Renovations are exciting, but the smoothest projects have one thing in common: good prep at home before work begins. A little planning on the front end helps protect your belongings, reduces daily stress, and keeps the schedule moving.  We've created a helpful list of all the little things to think about before your start date. 

1) Decide how you will live during the project

Before demo starts, think through daily life.

• Where will you make coffee or meals if the kitchen is down
  
• Which bathroom will you use if one is out of service
  
• Where will you work if you work from home
  
• Where will kids and pets hang out during working hours
• What rooms will be off limits and what is your alternate route through the house
  

2) Create a clear path for the crew

Work slows down when access is difficult. Fast projects have simple access.

• Remove artwork from nearby walls 
• Clear a path from the entry to the work area
• Remove rugs, breakables, and small furniture along that route
• Make sure exterior gates can open and close easily
• If your home has stairs or tight turns, clear those areas fully

3) Plan parking and deliveries

Parking seems small, but it matters every day.

• We will need to park close to the entry door 
• Move vehicles that block access the night before
• We will be moving large items in and out, so we recommend parking your cars away from the crew’s path
• If you share a drive or have an HOA, confirm rules ahead of time

4) Protect your belongings and surfaces near the work area

Renovation creates dust and movement, even with good protection in place. Anything you care about should be moved away.

• Remove art, photos, and mirrors from nearby walls
  
• Move breakables from shelves and countertops
  
• Clear items from floors and corners near the work zone
  
• If you have antique furniture, cover it or relocate it away from the construction path

6) Set up a dust plan for the parts of the home you are using

Even with barriers, dust can travel

• Keep interior doors closed when possible
  
• Replace HVAC filters more often during construction. We recommend replacing your filter after demo, and again after the renovation is complete.
  
• Seal off unused rooms if you are sensitive to dust
• If you have air purifiers, place one near the living zone and one near the work zone boundary

Quick Renovation Prep Checklist

One week before

• Clear the pathway to the work area
  
• Remove wall art and breakables nearby
• Decide on a pet plan, specifically for demo which is loud and scary for pets 
• If you work from home, make plan for working elsewhere during demo. Again, this is a loud part of the renovation process and it may be difficult to work with the noise

Two days before

• Empty cabinets, drawers, or closets in the work zone

The day before

• Move vehicles out of the way
• Clear the entry and final walkway
  

Hope this helps! Reach out and tell us what type of renovation you are planning and your ideal timeline, and we will help you map the first steps.