(This post is brought to you by ServiceMaster Restore.)

Remodeling your home is a huge undertaking. You’ve probably been saving for years so you could build your dream kitchen or bathroom. Now that the time is finally here, you’re eager to start knocking down walls and demolishing cabinets. However, before you begin altering your space, use a pre-remodeling checklist to keep your project on track.

Write Down Agreements With Your Contractors

Choosing your contractor is the first essential step in beginning your renovations. Always search for licensed, insured, and experienced professionals, to make sure they have the necessary skills to perform your job successfully and on time. You also want to make sure they hire their own employees or have good relationships with reliable subcontractors.

With your contractor chosen, it’s time to narrow down the terms of your agreement. The contractor you picked probably gave you an estimate before being chosen, so keep that handy throughout the renovation as proof of what you promised to pay. Make sure your agreement includes detailed information about the work that needs to be completed as well as specific materials and finishes to be used. Communicating clearly will make the entire project easier for everyone by making it less likely mistakes will be made and more likely the work will be completed on time.

Pack Up All Your Non-Essentials

When your renovation begins, your home will officially become a construction zone. Dust and debris will cover practically every surface of the work area as workers rip out walls and remove flooring. That’s why you should make a point to clean out the rooms being renovated as much as possible. Not only will all your belongings be in the way of the workers, but your stuff will also get filthy.

Put all your items into boxes and store them in another part of your home. (It’s also a great time to go through your items and get rid of things you no longer use.)

Make Plans for Using Alternate Spaces in Your Home

With your kitchen or bathroom out of commission until further notice, you’re going to have to make some changes to keep your home functional. Ordering pizza for dinner every night or stopping over at the neighbor’s every time you have to use the bathroom isn’t effective in the long run.

Instead, try to set up replacement rooms in your home. Obviously, if you have an additional bathroom, this isn’t a problem. However, most people don’t have two kitchens in their homes. Make up for this by moving your microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and other small electronic appliances into another room where you can prepare meals. It won’t be a good setup for cooking Thanksgiving dinner, but it should suffice until your job is done.

If you don’t have another bathroom, you’ll have to consider other options, like renting a portable toilet. This type of toilet can be placed in your backyard for your essential needs until your new bathroom is complete.

Have you recently completed a remodel? We’d love to hear your tips. Also, we’d love to see your before and after pictures—click here to send an email.