Is it time to make some significant changes to your place? Are you ready to create more space, overhaul a room or redesign that nagging element that drives you crazy every morning? Renovation projects can be an exciting time for homeowners. You can anticipate the new while eliminating the old.

However, significant undertakings aren't straightforward. They demand a great deal of patience and planning. If you're ready to take on this venture, consider the following.

1. Find a Place To Stay

Significant overhauls get messy, overwhelmingly dirty and chaotic. You don't want to be in the house when they're tearing up walls or tile. The dust alone becomes hard to handle, and you don't want to strap on a mask during that week or two.

Give yourself a break by planning for a stay elsewhere. Think of it as a mini-vacation: a location where you can escape from the household chores and cooking and distance yourself from the project's mess. Look for a place like the local Hampton Inn Erie PA. Give yourself a good week or so to ensure you're not returning to piles of dust and debris.

2. Establish a Budget

Money isn't endless, and unfortunately, renovations aren't cheap. It's imperative to begin this journey with a realistic idea of how much you can spend. Look over your savings and monthly finances. Determine an amount that works for your situation.

3. Prepare for Delays or Issues

Contractors give you an estimated timeline, but more often than not, hiccups arise that create project delays or complications. It's normal, in other words, to have obstacles, and you need to prepare for that before you begin.

Know your musts; separate those from the likes. You may need to cut something out if the budget gets pushed too much. In addition, stretch that timeline out a month. Tell yourself that you'll be happy with anything completed within that period. After all, supply chains are tough now, and contractors must wait for their work materials.

4. Store Valuables

When tearing out cabinets, tiles or walls, you temporarily lose space. Everything within that area becomes exposed to dust, debris and tools. Protect them by packing them away before construction starts. Invest in moving boxes. Wrap delicates in plastic and store items in a safe location such as an unaffected room, the garage or a storage unit. Cover furniture with clothes to avoid knicks and dents.

5. Board Animals

Your pets wander about the rooms throughout the day. How will you protect your dogs and cats from the nails, saws and discarded materials? Consider boarding your animals during the renovation project. Ask your vet and friends for recommendations.

6. Review Local Regulations

Is your project legal? Do you need permits? Make sure you understand the local expectations for home renovations. The city may require you to file architectural plans and request permission to complete significant structural modifications. In addition, communities with homeowners associations often have laws about procedures. Check-in to see if you must get their approval too.

7. Research the Project

Spend time online learning about the details of the project. Understand the steps people need to take and the potential problems. Learn about the best tools and practices for reaching success. Use this information when you pick your contractors.

8. Establish Communication Expectations

From the get-go, know how to get in touch with the contractor and project manager. Stay in the loop, and determine how often they plan to speak with you about the progress.

9. Pay for Cleaners

It is going to be messy, so hire cleaners afterward. Professionals can clean up the dust for you, wiping surfaces and scrubbing flooring.

It's time to love something new about your home. Make those renovation dreams come true by planning now.