Home Home Improvement Home Renovation Checklist Don't let a hammer anywhere near your house without following these steps. By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 10, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: PAPERCUT Plan Make a wish list.In one column, put your wants. In the other, your needs. That way, when faced with tough choices down the line, you'll have a clearer picture of your priorities—what has to happen now and what can wait. (A second bathroom upstairs might be a must; a stainless steel Viking range, maybe not so much.)Determine your budget.Before you meet with a contractor or an architect, you'll need a ballpark estimate—then both of you will be able to talk honestly about what's possible. (P.S.: It's a good idea to build some padding—at least 10 percent is recommended—into your number, for all those unexpected uh-ohs and might-as-wells that will crop up.)Consult the calendar.What is your timeline for the renovation? If you want the living room done for, say, Jenna's graduation party, don't wait until spring to start talking about it. Likewise, you won't want to install a new roof when a New England winter is looming—or schedule any major demolition a month before you host a family reunion. Research Begin looking for a contractor.This isn't the time to crack the Yellow Pages. Ask everyone you know in the area about their experiences, good and bad. You should also consult the websites for the National Association of Remodelers (nari.org) or the National Association of Home Builders (nahb.org); the professionals belonging to these organizations are bound by strict codes of ethics and business practices.Start interviewing contractors. Remodel Examine the fine print of the contract.Finalize household arrangements.Now that you know when the work will begin, make any additional plans, such as reserving storage space for furnishings or booking a hotel room for the day when the water will be turned off.If possible, carve out an oasis for yourself.Select a room that will remain relatively untouched by the chaos and equip it with whatever you might need to keep yourself sane for the duration. (A DVD player, electric teakettle, yoga mat, earplugs, etc.) Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit