A successful renovation is 50% construction and 50% organization. While our team at Greater Boston Contractors takes pride in keeping a clean, respectful job site, the reality is that construction is messy, loud, and disruptive to your daily rhythm. The more prepared you are before our crew arrives, the smoother the transition—and the faster we can get the work done.
Quick Answer: What Should You Do Before Remodeling Starts?
Your top priorities are clearing the workspace, protecting your belongings, and establishing a temporary living plan. You must remove all personal items from the work area, clear paths for our crew to enter and exit, and decide how you will manage your daily routine (cooking, bathing, sleeping) while your home is under construction.
Why Home Preparation Matters
Preparation isn’t just about protecting your stuff; it’s about efficiency. When our crew has to move your boxes or furniture, it eats into the time we could be using to build. A cleared space allows us to start immediately, reduces the risk of accidental damage, and helps us maintain a safer, more organized environment.
Create a Temporary Living Plan
Living in a construction zone requires a shift in expectations.
- Kitchen Remodel: Set up a “temporary kitchen” in another room with your microwave, coffee maker, and an electric kettle. Don’t rely on eating out for every meal; plan for easy-to-prep, low-mess foods.
- Bathroom Remodel: If this is your only bathroom, you need a plan for showers and morning routines. Many clients utilize a gym membership or stay with friends/family during the “demolition and rough-in” phases.
- Whole-Home: If the whole house is being worked on, we strongly suggest considering a short-term rental or staying with family to avoid the dust and stress entirely.
Protect and Clear Your Space
- Move Everything Out: Assume that anything left in the room will get covered in fine construction dust. Clear all shelving, wall art, rugs, and décor.
- Protect Pathways: We will lay down protective floor coverings (like RAM board or plastic), but if you have delicate heirloom rugs in adjacent hallways, roll them up and store them away before we arrive.
- Seal Off Areas: If we aren’t working on the whole house, we use heavy-duty plastic sheeting to create dust barriers. Help us by keeping doors to non-work areas closed.
Preparing for Dust and Noise
- Dust Management: Construction creates fine, powdery dust that will settle on every surface. Consider upgrading your HVAC filters before we start, and keep your clothes and linens inside sealed bags or drawers.
- Daily Access: Ensure our crew has a designated way to enter the home and a clear path to the bathroom or water source we are using. Communication is key here—let us know if you have specific “off-limits” times.
Prepare Pets and Children
- Pets: Construction is terrifying for most animals. The constant influx of strangers and the loud noise of saws can lead to stress or dangerous escapes. If possible, keep pets in a quiet, undisturbed area of the house, or have a family member take them for the day.
- Children: Keep kids out of the construction zone entirely. The site changes daily—there are exposed wires, sharp tools, and dust. Establish a clear “keep out” zone for their safety.
What Not to Do
- Don’t attempt your own “pre-demo”: You might accidentally cut a line or damage a wall that we need to remain intact for our structural plan. Leave the heavy lifting to us.
- Don’t wait until the last minute: Packing up a kitchen takes longer than you think. Start clearing out your cabinets a week before we are scheduled to start.
FAQ
How do I prepare my house for remodeling?
Clear the work area, protect your floors, plan your temporary daily routine, and ensure clear communication with your contractor.
Should I move out during a remodel?
For minor updates, no. For kitchen or bathroom remodels (or whole-home projects), it is highly recommended to have a backup plan, especially if the project impacts your primary facilities.
How do I protect my furniture during renovation?
Either move it into another room or cover it completely with heavy-duty plastic sheeting, securing it with tape so dust cannot seep in.
What should I remove before contractors arrive?
Everything. Remove all personal belongings, wall décor, area rugs, and valuables from the workspace and adjacent hallways.
How do I prepare pets for remodeling work?
Keep them in a crate, a separate room with a white noise machine, or at a pet daycare to keep them safe and stress-free.
Getting ready to start your project? At Greater Boston Contractors, we are here to support you through every phase of the process. Contact us today to review your project schedule and get our “Pre-Renovation Checklist” to ensure you are fully prepared!