"Don’t let your home repair or renovation project turn into a MAD (Money-Draining) or SAD (Stress-Adding Disaster). Proper planning is the key to a successful home improvement project."

Here’s a complete checklist to help you get started with planning your home renovation the right way. It’s structured to help avoid costly surprises, set realistic expectations, and keep things organized:

✅ Home Renovation Planning Checklist

1. 🧠 Define Your Renovation Goals

•  What are your main priorities? (e.g. more space, modern look, fixing issues)

•  Which rooms/areas are being renovated?

•  Are you staying in the home during the renovation?

•  Timeline: Do you have a fixed deadline? (e.g. before holidays, baby arriving)

2. 💰 Set a Realistic Budget

•  How much can you afford to spend?

•  Include a contingency buffer (10–30%) for surprises

•  Know what financing method you'll use (savings, home equity loan, credit, etc.)

3. 📋 Gather Inspiration & Create a Vision

•  Collect design ideas - Create a picture album of your ideas so you can easily find them on your device to share when meeting a contractor. (Pinterest, Houzz, magazines, etc.)

4. 🧾 List and Prioritize the Scope of Work

•  Make a detailed list of what needs to be done

•  Separate must-haves vs. nice-to-haves

•  Consider energy efficiency upgrades, hidden damage repairs

5. 🛠️ Research & Hire the Right Professionals - Learn more from our blog on how-to-hire a Good Contractor

6. 🏛️ Check Local Requirements

•  Will you need permits? (structural, plumbing, electrical, etc.)

•  Are there HOA or historic district restrictions?

7. 📦 Plan for the Disruption

•  If renovating a bathroom is there a 2nd bath?

• If renovating the kicthen - Kitchen is a major project, and careful preparation helps reduce stress, avoid delays, and manage costs.

  Here's a detailed list of provisions to make beforehand for your kitchen reno:

  Define Scope and Budget

  • Decide what’s changing: Cabinets? Appliances? Layout? Flooring? Lighting?

    Create a Detailed Plan & Layout- At Additional Costs Your Professional Contractor Can Offers Desing Services

    • Ask your contractor about a Professional Interior Designer or contractor to:

      • Plan the layout (work triangle: sink, stove, refrigerator) Ensure proper spacing and clearances

      • Never buy / order materials for your project unless you are 100% sure it will fit.

    • Think about:

      • Storage needs - Counter space - Ventilation

      • Natural and task lighting

      • The choices you are making, how it will affect the costs? For a quality end-result the materials and finishes you chose will need to be taken into consideration.

    📝 3. Check Local Permits and Codes, Or Make Sure the Contractor You Hire Will Do So.

    • Not getting permits can void insurance and lead to fines.

    🧰 4. Hire the Right Professionals https://manage.wix.com/post/what-to-look-for-in-a-contractor-before-hiring

    • Check licenses, insurance, references, and previous work.

    🍴 5. Set Up a Temporary Kitchen

    • Plan a backup cooking/eating space with:

      • Microwave, toaster oven, slow cooker, hot plate

      • Mini fridge or cooler

      • Disposable dishes & utensils

      • Prep and wash space (laundry room or bathroom sink)

    📦 6. Clear Out the Kitchen

    • Pack up everything: Store or donate unused items.

    • Label boxes by type (utensils, spices, pots, etc.)

    🧒🐶 7. Make Safety & Access Arrangements

    • Keep children and pets out of the work zone.

    • Plan alternate entrances/exits if the kitchen disrupts home traffic flow.

    • Secure valuables.

8. 📆 Create a Timeline

•  Establish a rough schedule from start to completion

•  Build in flexibility for delays (weather, material availability)

9. 🔁 Prepare for Ongoing Decisions

•  Who will make decisions during the renovation?

•  How will changes and change orders be handled?

•  How will communication with the contractor be maintained?

10. 🧽 Final Touches & Inspection

•  Walk through with contractor at the end

•  Make a punch list (final items to fix/adjust)

•  Collect warranty info and receipts

•  Schedule final clean-up