Home remodeling work takes more than finding a great team to renovate your place. Customer involvement is just as important as what the contractors do. If you feel a little overwhelmed by that idea, you can simplify your contribution by following this checklist of things within your power.

Budget and Secure Financing Early

A lot of remodeling projects line up easier if everybody knows what the numbers are going to be. Sit down with the contractor to discuss what items you must have and which ones you'd like to have. Develop a budget with them, and then use that information to secure financing.

You can lean on several loan vehicles to finance home additions and renovations. Meet with the loan officer at your bank or credit union. Show them your plans for the house and learn how much of a credit line you'll have to work with. Try to include a 15 to 20% cushion in case you discover something unexpected once you tear out a wall.

Code Enforcement and Permits

Every municipality has a code enforcement office. Contact your city to speak with a compliance officer and learn what the rules are where you live. For example, some cities won't allow home additions to extend within a certain distance of a neighboring property line. Similarly, you may have to perform specific upgrades to meet current compliance rules if you make changes to the house. Outline the basics of your renovation plans to ensure you won't run afoul of local regulations.

Likewise, once you know what the construction schedule will be, you can ask the city about permits. Some renovation projects don't need permits because they don't cut openings in the house or change its footprint. However, you'll want to confirm what your city's permit rules are before getting into it.

Establish Plans

The clearer your initial plans are, the more likely the project will be successful. It's a good idea to consult with an architect or interior designer if you need to draw up blueprints and don't have a clear starting point. These types of professionals are especially helpful if you're not certain what style you want to see when the job is done. You can then meet with the contractors to discuss the plans and make modifications as necessary.

Prepare Your Home

Home remodeling work means hammering, and that leads to vibrations that can damage stuff. Move all of the potentially fragile items out of the renovation area and the adjoining rooms. Remove anything that might collect sawdust or other loose materials, too.

To learn more about this process, contact home remodeling contractors.