by Angie Haggstrom

Created on: February 12, 2008

Organization is vital component to any successful renovation regardless of size. The costs, methods, products, and services you will be utilizing need to be carefully well thought-out before the first dime is spent or the first hole in the wall. This will reduce the financial strain, time, and overall stress load on you and your family. You will need to

1. Gather supplies that will make it easy to stay organized.

A binder or notebook works well to keep all of your information in one place. A large envelope or a plastic container is great for holding items such as flooring and hardware samples. Another must have is a calendar where you can keep track of all of your important renovation dates and times.

2. Decide what you want the finished room to look like.

Write a detailed list of everything you want changed during the renovation. It is best to start at one place, like the ceiling for example, and work your way around the room. This list should include pictures or samples as well as prices for everything that will be included in the final product. These are widely available through websites, books, magazines, stores, and catalog's. Next, draw a diagram of where you would like everything placed. Include measurements of the room and the furniture, placement of doors and windows, stairs and railings, heating fixtures or vents, pluming, and electrical outlets and switches.

3. Decide how you will achieve your goal.

Make a list of the work that will be involved from cleaning out the room to cleaning up the mess. Where will the items go that are presently in the room? Are there electrical, plumbing, or structural issues that need to be addressed? Will you require special tools or knowledge? Will you be able to haul away the debris on your own? Afterwards, go through the list and decide what tasks you will need an expert for and what the labor will cost. The order that the tasks will be complete is also important. For instance, you do not want to paint the walls only to discover you forgot to fill the holes or having the cabinets installed at the same time as the flooring.

4. Make a budget, hire help, purchase what you will need, and start your project!

Once you know how much money you have to spend, you will decide what parts of the project you can do now and which items will need to wait. Leave a small portion of your budget for last minute items or problems that may arise. Now, make your purchases and hire your experts. Often times prices change (ex. items that are no longer on sale), so be sure to keep up on your budget. As you go along, note on a calendar when items will be delivered and when experts will be working in your home. At this point, it is also a good idea to keep contact information for companies that are holding or delivering your purchases, alternative (suitable) contractors, utility companies, as well as emergency services in case problems arise.

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