How to Prepare Your Home for Renovation: Complete Checklist

Construction is about to start—now what? Proper preparation makes the difference between a smooth renovation and a stressful one. Here's everything you need to do before the crew arrives.

2-4 Weeks Before Construction

Clear the Work Area

For kitchen renovations:

• [ ] Empty all cabinets and drawers
• [ ] Remove everything from countertops
• [ ] Clear the pantry
• [ ] Take down wall decorations
• [ ] Remove any furniture (tables, chairs, stools)

For bathroom renovations:

• [ ] Clear all toiletries and medications
• [ ] Remove towels and linens
• [ ] Take out any furniture or hampers
• [ ] Remove wall hangings and mirrors

For basement finishing:

• [ ] Clear all stored items
• [ ] Remove anything you want to keep clean
• [ ] Dispose of items you no longer need

For additions:

• [ ] Clear furniture from adjacent rooms
• [ ] Remove items from walls near construction
• [ ] Prepare access path for materials

Protect Adjacent Areas

Even with careful contractors, construction creates dust:

• [ ] Cover furniture in nearby rooms with drop cloths
• [ ] Remove or cover artwork and decorations
• [ ] Roll up and store area rugs
• [ ] Cover electronics with plastic sheeting
• [ ] Remove or cover items on open shelving

Create Storage Space

You'll need somewhere for your stuff:

Options:

• Spare bedroom (lock if valuable items)
• Garage (use plastic bins for protection)
• Portable storage container (PODS, etc.)
• Off-site storage unit

Set Up a Temporary Kitchen

If your kitchen is being renovated:

Essential items to set aside:

• Microwave
• Toaster or toaster oven
• Coffee maker
• Electric kettle
• Mini fridge or cooler
• Paper plates and disposable utensils
• Basic cooking utensils
• Non-perishable food items

Set up in:

• Dining room
• Garage (with power)
• Basement (if accessible)

Arrange Alternative Bathroom Access

For bathroom renovations:

• [ ] Identify which other bathrooms are available
• [ ] Stock backup bathroom with essentials
• [ ] Discuss with contractor if any bathroom access needed
• [ ] Consider gym membership for shower access (if all bathrooms affected)

1-2 Weeks Before Construction

Coordinate with Your HOA

If applicable:

• [ ] Submit required applications
• [ ] Get approval in writing
• [ ] Share any restrictions with your contractor
• [ ] Notify neighbors if required by HOA

Notify Your Neighbors

A courtesy heads-up goes a long way:

Tell them about:

• Expected start and end dates
• Work hours (typically 7-8 AM to 5-6 PM)
• Possible parking for work trucks
• Noise expectations

Pro tip: A quick text or note saying "we're starting a renovation—let me know if anything becomes an issue" prevents neighbor disputes.

Check Your Insurance

• [ ] Verify homeowner's insurance is current
• [ ] Confirm coverage during construction
• [ ] Ask about builder's risk coverage if needed
• [ ] Get copies of contractor's insurance certificates

Secure Valuables

Construction means workers in and out:

• [ ] Secure jewelry and small valuables
• [ ] Lock or remove firearms
• [ ] Secure sensitive documents
• [ ] Consider temporary lockbox or safe deposit

This isn't about distrust—it's common-sense protection.

Plan for Pets

Pets and construction don't mix:

• [ ] Plan daycare or pet sitting for demo days
• [ ] Identify a room where pets can be safely contained
• [ ] Put signs on doors ("Dog inside—keep closed")
• [ ] Consider boarding for intense construction phases

Plan for Children

Kids need special consideration:

• [ ] Explain what's happening in age-appropriate terms
• [ ] Identify safe play areas away from construction
• [ ] Plan activities during noisy work
• [ ] Consider childcare for demo days

3-5 Days Before Construction

Final Walkthrough

Meet with your contractor to:

• [ ] Confirm start date and time
• [ ] Review scope one more time
• [ ] Identify any last-minute questions
• [ ] Confirm communication plan

Prepare Access

• [ ] Provide spare key or garage code
• [ ] Identify best entry point for materials
• [ ] Clear driveway space for work vehicles
• [ ] Note any alarm codes and instructions

Document Current Conditions

Take photos and videos of:

• [ ] Work area before demo
• [ ] Adjacent areas that should remain untouched
• [ ] Existing flooring in traffic paths
• [ ] Landscaping near work areas

This protects you if there's any question about pre-existing conditions.

Stock Up on Essentials

You won't want to navigate construction for basics:

• [ ] Groceries for quick meals
• [ ] Paper products
• [ ] Bottled water
• [ ] Cleaning supplies
• [ ] First aid kit (accessible)

Set Up Communication

• [ ] Exchange cell phone numbers with project manager
• [ ] Agree on update frequency (daily? weekly?)
• [ ] Establish email for questions/documentation
• [ ] Know who to call for urgent issues

Day Before Construction

Final Prep

• [ ] Complete final clearing of work area
• [ ] Move cars to make room for work vehicles
• [ ] Ensure access is clear
• [ ] Set out key/codes as arranged

Mental Preparation

Renovation is exciting but disruptive:

• Accept that things will be messy
• Plan relaxing activities for stressful days
• Remember: it's temporary, and the result is worth it

Printable Checklist

Kitchen Renovation Prep

• [ ] Empty all cabinets
• [ ] Clear countertops
• [ ] Set up temporary kitchen
• [ ] Cover dining room furniture
• [ ] Protect adjacent floors
• [ ] Secure valuables
• [ ] Stock easy-prep food

Bathroom Renovation Prep

• [ ] Clear all toiletries
• [ ] Remove medications to safe location
• [ ] Identify backup bathroom
• [ ] Stock backup bathroom
• [ ] Plan shower alternatives if needed

Basement Renovation Prep

• [ ] Clear all stored items
• [ ] Rent storage if needed
• [ ] Cover HVAC return vents
• [ ] Protect any finished areas
• [ ] Clear access path

General Prep (All Projects)

• [ ] Notify neighbors
• [ ] Check insurance
• [ ] Secure valuables and pets
• [ ] Document conditions with photos
• [ ] Confirm contractor communication plan
• [ ] Provide access (keys/codes)
• [ ] Clear parking for workers

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Questions About Getting Ready?

We walk our clients through preparation before every project. Our team will advise you on exactly what needs to happen for your specific renovation.

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