Home renovations: Prep for your next project with these 5 ironclad tips

Home renovations are just a part of being a homeowner. While some homeowners may be completely content with the aesthetic and functionality of their home, many often need to renovate to keep areas maintained or update them. And, with many tutorials and services readily available at our fingertips, we're very likely to start DIY renovations of our own.

But don't pick up the draft paper and screws just yet. There are a few key items to remember if you want to renovate your home successfully, regardless of the intention behind the project.

Know your goal

Knowing exactly what you want out of your home renovation project is the absolute key to a successful renovation process. Do you want to expand the family room into a combination area? Perhaps you need a new set of kitchen counters with matching cabinets to update the aesthetic of your home.

You may also just be adding an auxiliary dwelling unit to your house for additional residents, connected only by a hallway. Regardless of the reason, knowing the end goal is imperative to completing your project and staying on budget.

Consider your routine

As with any project or undertaking, think about your daily routine when creating your renovation plan. For example, if you're planning a new construction addition to your home, think about what's on that side of the building. Is it typically where you park your car? Do you have a garden nearby? Will you be blocking any entryways to the home?

These types of questions need to be heavily thought out and planned to make sure you and your household aren't left with the essentials of your day-to-day life.

Plan for outages

Depending on the type of renovations you're having done, you may want to consider turning off running water and electricity to certain parts of your home. With that in mind, plan ahead for these outages by mapping the days the outages will happen and alternatives you can use during the project.

For example, if you have to cut power to your kitchen for electrical work, find a portable fridge or similar cooling appliance to keep your food at a safe temperature for consumption. This will also help you reduce or eliminate any unnecessary food spoilage that may occur without power flowing to your kitchen.

Know your limits

DIY projects have an allure all their own, especially since many homeowners can save money by completing small repairs or updates themselves. However, it is crucial to know when to call a professional.

If building permits are involved, it's probably in your best interest to hand the job off. Likewise, plumbing, electrical and structural upgrades should also be given to a licensed professional to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

Check your financial limits as well. If you find that buying the building materials alone are costing you more than it would to hire a professional, it may be time to hire out for the project.

Don't forget your pets

When you plan ahead for yourself, don't forget to plan for your pets as well. With the possibility of added noise, strangers and reduced square footage while the project takes place, you'll want to find a safe and secure area for your pets.

For those with mobile and free-roaming animals, baby gates and secured dividers are an excellent way to keep them contained and out of harm's way. For those with confined critters, try relocating them to a quiet room with a solid door to help keep the dust and debris from entering their enclosure.

Regardless of your project, you'll want to keep these home renovation preparation basics in mind. While doing the work yourself can be rewarding, make sure you're following best practices and permit guidelines set by your city or town. Remember, it's great to save money, but it's even better to get the job done well and with little to no additional complications.