By Indiana Lee

Renovating a small space should be simpler than refurbishing a big kitchen or redecorating your entire ground floor. However, if you’ve ever started to pull tape on a small space like a bathroom or spare bedroom, you’ll know it can quickly become a bigger project than you first envisioned.

Rather than putting the renovation off, stay on schedule by laying the groundwork for your redecoration plans early. By procuring materials and planning with contractors before your project begins, you can avoid setbacks and will ensure your small space doesn’t become a major headache in the months to come.

Keeping your small space renovation on schedule ensures that the makeover is rewarding, too. This is crucial if you’re planning to renovate a few small spaces around the house, as a good experience will help you maintain your motivation while completing the makeover and will reduce the costs associated with major renovations.

Working With Contractors

Depending on the scale of your project, you’ll likely need to work with contractors to ensure that your renovation is completed to a high standard. This is particularly important if you are working with plumbing, electricity, or any kind of structural renovation. Unless you’re qualified to undertake the renovation, you should work with a professional who has all the tools of the trade to make the makeover a success.

Working with a contractor is important if you’re planning on making some landscaping changes to your outdoor space, too. Before you start building sheds or moving fences, you’ll need to be aware of the relevant building code, including for renovations to structures like:

• Sheds: Each state has its own requirements for sheds, but most require certain safety codes to be followed. If you’re building a large shed for a project like an outdoor gym, work with a contractor who will ensure your new structure passes inspection.

• Garages: Renovating a garage can add a lot of value to your home. However, small garages are often subject to field inspection permits. This means you may need to work with a familiar contractor with inspections and know your state guidelines inside out.

• Fencing: Replacing or installing fencing can make even the smallest of yards feel more spacious. However, you’ll likely need to work with a contractor who can make sketches of your planned fencing to ensure that you are working within your building permits.

Getting in contact with a contractor early can save you headaches and heartaches down the line should your plans be rejected. You can find a well-regarded designer today by searching for folks who suit your style and fit your budget. Be sure to ask plenty of questions before you bring a contractor on board, as you don’t want to wait months for work to start (or end!). Once you’ve found the right professional for you, start procuring materials for your renovation.

Procuring Materials

Sourcing the right materials for your small space makeover is key to a successful renovation. Finding materials early will ensure that you have plenty of stock for contractors to work with and that your designs won’t be dashed at the last minute by shipping issues or sudden price changes.

If you’re not working with a contractor, you can start sourcing materials for less by:

• Looking for leftovers

• Seek out sales on dates like Labor Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday

• Browse sites like Craigslist for leftovers

• Seek out salvage in the area

• Work with the city and buy any old materials they throw out when renovating the area

Following these steps can keep you on budget and help you acquire a large amount of material quickly. This is crucial when renovating even the smallest of spaces, as you can’t afford to begin work without finding all the materials you’ll use to complete the job.

Contingency Planning

Creating a clear contingency plan with your contractor can help you overcome seemingly insurmountable hurdles. There are simply too many things that a contractor can’t predict — like hidden pipes and rotten foundations — to assume that the project will go perfectly. You can create a renovation contingency plan today by:

• Budgeting for unexpected costs of up to 20% beyond your expected costs

• Checking for obvious signs of common issues like mold or moisture before beginning the renovation

• Increasing your investment in assessments and evaluations if you’re undertaking a high-risk project to effectively forecast challenges before renovations begin

A little upfront contingency planning can keep your renovation on track and reduce the risk of a setback sullying your plans. This is key if you’re working on a high-risk area like a bathroom, where septic system issues could easily set you back weeks if not months.

Missteps to Avoid

Mistakes are a natural part of any renovation project. You’re always learning when renovating and can’t expect everything to go perfectly when cutting trim or installing new electrics. However, there are a few common room renovation mistakes you should try to avoid, including:

• Not measuring your space correctly

• Failing to establish a clear budget

• Overlooking the importance of vision boards and style guides

• Not taking stock of your existing features like flooring or wallpaper

• Starting work before you’ve properly planned for renovations

Properly planning and preparing for your small space renovation won’t just keep your makeover on schedule — it will ensure you love the changes that you make.

Nothing is worse than finishing a project, only to wish you’d never started it. Instead, reduce the risk of missteps and mistakes by taking your time and properly planning every feature and element of your redesign. This will help you communicate with contractors, too, who will appreciate clear guidance on things like budget and overall aesthetic.

Conclusion

Renovating a small space should be exciting. You get to hone your creative streak on a single area of your house and can fully focus on making the most of your spare bedroom or garage. Get off to a great start by finding a contractor who understands your vision and suits your budget. This will help you anticipate challenges and will ensure that you’re happy with the changes you’ve made when the project is finally completed.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of Michael Helwig Interiors or its Principal, Michael Helwig. Michael Helwig Interiors, and Michael Helwig, do not have any affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their articles or bios.

Indiana Lee is a passionate writer and avid puzzle enthusiast hailing from the serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. With a deep appreciation for aesthetics and a strong preference for designs that seamlessly blend comfort and functionality, she brings a unique perspective to the world of interior decor. Connect with her on LinkedIn.