5 Tips for Preparing for an Ottawa Home Renovation

Home renovations are one of the most exciting undertakings a homeowner can take on, but they go a lot more smoothly when you prepare properly beforehand. Every year, thousands of Ottawa homeowners renovate and revitalize their homes to better reflect their own style and needs, and the ones who plan ahead tend to have the least stressful experience.

Making the necessary preparations before your renovation begins can feel like a big undertaking on its own. To help, we've put together five practical tips that make preparing for your Ottawa renovation as seamless as possible.

1. Have an appliance plan

If you're renovating your kitchen, there's a strong chance your major appliances will need to be disconnected and removed at some point during the project. Work out an appliance plan ahead of time so you're not scrambling mid-project. A portable tabletop grill or hot plate can be a lifesaver for making hot meals if it's too cold outside to use a barbecue. It's a small inconvenience, and it's well worth it once the finished kitchen matches your exact specifications.

2. Update your security system

During a renovation, your home can feel like a revolving door of workers coming and going. You'll likely need to grant access to your contractor's crew, sometimes while you're not home, so it's worth investing in a few security features that give you peace of mind.

• An in-home safe to protect important documents and valuables
• A video doorbell so you can monitor deliveries and visitors while away
• Smart locks that can be reprogrammed to grant contractors temporary access

3. Clear out your space

When renovating a major room — a living room, a basement, or even a full addition — clear out as much as you can beforehand. An empty work zone lets your construction team move efficiently and reduces the risk of damage to your belongings. Renting a short-term storage unit is a simple way to get non-essential items out of the way for the duration of the project.

4. Cover remaining furniture

Some furniture simply can't be moved out of the space entirely. For anything that has to stay, cover it thoroughly with plastic sheeting or tarps to protect it from dust and debris. This step is easy to overlook until the day work actually begins, and skipping it can mean unnecessary cleanup or even damage to pieces you care about. Planning ahead here saves real frustration later.

5. Make alternative living arrangements

Perhaps the most important step is talking with your contractor early about whether you'll be able to live in your home during the renovation. For larger projects — a full kitchen gut, a bathroom renovation, or an addition — you may need to make other arrangements for part of the project.

If staying isn't practical, plan ahead. Whether that means staying with family, a friend, or booking a short-term rental, it's best to have that plan in place at least three weeks before the renovation is set to begin.

Magnolia Construction — helping you prepare for your renovation

Magnolia Construction has helped thousands of happy Ottawa homeowners achieve the renovation of their dreams. You're in good hands with our team guiding you through every stage of the project, from preparation to the moment you walk into your newly renovated space for the first time.

Take a look at our gallery for inspiration, then contact us to book a free consultation. We'll walk you through our process and help you get properly prepared before we break ground.