Planning a home renovation is one of the most significant decisions you can make as a homeowner—financially, emotionally, and practically. While this upgrade can feel overwhelming, here’s the good news: with the right prep work (and the right contractor!), your reno doesn’t need to be stressful. Not sure where to start? Let one of the best home renovation contractors in Kamloops walk you through this process. Keep reading!
Home Renovation Prep Checklist
Wondering what you need to do before a home renovation? Here’s our condensed checklist with all the essentials:
- Define your goals, priorities, and ideal timeline early.
- Set a realistic budget and stick to it.
- Vet home renovation contractors by talking to friends, checking out reviews, and more.
- Decide where you will be living during the renovation.
- Make arrangements to minimize disruption, such as identifying a backup bathroom or setting up a temporary kitchen.
Looking for a deep dive into the specifics of how to plan a successful home renovation? Keep reading–we provide our expert advice below.
How to Prepare for Your Home Renovation: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Clarify Your Goals, Priorities, and Timeline
Like most things, a successful renovation starts with a solid foundation. In other words, create a solid plan before calling a contractor. Here’s what you should consider:
- The “Why”: Start with a clear purpose and stick to it. Are you improving functionality? Increasing value? Simply making your space feel more like you? The purpose of your home renovation matters—and often informs every decision that follows.
- The “What”: You should also have a clear sense of your wish list before you begin your project. Our experts suggest taking things one step further: divide this list into non-negotiables and features that you are flexible on. With this information in hand, you can make smarter trade-offs when the time comes. From a contractor’s point of view, this can also help us focus our energy and budget where it counts most—and find creative solutions for everything else.
- The “When”: Timing is everything, so deciding when you want to start your renovation is important. Ask yourself: How long do I want my renovation to take? Are there certain life events that a renovation would disrupt? What time of the year is best? Remember: renovations can disrupt the normal routine of your life. Choosing the ideal timeframe can help to minimize stress.
Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget
Budgeting is where many homeowners feel most uncertain. You want to invest enough to get the quality and results you’re after, but you also don’t want to overextend yourself—especially in today’s economic climate. Generally, these are the factors that can impact the overall cost of your renovation:
- Scope of work: Moving walls, relocating plumbing, or upgrading electrical systems adds complexity and cost.
- Material selections: Finishes range from budget-friendly to premium; your choices have a significant impact.
- Labour and trades: Skilled tradespeople—electricians, plumbers, carpenters—represent a substantial portion of any renovation budget.
- Permits and inspections: Required for most renovations involving structural, plumbing, or electrical work.
Looking for more information about the cost of a renovation? Read our previous blog post dedicated to the cost of kitchen renovations in Kamloops, or call our office for an initial assessment today.
Step 3: Research Home Renovation Contractors
Choosing the right home renovation contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The relationship you build with your renovation team can mean the difference between a smooth, well-managed project and a frustrating experience. Try:
- Asking friends, family, and neighbours who have completed similar renovations for recommendations
- Looking for contractors who are members of professional associations such as the Canadian Home Builders’ Association
- Reviewing online portfolios, websites, and Google reviews
- Focusing on contractors who specialize in the type of renovation you’re planning (kitchen, bathroom, whole-home)
Once you have a list of potential contractors, look for signs of professionalism and reliability: licensing, insurance, WorkSafeBC coverage, and a portfolio of completed work similar to yours. For a deeper dive on evaluating contractor qualities—especially for kitchen projects—see our article on what to look for in a kitchen renovation contractor.
Step 4: Prepare for Life During a Renovation
Here’s the reality: renovations disrupt daily routines. But, with enough preparation, you and your family can minimize stress and keep things running smoothly.
If you are living in your home during the renovation:
- Remove all furniture and belongings from the renovation area.
- Pack and store these items safely. Some clients rent a storage unit for the duration of their project.
- Think through how the renovation will affect your day-to-day routine. For example, set up a temporary kitchen if you are renovating your main kitchen, or plan to use a different bathroom during a bathroom renovation.
- In some cases, your contractor can phase the work to reduce disruption—for example, completing the kitchen first so you are not eating out for weeks, or finishing a bedroom so you do not need temporary accommodations.
- If the disruption will be significant, consider arranging short-term accommodations with family, friends, or a rental. Planning this early helps reduce stress later.
When you work with Interior Elite Contracting, our project managers will review your routine, help you anticipate the impact of your renovation, and suggest practical ways to minimize disruption wherever possible.
Home Renovation Contractors in Kamloops
A well-prepared homeowner makes for a well-executed renovation. By clarifying your goals, setting a realistic budget, choosing the right contractor, and preparing your home and family, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, less stressful experience—and results you’ll love for years to come.
At Interior Elite Contracting, we specialize in helping Kamloops homeowners navigate the renovation process from concept to creation. Our full-service design-build approach means you work with one trusted team throughout your project—from initial design and drafting through construction and final walkthrough. Ready to get started? Call us today and start discussing your renovation goals with our team—we can’t wait to help!
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