Whether you’re hoping to boost your home’s resale value or simply remodel the living room, there are many reasons why a house renovation might be in order. But before you begin banging, sawing, and tearing down walls, it’s important to establish some clear goals and a plan for the project. Without one, things can quickly go off course and, if the project is large enough, even cost you dearly.

Before you get renovation steps, draw up a list of jobs that need to be done, both those you can do yourself and those you’ll need professionals for. Prioritize the major work, such as repairing or replacing the foundation and fixing serious water infiltration problems. These projects are incredibly important as they ensure that the rest of the work can be carried out safely. They also protect the structure, as future renovation work can be impacted by unaddressed structural issues such as weakened walls, joists, and carrying beams.

Beginner’s Guide: How to Kickstart Your House Renovation Project

Set a realistic timescale and plan backwards from that date to figure out by when each step needs to be finished. This is especially important if you’re hiring contractors and need to schedule your own work around theirs. It’s also worth noting that a lot of work during a house renovation will affect your everyday life and may mean you’ll need to make alternative living arrangements for the duration of the project.

Finally, you should make sure you’ve got adequate homeowners insurance in place to cover the project. This will give you peace of mind in case the unexpected hits you along the way.