How to Prepare Your Home for a Remodel

Getting Ready for Your Remodel

Proper preparation can make the difference between a stressful remodel and a smooth one. Taking time to prepare your home, your family, and yourself before construction begins minimizes disruption and helps the project proceed efficiently.

This guide covers everything you need to do before the first hammer swings.

2-4 Weeks Before Construction

Finalize All Decisions

Changing your mind during construction causes delays and costs money. Before work begins:

• Confirm all material selections (cabinets, counters, tile, fixtures)
• Approve final plans and specifications
• Verify all materials have been ordered
• Understand the project timeline and milestones
• Know who your daily contact will be

Set Up Communication

• Exchange contact information with your project manager
• Establish preferred communication method (calls, texts, email)
• Agree on update frequency (daily, weekly)
• Know the process for questions and decisions

Notify Important Parties

• Neighbors: Let them know about upcoming construction, parking needs, and noise
• HOA: If applicable, ensure approval and notify of construction
• Insurance: Inform your homeowner's insurance about the project
• Security company: Provide contractor access codes or suspend motion sensors in work areas

Plan for Disruptions

Kitchen Remodel

• Set up a temporary kitchen (microwave, toaster oven, mini-fridge)
• Stock up on disposable plates, cups, and utensils
• Plan simple meals and budget for takeout
• Identify alternative cooking options (outdoor grill, friend's kitchen)

Bathroom Remodel

• If only bathroom, discuss timing with contractor for basic access
• Consider gym membership for shower access
• Arrange access to nearby friend or family bathroom
• For multi-week projects, consider portable toilet rental

Major Renovation

• Research temporary housing options
• Budget for rental costs ($1,500-$3,000+ per month)
• Plan for pet accommodations
• Arrange mail forwarding if needed

1-2 Weeks Before Construction

Clear the Work Area

• Remove everything from cabinets and closets in the work zone
• Take down wall decorations and artwork
• Remove window treatments if in work area
• Clear countertops and shelving completely
• Empty appliances (refrigerator, stove, dishwasher)

Protect Adjacent Areas

• Move furniture away from work zone walls
• Cover remaining furniture with plastic sheets or drop cloths
• Roll up area rugs and store
• Remove fragile items from shelves near work area

Secure Valuables

• Lock away jewelry, cash, and important documents
• Store medications securely
• Move electronics away from dust zones
• Consider off-site storage for irreplaceable items

Create Storage Space

• Designate a room for storing displaced items
• Rent a storage unit if needed
• Use garage space (weather permitting)
• Stack and organize boxes for easy access if needed

The Day Before Construction

Final Walk-Through

• Walk the space with your contractor
• Confirm where workers will enter
• Identify parking locations for crews
• Discuss daily schedule (start/end times)
• Confirm dust barrier and protection plans

Practical Preparations

• Clear paths from entry to work area
• Move vehicles out of the driveway if needed
• Secure pets in a safe area away from work zone
• Show contractor location of electrical panel and water shutoffs
• Provide keys or access codes as needed

Family Preparations

• Explain the project to children and set boundaries
• Establish off-limits zones for safety
• Plan activities to keep kids occupied
• Arrange pet care or confinement

During Construction

Daily Routines

• Keep work areas clear of personal items
• Avoid walking through active construction zones
• Check in with project manager at agreed times
• Document progress with photos
• Keep a notebook for questions

Dust Management

Your contractor should handle dust control, but you can help:

• Keep doors to work area closed
• Change HVAC filters more frequently
• Wipe down surfaces in adjacent rooms regularly
• Keep windows closed near dusty work

Safety

• Keep children and pets away from work areas
• Don't touch tools or materials
• Wear shoes when walking near construction
• Be aware of temporary hazards (open floors, exposed wiring)

Communication

• Address concerns promptly; don't let issues fester
• Make decisions quickly when asked
• Document any agreed changes in writing
• Stay positive; minor issues are normal

Special Considerations

Working From Home

• Set up workspace far from construction noise
• Invest in noise-canceling headphones
• Schedule important calls around noisy work
• Consider working elsewhere on demolition days

Pets

• Keep pets confined away from work areas
• Be aware of open doors and escape routes
• Consider daycare or boarding on heavy construction days
• Watch for stress signs from noise and disruption

Young Children

• Establish strict boundaries around work areas
• Explain safety rules clearly
• Plan activities and outings during noisy work
• Consider temporary childcare arrangements

Preparation Checklist

2-4 Weeks Before

• ☐ All selections finalized
• ☐ Materials ordered and delivery confirmed
• ☐ Communication plan established
• ☐ Neighbors notified
• ☐ Insurance notified
• ☐ Temporary living arrangements planned

1-2 Weeks Before

• ☐ Work area completely cleared
• ☐ Valuables secured
• ☐ Adjacent areas protected
• ☐ Storage arranged for displaced items
• ☐ Temporary kitchen/bathroom set up

Day Before

• ☐ Final walk-through completed
• ☐ Access provided (keys, codes)
• ☐ Parking arranged
• ☐ Pet/child care planned
• ☐ Utility shutoffs located and shown

At Best Construction, we guide our Cleveland clients through every step of the preparation process. Our detailed pre-construction meetings ensure you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare for a smooth renovation experience. Browse our remodeling portfolio to see the results.

Frequently Asked Questions