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Pre and Post Home Renovation

By Gwen Burckley-Gibson

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We are in the midst of remodeling the kitchen and our home is a disaster!  “Why did I even want to remodel?”, “How are we going to get this mess cleaned up?”, “There’s dust EVERYWHERE!”, “The next time we buy a house the kitchen and bathrooms will be EXACTLY what I want BEFORE we move in!” are just a few of the thoughts swirling in my head. There is so much I wish I had known before we began this renovation.  

Pre-Renovation Checklist

1. Buy Samples 

Have you seen how all of your individual choices look together in your home lighting?  Will your backsplash or countertop be the focal point of your room? Do you know which paint is best for walls versus cabinetry?  Do you want shiny or muted finishes? You should view all of the design choices under the lighting of your home even if you have hired an interior designer.  Read more…

2. Box-up Everything 

At least two weeks before your home remodeling begins place all dishes, knick-knacks, wall hangings etcetera, into boxes and seal them tightly with packing tape. Do this in all rooms of your home, even those not being renovated.  Label each box with room and contents, then place them out of the way with the labels facing you and cover the groups of boxes with painters plastic. (You will thank me later!)  ONLY the necessities should be left out of boxes, however, place them into covered see-through storage bins the day before renovations begin.

3. Buy or Build an Air Cleaning Fan

To assure that construction dust clean-up is minimal, an air cleaning fan (or two) is essential.  Use the fan(s) during the entire remodel project, from start to finish.  Stock up on replacement filters and change the fans and all air return vents daily. 

4. Supervise the Remodeling Crew

Even some of the very best of remodeling experts will cut corners to save time.  From the very first day of your home remodel the crew will need to be supervised in order to prevent mishaps. 

 

  1. Be certain that your furniture is carefully moved and properly covered.  Insist on thick sheets of plastic to cover all pieces, not the flimsy plastic which is easily torn.  Furniture must be covered entirely and the plastic taped to the floor with Painters Tape. 

  2. Painted surfaces must be sanded, cleaned and primed before painting.  Paint will absolutely buckle and peel just months after applied to surfaces that have not been properly prepped. Read more…

  3. Air vents should be removed and cleaned then stored until ready to be replaced.  The interior spaces must be vacuumed out then covered with heavy-duty plastic and taped securely.

  4. Before the crew considers the job done you’ll need to perform a walk-through and have them:

  • Touch up any damaged walls and baseboards with spackle and paint.

  • Remove any paint and debris from hinges, doorknobs, cabinet pulls, window glass etc.

  • Remove and dispose of all trash

  • Remove and dispose of protective plastic film and tape

  • Return furniture to proper positions, but leave enough room to clean baseboards.

Post-Renovation Cleaning List

DIY air cleaning fan for home renovations
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1. Dust, Dust and Dust Again

After the renovation, you will find dust in every nook and cranny of your home.

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  • Walls and wainscoting

  • Baseboards and crown moldings

  • Floors and corners

  • Door facings and frames

  • Window facings and frames

  • Window treatments

  • Upholstered and/or Leather Furniture

  • Ceiling fans

  • Light switch plates and power outlets

  • Light fixtures and bulbs

  • Lampshades that you hadn’t packed before the renovation

  • Electronics and wires (hopefully, you had packed these)

  • Small appliances that may have been left out to use during the renovation

  • The exterior of large appliances

  • Stove hood and fan

  • Inside closets and cabinets

  • All wood furnishings

  • Wall hangings

  • The list goes on...

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2. Clean Air Vents & Replace Filters

No matter how extensive your home renovation project is, dust will work its’ way into your vents.  If the vents weren’t removed before the remodeling began you’ll need to do so now.  Remove the vent covers from walls and ceilings, clean each one with soap and warm water, and dry them thoroughly. Replace air filters before replacing the vent covers.

3. Clean Air Ducts

Should you hire a company to clean the air ducts after renovating?  If your air filters weren’t changed often, and your vents were not covered with plastic during the renovation, you should find a reputable service to clean the ducts. Be aware that if a service provider fails to follow proper duct cleaning procedures the process can cause problems. For example, an inadequate vacuum collection system can release more dust, dirt and other contaminants than if you had left the ducts alone. A careless or inadequately trained service provider can damage your ducts or heating and cooling system, possibly increasing your heating and air conditioning costs or forcing you to undertake difficult and costly repairs or replacements.

4. Take a Break

After weeks, or months of home renovation, you may not feel like dealing with the post remodeling cleaning. I totally understand!  If you live in the Triad North Carolina area click here for a Post-Renovation Home Cleaning Estimate.

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