How to Plan a Renovation to Avoid Wasting Money and Stress

Preparing for home renovation is a serious matter, regardless of its scale. It can be difficult to plan the design, not to mention creating a plan for how you will maintain your daily routine during renovation work. To ensure that home renovation proceeds smoothly and doesn't require additional work after completion, a plan is needed that goes beyond interior design. Useful tips were shared by a designer of free space, architect, and concept maker Alexander Osipov.

Alexander Osipov
Architect, Designer

Creating a Plan and Finding Specialists
As in most cases in life, you will get the greatest return if you approach the task with patience. Take time to think everything through and create a plan. If possible, it's best to work with an architect or designer. I warn you against making choices based on contractors' recommendations. Contractors are not designers. Do your own research, find your own materials or hire someone who will help you.

Always Compare Contractors Before Choosing
Ask different contractors and compare their offers. You may discover that one contractor offers work at a lower price, but it will take more time to complete. Another will finish faster, but their services will cost more. With some you'll find a good connection, while with others communication won't work out. Put in the effort and choose contractors who suit you and your needs.

Budget
The first rule in renovation is to account for unexpected issues. All homes have their secrets. Unfortunately, if you're planning a major reconstruction or reconfiguration, you'll need to uncover them. At best, all previous work was done flawlessly and is still in excellent condition. But let's be realistic — this happens rarely. Set aside 10-15% of your budget for unforeseen expenses. You may not encounter any problems and end up with these funds leftover. But if issues arise, it will help you stay within budget.

Ask Questions to Specialists
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question, especially when it comes to spending your money. So if you don't understand something or want to know more, don't hesitate and simply ask.

Plan the Timeline
When creating a renovation plan, your contractor will provide you with approximate timelines for each room. Depending on which part of the house is being renovated, you may need alternative housing during this time.

At the same time, always expect the unexpected. Anything can happen during renovation and affect the expected project timeline. For this reason, it's always wise to plan for alternative accommodation for a longer period than initially expected.

Don't Cut Corners on Quality
There are many ways to save money during a renovation, but cutting corners on material quality or work is not a good idea. Of course, there are some areas where lower-quality products might be acceptable, but in most cases you get what you pay for. When it comes to your home, the last thing you want is to save on cheap paint that peels off in a few years.

Photo cover: Anna Plakunova Design