Once you start planning a home renovation, it can be easy to start thinking about furniture placement and drapery choices before you finalize the details of your project. However, taking the time to do a little pre-planning can really pay off in the end. Here are three things you need to think about before you start your home renovation and why it might matter later:

1: The Flow of Your Floor Plan

If you are tired of your home's existing finishes, you might be tempted to simply switch each item out individually to accommodate your changing tastes. However, simply upgrading cabinets, kitchen islands, and bathroom vanities won't do much to improve the flow of the space.

Before you zero in on the smaller stuff, think about the flow of your floor plan. Do you find yourself squeezing through tight doorways or around an ill-placed kitchen island? Can you see your kids play in the back yard from your living room? How hard is it to take dirty clothes to the laundry room? Talk with your general contractor about your existing floor plan, and ask for suggestions to improve your home's layout. For example, your contractor might be able to remove walls that are in the way, or make doorways wider to accommodate wheelchairs, stair lifts, or large family members.

2: Existing Finishes

Sometimes when people renovate a space, they forget to meld the new finishes with the old ones. Unfortunately, if you replace those kitchen counter drawer pulls with chrome handles, and the rest of your home's hardware is oil-rubbed bronze, your additions might look silly in your space.

Unless you have the budget to upgrade your entire house at once, take the time to carefully evaluate the existing finishes. Consider matching color, metal types, and even aesthetic themes. For example, if your home finishes are brushed nickel and contain intricate detailing, consider adding similar knobs to your renovated master bathroom. After you are done fixing your place up, your renovated areas will blend in—so that they look natural and beautiful.

3: Potential Budget Crunches

Another important thing to think about before you dig into your project is your budget in comparison with potential additional expenses. If your home is older or you have experienced problems in the past, your contractor might need to fix crucial elements before focusing on that glass shower enclosure or those granite counters. To avoid trouble, try to keep a little extra money set aside to tackle problems as they arise.  

By making the right home renovation decisions, you might be able to sit back and enjoy your work—while avoiding future hassles.   

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