage!)

Nail Down Your Budget

(And then add a bazillion dollars.)

Construction isn’t cheap, and even the most frugal bargain shoppers will find that the cost of renovating a house can be shocking. In addition to cost overages and additional labour expenses, it’s very easy to ring up the charges because home improvement stores and design centers make it very easy to want to upgrade.

Decide beforehand on what areas you have wiggle room to splurge and be firm with the rest of the budget. If you start your project with a bazillion dollars added in, you’ll be thrilled that you came in under budget rather than traumatized at what the actual cost ended up being.

Additionally, determining your budget early in the process will give you more insight into whether it’s best to go through with the renovation or simply sell your home and buy something new.

Is it better to buy something new or renovate your existing property? Do you need to renovate your home before selling? Get answers to these questions and more with these posts next:

• Do You Need to Stage a Home to Sell it in Park City?
• How to Create Curb Appeal in Park City
• Should I Update My Home Before Selling It

Make a Game Plan

(An ounce of prevention…)

If you’re only renovating a single room in your home, the goal and steps might be very straightforward. But if you’re planning a whole home remodel, that’s when things can get complicated.

What’s the proper order of renovating a house? Most experts agree that bathrooms and kitchens should be among the first rooms you tackle. These rooms often have complex plumbing and electrical components. Additionally, these are likely the rooms you want to get out of the way first, since you’ll need your bathrooms and kitchen to live in the home.

Next, you can tackle some of the high-impact rooms like foyers, living rooms, etc. Also, don’t try and tackle every room at once. Phase out your full home renovation with your family in mind.

Pack It All

(And throw the rest away)

Remember the last time you moved? We’d bet you wondered why you didn’t do yourself the favor of cleaning out all your unwanted stuff while you still lived there. Now’s your chance to make it right – get rid of everything except the things you want to keep.

Pack like you’re moving. Wrap and store belongings such as knick-knacks in boxes, because if construction dust coats them, they are a nightmare to clean. They will feel like new again once the remodel is complete and they are unpacked.

Thinking about going the route of selling your home and buying or building something brand-new? Here are a few more posts you might find helpful:

• How to Build a Custom Home in Park City
• Should You Buy a New Construction or Resale Home in Park City
• How Much Does it Cost to Sell a Home in Park City

Create a Construction Zone

(And don’t go there too often)

During a remodel, homeowners and pets should stay away from the construction area. People often forget that a railing is not there anymore, and they can accidentally fall.

For your family’s safety, the work area should be blocked off. If possible, we recommend building plywood barriers with doors around the construction zone. If it’s feasible, we even recommend you build a separate entrance so that the crew does not cross paths with you.

To keep construction dust under control, try to broom-sweep the construction area at the end of each day. Once the dust is swept into a pile, it can be vacuumed with a Shop-Vac or shovelled away. If you don’t do this, you’ll still be finding construction dust floating through your home for months to come.

Decide What to DIY

(And what to leave to the pros)

Whether you’re handy with a drill or you have aspirations of creating magic with your own two hands, a DIY home renovation can be satisfying when done right. The trick is to think small. Be honest about your abilities and your time commitment.

When renovating a home with no experience, you’ll quickly learn that things are often more difficult and take longer than expected. If you’re primed and ready to take on some of the work, keep this in mind, and if you’re on the fence, just hire a pro.

As a Park City homeowner, it’s a good idea to have trusted professionals on hand to help with everything from obtaining home insurance to managing your property if it’s being used as a rental. Keep reading these posts next if you’re looking for professional homeowner help in Park City:

• A Day in the Life of a Realtor® in Park City
• What’s the Best Way to Finance a Vacation Home in Park City?
• What to Know About Hiring a Property Manager in Park City
• How to Get Property Insurance in Park City

Define Your Private Space

(Remember your first dorm room?)

Create a “downsized” living space that separates you from the construction area. We all need a place that restores our sense of balance and control in life, especially during a remodel.

Let everyone in the family know what area is theirs, and where the family gathering spaces will be. Move in everything you need in order to feel like your life has some organization and routine, and pack everything else away.

Set Up a Mini-Kitchen

(Yippee! Pop Tarts for dinner!)

When doing a kitchen remodel from scratch, we recommend that you set up a temporary kitchen somewhere else in your home. You can easily do this in the living room, den or garage. Just a table with your microwave, toaster oven, toaster, coffee maker and a small refrigerator can make all the difference.

Things to Keep in Mind when Renovating Your Home

Unless you are tearing your home down to the studs, most people choose to live in their house during a remodel and survive the process just fine. Don’t wait until the job starts to assign your designated living space and get situated within your new home-within-a-home. As long as you stay ahead of the dust, trust us, the project will eventually come to an end, and you’ll quickly forget all the inconvenience. You can do this, and it is SO worth it!

Looking to sell your remodelled property? Contact us today at 435-647-8035 or email info@CFHparkcity.com for all your Park City real estate needs!