Josh Carpenter Construction

How to Prepare Your Home for a Remodeling Project (Checklist for Ohio Homeowners)

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by

Josh

How to Prepare Your Home for a Remodeling Project (Checklist for Ohio Homeowners)

Starting a remodeling project can be exciting…and a little overwhelming. Whether you’re updating a bathroom, installing new flooring, remodeling a kitchen, or tackling a bigger project, good preparation makes a huge difference in how smooth everything goes.

Across Logan, Nelsonville, Laurelville, and the Hocking Hills, we see the same small issues slow down projects – things homeowners could have fixed in advance. A little prep can shave hours (or days) off your remodel timeline and even reduce costs.

Here’s a simple, contractor-approved checklist to help you get your home ready for your upcoming remodel.

🧹 1. Clear the Space Completely

This seems obvious, but it’s one of the most common delays.

Before the remodel starts, remove:

  • Furniture
  • Rugs
  • Pictures
  • Décor
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • Small appliances
  • Anything on shelves
  • Anything on the counters

The entire work area should be empty so the contractor can get right to work.

Bonus tip:

If possible, remove items in adjacent rooms too. Remodeling creates dust that travels.

📦 2. Create a Temporary Living Setup (Especially for Kitchens & Baths)

If your bathroom or kitchen is being remodeled, you’ll need a temporary plan:

For kitchen remodels:

  • Set up a microwave, toaster oven, or hot plate
  • Use disposable plates/utensils
  • Relocate your refrigerator to another room
  • Organize snacks and cold foods in easy-access bins

For bathroom remodels:

  • Plan which bathroom you’ll use
  • Move hygiene items, towels, and organizers
  • Prepare for short-term inconvenience

Planning ahead makes the disruption easier.

🚪 3. Make Sure the Contractor Has Clear Access

Efficient access saves time every single day.

Ensure:

✔ Walkways are cleared
✔ Vehicles can park close
✔ Driveway is accessible
✔ Pets are secured
✔ Outdoor paths aren’t blocked by snow or mud (big deal in SE Ohio)

This is especially important for:

  • Hauling tools
  • Carrying in heavy materials
  • Removing debris
  • Bringing in flooring, drywall, or lumber

Small access issues can add hours of labor over the course of a project.

🧰 4. Protect Belongings From Dust (It Will Travel Everywhere)

No matter how careful a contractor is, home remodels create dust.

Protect your home by:

  • Covering furniture with plastic sheets
  • Sealing unused rooms with painter’s tape
  • Closing HVAC vents in the remodel area
  • Moving valuables out of harm’s way

Dust from sanding drywall or cutting materials can drift far – prepare for it.

🪜 5. Make a “Decision List” Before Work Starts

One of the biggest remodel delays is waiting for homeowner decisions.

Before the first day, finalize:
✔ Faucet style
✔ Vanity choice
✔ Flooring type
✔ Paint colors
✔ Tile selections
✔ Lighting
✔ Trim style
✔ Hardware finishes

Having decisions made – or at least narrowed down – keeps the project moving smoothly.

🏠 6. Know Where Your Shutoffs Are (Just in Case)

Before a remodel begins, locate:

  • Water shutoff valves
  • Electrical panel
  • Gas shutoff

Contractors may need to:

  • Turn water on/off
  • Shut down circuits
  • Isolate plumbing lines

Knowing where everything is saves time and prevents scrambling.

🐶 7. Make a Plan for Pets

Pets can get scared or stressed during a remodel.

Best options:

  • Crate pets during working hours
  • Keep them in a closed room away from tools
  • Take them to a friend or family member
  • Use pet gates

This protects both your animals and the workers.

💡 8. Ask About Material Delivery Timing

Some materials arrive early. Some arrive late. Some arrive damaged.

Ask your contractor:

  • When materials will be delivered
  • Where they should be stored
  • Whether the flooring or tile needs acclimation
  • How much space to reserve

For example:

  • LVP needs 24-48 hours to acclimate
  • Hardwood needs 5-7 days
  • Vanities need room for staging

Being prepared avoids last-minute scrambling.

🧱 9. Expect Some Noise, Dust, and Disruption

This is totally normal.

You will likely experience:

  • Banging
  • Sawing
  • Drilling
  • Cutting
  • Dust
  • Occasional odors from primers/adhesives

The more mentally prepared you are, the easier the project feels.

🚧 10. Clarify Communication Expectations With Your Contractor

Before the project starts, ask:

  • What time will you typically arrive each day?
  • How will you update me (text, call, in-person)?
  • What happens if materials are delayed?
  • Will someone be here every day?
  • How are change orders handled?

Good communication prevents 99% of remodeling stress.

🗂️ 11. Prepare for the Unexpected (Especially in Older Homes)

In Hocking County, many homes are 40-80+ years old. This means surprises are common:

  • Hidden water damage
  • Old wiring
  • Uneven framing
  • Rotted subfloors
  • Mismatched plumbing

These issues are normal – not necessarily bad.
Just build a small contingency budget (10-20%) to handle anything that pops up.

🎯 12. Final Checklist Before Remodel Day

✔ Clear the work area

✔ Protect nearby furniture

✔ Move fragile items

✔ Close doors to non-work rooms

✔ Secure pets

✔ Set up temporary kitchen/bathroom space

✔ Confirm material delivery

✔ Confirm start and end times

✔ Make all key design decisions

With this prep, your remodel will go faster, smoother, and with fewer surprises.

📞 Need a Contractor Who Communicates Clearly and Works Cleanly?

We help homeowners and cabin owners with:
✔ Bathroom remodels
✔ Kitchen remodels
✔ Flooring
✔ Trim and drywall
✔ Deck builds
✔ Cabin renovations

Josh Carpenter Construction
Serving Logan • Nelsonville • Laurelville • Hocking Hills
Free Estimates • Honest Communication • Quality Work

Send a message or text to schedule your remodel walkthrough. Check out our services.

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