Preparing for the start of constructions with a renovation depends on the situation and expectations that are established. We’ve had clients that were clear they were not lifting a finger to move a thing (which is fine if the expectation is set early on) to those who completely move out (ideal, but not usually necessary). Most clients fall somewhere in the middle and that’s what we are going to address here. A lot of this is “extra” work for the client early on, but the effort pays dividends.
In the immediate space being remodeled all personal belongings should be removed. No one wants to take the time or responsibility to move someone else’s personal items. The more furniture that can be removed from the area ahead of time, the better. The less people must work around or move, the less chance of damage and the more efficiently they can work. Remove items from both sides of walls. It doesn’t take much banging to inadvertently knock a picture or mirror to the floor in another room.
Special consideration should be given to kitchens. Start using up food and supplies so there is less to remove from the area. Remember, all that stuff hast to go somewhere. When storing items, try to keep them organized, labeled, and easily accessible as needed. Consider setting up a temporary kitchen in another spot with small appliances and a sink to function at least minimally while you wait for the new kitchen to be completed.
Even attic spaces may need consideration if a new roof is in order. Older homes, with 1×6 slat decking are especially susceptible, but even plywood roofs have gaps between sheets. The debris that will find its way through all those cracks is surprising. If there are items stored in the attic that you wish to keep clean, they either need to be moved or at a minimum, covered with sheets or plastic.
Outside of the immediate work zones, consideration should be taken to the path through the house to the work area. Remove any valuables and declutter the areas to avoid any problems as workers come through handling often heavy and awkward materials and tools. Not only will this help minimize any damage, but it can also be a safety issue if workers are tripping over items or move around obstacles versus taking a straight path.
Beyond the work zone and path to it, other areas of the home or property will probably be affected. POD storage containers, dumpsters, and porta toilets all need a place to go and be accessible for use, removal, and cleaning. There may be a need for an outdoor space for delivery of materials as well. With these rather large items in place, it will likely affect the parking situation. Some consideration should be given to not only where these items go, but also to where the owner’s vehicles are going to be parked as well as contractor’s vehicles.
There is also often a need for interior storage for materials and tools. The most common space to use for material and tool storage is to sacrifice a bay of a garage. Whatever space you think is adequate for storage probably isn’t. A kitchen cabinet delivery alone can easily take up an entire room in a house or garage bay. Some sites are challenging and require flexibility and creativity, but they all require space. To prepare for a renovation, prepare lots of uncluttered space. Your contractor will thank you and your project will run much more smoothly.