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Home Renovations: Here’s What To Expect

Remodel

 

Exterior of a renovated two-story tan home with black-framed glass sliding doors leading out to small deck and stairs leading down to green backyard.

Renovating your home is exciting. You get to dream, plan, and create a home that reflects your needs and personality. But it’s also a complex process. Whether you’re updating your kitchen, adding an addition, or planning a whole-home remodel, it’s important to know what to expect.

Having a clear understanding of the renovation process can help minimize stress and help your project go smoothly. At CQC Home, we’re the Triangle area’s trusted home remodeling company, partnering with homeowners to bring their renovation dreams to life. We want to help you understand what to expect from your home renovations.

Create Your Dream Home

Pre-Renovation Planning

The key to a successful renovation starts with thorough planning. Before any work begins, take time to define your goals for your project. Do you need a more functional space, or do you want to elevate your home’s look?

Once you have a clear vision, we recommend setting up a free consultation with our in-house designers, selection specialists, and architectural draftspeople to talk through your ideas and give them life. This step will help align your vision with our expertise, giving you a seamless renovation process from start to finish.

Setting a Realistic Budget

One of the most important parts of a home renovation is establishing a realistic budget. A strong budget allows homeowners to know what to expect and reduces stress. Here are a few tips for creating a budget that works for your needs:

  • Evaluate your finances: Take an honest look at what you can afford and decide if financing options are right for your project.
  • Get multiple quotes: Contact contractors for estimates to get an idea of the price range for your renovation. Work with professionals who provide transparent pricing guides, like CQC Home’s pricing guide.
  • Plan for contingencies: Set aside part of your budget (typically around 10% to 15%) for unexpected expenses that come up during the renovation process.

Choosing the Right Contractor

The right contractor is also important to the success of your renovation. When choosing a contractor, keep these tips in mind:

  • Check credentials and references: Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. Ask for references and reviews from previous clients to gauge their reliability and quality of work.
  • Review past projects: Look through portfolios or previous projects to ensure the contractor’s style aligns with your vision.
  • Communicate clearly: Establish clear communication about expectations, timelines, and goals upfront. This will help prevent misunderstandings and keep the project running smoothly.

Preparing Your Home for Renovation

Before the renovation starts, you can reduce stress by preparing your home for the disruption. Here are a few steps to take:

  • Clear out work areas: Remove any furniture or personal belongings from the areas that will be under construction.
  • Protect furniture and belongings: Use dropcloths or plastic coverings to shield your remaining furniture from dust and debris.
  • Set up temporary living spaces: Depending on the scope of the project, you may need to create temporary living areas. For kitchen remodels, setting up a small kitchenette in another room can make life easier during construction.

Understanding the Renovation Timeline

Every renovation project follows a general timeline. Knowing what to expect with yours can help you stay patient and organized. Here’s a typical breakdown:

  • Initial demolition: This phase includes removing existing fixtures, cabinets, or walls to prepare for new installations.
  • Structural work: Any necessary plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work is completed during this phase.
  • Drywall, flooring, and painting: Once the structure is set, walls go up, floors are installed, and painting is completed.
  • Final touches: The project wraps up with the installation of fixtures, cabinetry, and other finishing details.
  • Cleanup: CQC Home ensures that the area is thoroughly cleaned, using HEPA filtration to minimize dust and leave your home spotless.

Common Renovation Challenges

Even with careful planning, challenges often happen during renovations, so it’s good to expect something. Some common issues include:

  • Unexpected structural problems: Hidden issues like outdated wiring or water damage may surface once the project begins. Having a contingency plan can help you handle these surprises.
  • Delays: Weather or supply chain issues can cause delays. Patience and clear communication with your contractor can help manage these challenges.
  • Managing stress: Renovations can be stressful, but maintaining an open line of communication with your contractor helps ease concerns and ensures the project stays on track.
Create Your Dream Home

Post-Renovation Considerations

Once your renovation is complete, it’s important to wrap things up thoroughly. Here’s what to do:

  • Final walkthrough: Conduct a final walkthrough with your contractor to ensure everything is completed to your satisfaction.
  • Address punch list items: If there are any final details that need attention, create a punch list with your contractor to address them promptly.
  • Enjoy your new space: After all the hard work, it’s time to enjoy your beautifully renovated home.

Choose CQC Home for Home Renovations

At CQC Home, we’re committed to transforming your home into the space of your dreams. With a team of expert designers, builders, and specialists, we’ll guide you through every step of the renovation process.

From pre-planning to final cleanup, we strive to provide a stress-free and high-quality experience for homeowners across the Triangle, RDU, and Central North Carolina.

Let CQC Home be your partner in renovation. If you’re ready to start your renovation, contact us to schedule a free consultation.