Your renovation is finally happening. Whoo hoo! And while it’s all exciting, don’t forget there’s plenty to do before the builders come in. Whether you need to move out of your home temporarily or you’re able to stay, you will need to ensure your home (and you!) are ready for any work that needs to be done.
When it comes to renovations, making sure the areas of your home that are being renovated are cleared and that you provide a safe workplace for your trades with plenty of room to work and move around is important.
Here are some simple steps to help get your home ready for renovation.
Think ahead
You may need to use a room that’s not part of the renovation as a temporary kitchen or even as a workspace. If possible, this space is best near the front door so you can monitor those coming in and out of your home.
Think about the types of meals you can cook during this time, and the equipment you will need. Make sure you have extra extension cords as well and where possible, try to use power points from different areas so that circuits are not overloaded. Kettles are one of the worst electrical appliances!
Pack
Pack up any rooms that will be affected by the renovation. If you have bulky furniture, you may need to consider putting these items in storage. This may also be a good opportunity to declutter and get rid of anything you don’t use or need.
Cover up
While your renovation may not affect the entire house, dust travels and has a way of getting in just about everywhere so cover any items that may be prone to getting dusty or dirty.
Clear clutter
Clear any clutter, indoors or outdoors, that may obstruct workers from moving around your home safely.
Protect your garden
Think about how tradespeople will access your property and areas to be renovated. You many need to find a way to protect lawn and plants too. Additionally, you may need to find a place for the rather unattractive builders loo – one of our clients recently referred to it as the Tardis! (Any Dr. Who fans?)!!!
Look after your pets
If you have pets, create a safe space for them so they don’t get in the way of the builders or indeed escape unintentionally. If noise is an issue for them, try to find an area that is a little removed from the work.
Prepare for Summer
While you’re in the process of sorting through your home in preparation for renovation, now would also be a good time to prepare for the warmer months. Clear any hazards around your home to minimise the risk of fires, this is particularly important if you are in a bushfire prone area.
Preparing your home for renovation can often feel like a bigger job than the actual renovation itself but it’s a worthwhile exercise to ensure your renovation runs smoothly.
To discuss your home renovation, speak to the team at Lateral Building Design.
