Renovating your home or parts of your home is a big undertaking. There’s no guarantee that it’ll pan out the way you dreamt it would.

However, there are steps you can take to help ensure a smooth home renovation project without so many setbacks and glitches. The better you plan ahead and get organised right from the start the more likely it is that your home renovations will turn out beautiful and you’ll be happy with the end result.

1.  Decide What to Renovate & Gather Ideas

Firstly, decide what to renovate and which will be the best use of your time, money, and resources. Take a look around your property and research what’s going to add the most value to your home in the long run. You want to make sure you’ll get a return on your investment when you go to sell one day in the future. Gather ideas for what styles and elements you like best. Create a vision board so you can make it come to life.

2.  Have A Budget

It’s also important that you follow a budget if you want to have a smooth home renovation project. You should have a good idea of how much you want to spend and how much certain upgrades and updates will cost you. Create a realistic budget that will help ensure your renovation project is affordable and won’t set you back too much financially. Your budget can guide you in making decisions about what materials or enhancements you do or don’t want to make as the project plays out – its also a great reminder of what is realistic in your design scope, and where to allocate your money for the best outcome.

3.  Assemble the Right Team

Find the right contractors and assign a good team if you want your home renovation project to go smoothly. Avoid hiring the first person you hear about or meet and make sure you get quotes from at least three contractors. Meet with them individually and see if your visions and personalities align and mesh well. You need to work with experts and professionals who you can trust and who will stay within budget and within your timeline. It may be helpful to read reviews online or get recommendations from friends or family.

4.  Establish Contracts & Deadlines

Establish contracts and deadlines for your design project. The last situation you want is to think you’re getting one design or outcome and that it turns out differently than what you expected. Get everything you discuss in writing and ensure you and the contractor are on the same page. You want to make certain that they stay within your budget and the initial scope and aren’t doing work that you haven’t approved or don’t want to pay for. Have the details outlined in writing including projected deadlines and important information that will help ensure the project is completed the way you prefer.

5. Consider Hiring A Designer

It may also be helpful to hire and work with an interior designer. Your home renovation project will go a lot smoother and be less stressful when you don’t have to make all the important decisions on your own. Instead, consult with a designer and go over your ideas so that your home turns out the way you imagined. Designers see a lot of homes and are the experts in this area so can help you choose elements that will be timeless and elegant. You’ll find there are a lot of choices you have to make and that having someone by your side to assist you can take a lot of pressure off your shoulders.

6. Communicate & Check-in Often

Stay involved, communicate and check in with your team or workers often. While you don’t want to get in the way or be a distraction, you will want to know the status of how your design project is coming along. Make sure that you’re notified of any delays or mistakes right away so that they can be addressed and rectified before it’s too late. Visit the job site frequently and take a look at the work being done and make sure it’s turning out the way you want. It’ll help to minimise any surprises and you’ll feel more comfortable knowing that it’s getting done the right way.

7. Stay Calm

Another tip for a smooth home renovation project is to make sure you stay calm throughout the process. Remain calm and in control of your emotions so that you’re responding to any issues that arise in a professional manner. When there are hiccups or setbacks, remember to problem-solve and get to the bottom of what’s going on before you react emotionally. The calmer you are, the more likely it is that the project will go smoothly and that you’ll get what you want at the end of the day.