You’ve been living in your place for a while and feel like you need a change. Or, it’s an older place, and you feel like it needs some modern touches. Getting a new house or an apartment is an excellent way to make this change, but that’s not within budget for many people.

So, what does that leave you with? Renovation. Remaining at home while modifying and improving offers a good balance. You are getting a “new” home, and you don’t have to go through the tedious process of moving. It’s the best of both worlds.

That said, a common mistake some people make is rushing things, which often results in less-than-ideal results. I’m here to help you with my list of things to consider before you start the process.

Consider What You Want to Renovate

Every plan starts with an idea, and the same goes for your renovation project. The size will depend on what you want to do and how much you want to change, which is entirely up to you. I recommend giving this a good thought to ensure you’re starting a project that will finish as you envisioned.

With that aside, my second recommendation is to consider which parts you want to renovate. The project can vary from minor visual changes to your living room to larger ones, like remodeling your entire home. There’s also the option to expand if you live in a house, and the space allows that. If you’re going for this option, double-check with the local authorities to see if you’re allowed. You may need a permit in many cases, so get all the information beforehand.

Think about Your Budget

You must consider your budget once you have a particular idea about how the completed product should look. The size of your renovation project will depend on how much money you have and are willing to spend. Based on that, you can start to think about how much you can afford to remodel – ranging from some small project to a complete home makeover.

If your budget isn’t the most flexible, it doesn’t mean you cannot go through with your project. There are countless home loan programs with attractive conditions, meaning you won’t have to worry about the financial aspect as much. These kinds of loans are perfect for people with larger projects who aren’t sure if their budget will cover everything.

Be Mindful of the Weather

This is another “it depends” section, but the weather conditions are often neglected when it comes to renovating projects. Making indoor changes isn’t a massive problem, and there are only a handful of situations where too cold or too hot weather can slow things down. Living in an area where winter only exists in photos or videos, you’ll find online is also an advantage because you can renovate whenever you want.

With that said, areas with rainy or snowy months can be a problem, especially for larger projects. Replacing the windows, roof or retiling your yard requires warmer weather. Therefore, it’s essential to plan ahead and even consult with a professional on this matter. Companies that have done renovations will probably recommend when the best time is to renovate.

DIY or Call a Professional

The pandemic taught us many things, one of which is to consider DIY projects. Depending on your skillset and available tools, you can take on some home renovation projects. This would also probably depend on the size of the project.

It would be best if you looked at this from both angles. On the one hand, taking the DIY route means saving some money and allowing you to take on a large renovation project. With that said, it also means it would probably take you longer to complete it. You should also be realistic about your skills and be prepared to make mistakes as you go along. On the other hand, hiring a professional means things will be done faster and as perfectly as possible, but at the same time, it will cost more.

Duration of the Renovation

Before you start the process, things are probably pretty peaceful in your home, which will change as soon as the project begins. Smaller projects are completed quickly and without a lot of noise. Larger ones, especially if you’re expanding, mean you’ll live in a construction site for a while.

In this situation, you’re left with two options. The first is to remain home and “survive” the renovation period. You can consider this option if you’re planning a smaller renovation project. A couple of days or a week or two isn’t too long, and you can probably stay at home. The second option is to rent an apartment for the duration of the renovations, which is especially handy if you’re remodeling your entire home.