What you should check before starting a renovation in your home
Starting a renovation can be exciting, but it can also raise doubts: how much will it cost, how long will it take, what work is really necessary, and where is it best to start.
Good preparation helps avoid hasty decisions, changes during the work, and unexpected expenses.
Before requesting a quote or starting the work, it is advisable to review some basic aspects of the home and clearly define what you want to improve.
1. Define what problem you want to solve
Before thinking about colors, materials, or finishes, identify what the home really needs.
It may be a functional need, such as:
- Repairing a leak.
- Updating the electrical system.
- Changing a water heater.
- Improving the lighting.
- Repairing walls or dampness.
- Renovating a bathroom or kitchen.
- Preparing a home for rental.
It can also be an aesthetic improvement, such as painting, changing coverings, or modernizing a room.
Having a clear main objective allows you to prioritize the work and prepare a more accurate budget.
2. Check the condition of the installations
In old houses or those that have not been renovated for a while, it is advisable to especially check the electricity and plumbing.
Some signs that an installation may need attention are:
- Outlets that do not work properly.
- Loose or damaged switches.
- Old electrical panels.
- Low capacity to connect appliances.
- Leaky faucets.
- Low water pressure.
- Visible pipes in poor condition.
- Dampness or stains near bathrooms and kitchens.
Resolving installation problems first prevents having to open walls or remove new finishes later.
3. Set priorities
It is not always necessary to renovate the entire house at the same time.
You can divide the project into different levels:
Urgent work
Includes problems that affect safety, functionality, or the condition of the house, such as leaks, electrical failures, or infiltrations.
Functional improvements
Are tasks that make the house more comfortable, such as changing lighting, repairing doors, installing shelves, or updating faucets.
Aesthetic improvements
Include painting, finishes, decoration, coverings, or visual changes that renew the environment.
Separating these priorities helps to better organize the budget.
4. Think about how you use each space
A renovation should adapt to the way you live.
Before renovating a room, think about questions like:
- Is there a lack of storage space?
- Is the lighting sufficient?
- Are there outlets where they are really needed?
- Is the layout comfortable?
- Are the materials easy to maintain?
- Will the space be used by children, elderly people, or pets?
- Will the housing be for personal use or for rent?
These answers can completely change decisions about materials, layout, and installations.
5. Define a realistic budget
It is important to establish how much you want to invest, but also to leave some margin for possible unforeseen events.
During a renovation, problems may arise that were not visible at first, such as:
- Deteriorated pipes.
- Hidden dampness.
- Walls in poor condition.
- Old installations.
- Differences between actual and expected measurements.
- Materials that need to be replaced.
A detailed budget should indicate which jobs are included, which materials will be used, and which elements are excluded.
6. Decide which materials you want to use
It is not necessary to choose every detail before requesting a budget, but it is advisable to have a general idea.
You can think about:
- Type of flooring.
- Color and finish of the paint.
- Coverings.
- Faucets.
- Lighting.
- Furniture.
- Quality and durability of the materials.
- Ease of cleaning and maintenance.
Reference photographs can help explain the result you are looking for, although they should be used as inspiration and not as a guarantee that the space will look exactly the same.
7. Assess if you can stay in the home
Some jobs allow you to continue living in the house with relative normality. Others may affect water, electricity, access to certain rooms, or daily cleaning.
Before starting, ask:
- Which areas will be unusable.
- If it will be necessary to cut off water or electricity.
- How much dust and noise may be produced.
- How the furniture and floors will be protected.
- If it will be necessary to remove personal items.
- How long each phase will last.
This is especially important in kitchen, bathroom, or work that affects several rooms.
8. Request a sufficiently detailed estimate
An estimate should not be limited to a final amount.
Whenever possible, it should include:
- Description of the work.
- Included materials.
- Labor.
- Disposal of waste, when applicable.
- Approximate timelines.
- Payment method.
- Possible additional work.
- Conditions for modifying the estimate.
The clearer the estimate, the lower the risk of misunderstandings during the work.
9. Confirm who will coordinate the work
When different professionals are involved, it is important to know who will be the person responsible for organizing the project.
That person should help you with:
- Resolving doubts.
- Coordinating the different tasks.
- Informing about progress.
- Communicating any changes.
- Reviewing the final result.
Having a clear contact greatly facilitates communication and prevents the client from having to personally coordinate each professional.
10. Don't forget the small repairs
Sometimes, a home does not need a complete renovation, but rather a well-planned tune-up.
Tasks such as painting, repairing cracks, adjusting doors, replacing outlets, changing faucets, installing lighting, or assembling furniture can significantly transform a space.
These small improvements are especially useful for:
- Homes that are going to be rented.
- Recently purchased apartments.
- Houses that have been empty for a while.
- Homes that need maintenance.
- Rooms that have become outdated.
A renovation starts with good planning
Defining priorities, reviewing the facilities, and clearly explaining what you need are the first steps to achieving a satisfactory result.
Not all homes need the same solutions. Therefore, before starting, it is advisable to assess each space individually and prepare a plan tailored to its condition, use, and budget.
Are you thinking about improving your home?
At Casa Clara, we carry out renovation, repair, and maintenance work in Valencia and surrounding areas.
We can help you with electricity, plumbing, painting, changing water heaters, kitchens, bathrooms, exteriors, roofs, small repairs, and preparing homes.
Tell us what you need, and we will assess the best way to help you.