Checklist: How to Prepare for a Renovation

To make sure your renovation doesn't turn into a disaster, it's essential to prepare in advance and thoroughly. What key stages should be included in your checklist and what factors should you consider when implementing them, is explained by designer Irina Vasileva.

Irina Vasileva is an expert and interior designer who loves combining elements from different styles to create unique solutions.

Create a floor plan

Prepare a layout of the room with furniture placement in advance. Be sure to take into account the actual dimensions of the furniture, which are listed on the seller's or manufacturer's website. This way, you'll know whether it will fit into the space.

Check legality of reconfiguration

Make sure that your planned construction solutions are legal. For this, review useful information online. If you have doubts, consult a licensed company that specializes in reconfiguration approvals.

Design: Irina Vasileva

Ensure the layout suits your needs

Analyze whether your chosen layout will be convenient for your family. Try to simulate your typical daily routine. Recall all of your actions, even the smallest ones, and think about what facilities you need to support this routine.

Plan storage solutions

Make sure there's enough space in the apartment for storage. Perhaps you have a hobby that requires storing large items?

Design: Irina Vasileva

Dedicate space for your pet

Plan all areas that will belong to your pets in advance. Avoid situations where there's no space for a litter box or you forgot to install an outlet for aquarium lighting.

Choose a construction team

Review several options of construction teams. Compare prices, get reviews, visit ongoing projects. Make sure that the team includes specialists for your required work: an electrician, plumber, tile layer, painter.

If the project is large, it's optimal to entrust electrical work, plumbing, heating, ventilation to a specialized engineering company rather than a construction team.

Decide whether technical supervision is needed

If you're not well-versed in construction and have never done a renovation before, it makes sense to find a specialist who will supervise the construction team. This should be an independent expert with no ties to the chosen team. It's best to find such a person through recommendations.

Design: Irina Vasileva

Create a work and procurement schedule

Work with the selected team to create a work schedule, and then based on that, plan the procurement of building and finishing materials, furniture, plumbing fixtures, and lighting. Be sure to consider that some materials may have long delivery times, so order them in advance.

Budget calculation

Calculate the cost of furniture and materials in advance. Align the budget with your expectations. If they differ significantly, decide what you're willing to give up or replace, and what can be postponed. This task should ideally be done before starting the renovation.

Design: Irina Vasileva

Research suppliers' reviews

Before placing a large order for furniture or finishes, collect reviews from the manufacturer or seller. The market is currently very unstable, so it's crucial to work only with verified and trustworthy suppliers.

Determine whether a designer is needed

If you've decided that you need help from a professional designer, start searching for one in advance. Review portfolios, communicate, and choose a specialist you feel comfortable working with. Keep in mind that developing a design project is a lengthy process (typically 2-3 months). If time is limited, don't leave this task for the last minute.

Design: Irina Vasileva

Cover image: Design project by Irina Vasileva.