It’s official – you’ve decided to renovate your home. Maybe you can visualize the final result – a new kitchen, modernized bathrooms or a renovated basement. But what if you have multiple renovations that you want to complete? Where do you start? Is it best to begin with the kitchen, bathroom, or something else instead? If you have multiple renovations to complete, check out the following steps to set you on the right path.

1. Create a list.

If your home renovation includes multiple projects, there will be numerous things to keep track of – sometimes too many things to count. The best thing to do? Create a list. Start by listing the home renovations you want to complete. Next, create a list of rooms and the work you want completed in each one. Then, group any similar ‘problems’ together that need to be addressed. For example, you may have multiple drywall holes throughout your home that require one trade to fix them, or interior doors that don’t close properly that require a carpenter to adjust them. The process of actually writing down your plan and creating a list will help you visualize what needs to get done so you can start deciding which problems to tackle first and whether any solutions can be combined to accelerate each project.

2. Set priorities.

Once you’ve started your list, add two additional columns. Name the first column ‘Importance’ and use a 1 to 5 number system (with 1 being the most important and 5 being the least) to rank how important each job is to you. Then, name the second column ‘Urgency’ and use the same number system to rank how urgent each project is (with 1 being most urgent and 5 the least). Using this system, you’ll soon see which projects are a want rather than a need. For example, maybe a kitchen renovation ranks the highest as being most important to you (a want), but your bathroom is flooding and ranks as highest in urgency (a need). Once your ranking system is complete, use the information to determine the order your projects need to be completed in based on urgency.

If none of your projects are urgent, remember that some renovations need to be done before others. For example, you can’t paint and decorate a room before it’s been drywalled, and you can’t drywall before electrical and plumbing are complete. Keep this in mind when deciding what order to begin your projects.

3. Set your budget.

There’s so much to consider in a home renovation budget including contractors, painting, flooring/carpet, cabinets, countertops, and much more. Not to mention the additional cost of tools and equipment, as well as the time it takes to complete each task. That’s why choosing an efficient and professional contractor is critical.

Budget is another factor that helps you determine which project to start with, so in your list, add another column for this. If you only have budget for your urgent items, it will be clear which renovations to begin with.

4. Create a timeline.

The best way to reduce stress and keep your renovation moving forward is to create a realistic and flexible timeline. Without one, renovations can take years if not properly planned out. If you encounter setbacks in your renovations, modify your timeline as necessary. But no matter what, keep your timeline updated. This way, even with several setbacks, you’ll still have a solid schedule to finish your renovation. Timelines are also important to discuss with your contractor. If it’s not realistic, you can work with your contractor to determine a new one.

In your list, create another column for your timeline. This will be another way for you to prioritize which renovation to begin with. Having a family reunion in six months and want your bathrooms renovated for the big event? Compare the timeline against your urgency, importance and budget rankings to help you make your decision.

Tackling one renovation, let alone multiple, can be a daunting task. With a list to guide your decision making process, you’ll be able to prioritize which renovation to start with. Still have questions? We’re here to help. Contact us to discuss your next renovation projects.