Renovating your entire home, in what’s often referred to as a ‘gut renovation’, involves a serious amount of work, but if carried out professionally, can truly transform your home and give you a brand new space to enjoy.
In a gut renovation, every element of the property is altered in some way, from the walls (both inside and out), to the floors and utilities, with the goal of giving an old or outdated space a comprehensive makeover. Typically involving the gutting of all existing spaces within the home, making major structural changes, adding or replacing electrical, wiring and plumbing systems, installing insulation, flooring and lighting, buying new appliances and cabinets, and lastly, giving everything a lick of paint, it really does cover everything!
If you’re planning a gut renovation, check out the simple advice below to help it go as smoothly as possible:
Firstly, decide exactly what renovations you want to make
When carrying out a gut renovation, it’s essential that you decide early on, exactly what renovations you plan to make. Think about whether every single aspect of your home needs to be altered and improved, and if so, in what way. Take a long, hard look at the floors, walls and ceilings, and if possible, make a list of the things you want to renovate.
Having a clear plan is important not just in terms of giving the renovating company a clearer picture of the work required and your desired outcome, but in terms of keeping you within budget, too.
Next, research contractors and renovation companies in the area
When you’ve made a solid plan of what work is likely to be involved in your gut renovation, you can start researching local contractors and renovation companies. Read their reviews, and if possible, reach out to some of their previous customers to find out exactly what the standard of their work was like.
Then, come up with a budget and approximate timeline
A budget and approximate timeline are both important things to have in place before any work on your home commences, and ideally, before any contracts are signed. Try to set realistic goals and expectations for the project, and always leave yourself some wiggle room in case of unexpected expenditures that may well crop up during the renovation.
Create a plan for getting rid of dust and trash
This element of a gut renovation is often overlooked, and homeowners and contractors alike, are left wondering how they’re going to responsibly dispose of trash and safely deal with dust – ’cos there’ll be a lot of it! You may want to hire a dumpster or junk removal company, and you’ll definitely want to warn any neighbors about the dust that will inevitably be flying about the place once work gets underway.
You’ll next need to prepare yourself for unexpected delays
Renovations of any scale can be unpredictable, and it’s important that you not only recognize that these can happen at any time, but that you make a contingency plan for when they occur, too. Factor in additional time for dealing with any challenges that may arise, and this will help you stay calm and get your renovation completed on time.
By being prepared and talking all of your ideas, plans and concerns about your gut renovation, through with your chosen general contractor, you can eliminate as much stress as possible, and help the entire project go more smoothly, from beginning to end.