How to prepare your home for a renovation — and avoid the most common mistakes

Most renovation problems aren’t caused by the contractor. They’re caused by poor preparation — on both sides. In ten years of doing this work, the jobs that go sideways almost always have the same root cause: the space wasn’t ready, the scope wasn’t clear, or the homeowner didn’t know what to expect day-to-day.

This is a practical guide. Not a sales pitch, not a feel-good list of tips. Just what actually makes a renovation run well from a homeowner’s side of it.

Before any contractor shows up

Know what you want — but stay flexible on how to get there

The clearer you are on the outcome you want, the easier it is to scope the work accurately. “I want the bathroom to feel bigger and have better storage” is more useful than “I don’t know, just make it look nicer.” You don’t need to know every material or finish — that’s what the contractor is for — but you should know what problem you’re trying to solve.

Get multiple estimates — but don’t just take the lowest one

Two or three estimates is reasonable. When you compare them, look at what’s actually in each estimate, not just the bottom line. A lower price often means something’s been excluded. Ask what’s not included before you decide it’s the better deal.

In Quebec, always check that your contractor holds a valid RBQ license for the work being done. It’s not optional — it’s legally required for most renovation work over a certain value, and it protects you if something goes wrong.

Preparing the space

Clear the area completely

If a crew shows up and needs to move furniture, disconnect appliances, or clear out a closet before they can start, that’s billable time — and it delays everything behind it. Leave the space ready to work in before day one.

• Remove all furniture and personal items from the work area

• Disconnect and move appliances if the work is in a kitchen or laundry room

• Clear a path from the entrance to the work area for material delivery

• Identify where waste will go — most contractors will ask for a dumpster or disposal area

Protect what isn’t being renovated

Renovation work creates dust — a lot of it. If you’re renovating one room in a home you’re living in, seal off adjacent areas with plastic sheeting and move anything valuable away from the work zone. This is especially true for flooring: replacing scratched hardwood is far more expensive than a roll of builder’s paper.

During the renovation

Establish a single point of contact

If the project involves multiple decision-makers, pick one person to be the primary contact for the contractor. Nothing slows down a job more than conflicting instructions. Make decisions together beforehand and have one person relay them.

Expect daily disruption — and plan around it

1. Make arrangements for pets — construction noise and open doors are a problem

2. Plan meals around the fact that your kitchen may be inaccessible

3. If bathroom work is happening, arrange access to another bathroom

4. Work-from-home days on demo days are not going to be productive

The things most homeowners don’t think about

Material lead times

For projects that involve custom orders — tile, flooring, cabinets, fixtures — lead times can run from a few days to eight weeks depending on what you pick. Make selections before the start date, not during. A job that’s ready to start can sit waiting for tile that’s back-ordered for six weeks.

Change orders are normal — but they cost money

Scope changes mid-project are common, and that’s fine — but they should be documented in a change order and agreed to before the work happens. A written estimate and written change orders aren’t about distrust; they’re about making sure both sides are working from the same understanding.

Renovation work goes well when both sides are prepared and communicating clearly. Do the prep work, stay engaged without micromanaging, and say something the moment you’re unsure about anything. That’s really all it takes.