Remodeling is a daunting project for any homeowner. However, it can go more smoothly with a few insider tricks.

Begin by determining which projects you can do yourself and which require a professional. Also, prioritize which rooms to remodel first.

Ensure that non-work zones are created for family relaxation, and be prepared for the mess renovations can create. Renting a dumpster is one way to deal with the waste that will accumulate during a home remodel.

1. Don’t Forget About Lighting

When remodeling your home, it is easy to come up with changes that you want to make. However, you also have to decide why you want those changes. If you can’t come up with a good reason, you may end up spending more than you intended to or not getting the return on your investment that you were expecting.

Keep in mind that your landscaping is often the first thing that you, guests and potential buyers see. That is why it is important to create a look that will compliment the neighborhood. This is especially true if you are planning to sell your home in the future.

2. Create a Cozy Reading Nook

One of the true glories of reading is curling up in a cozy spot and escaping into another world. Creating a book nook in your home is the perfect way to indulge this hobby and can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. From a chair in a corner to a daybed in the middle of your home, there’s no shortage of reading nook ideas to inspire you.

You’ll need at least a few key elements to create the ideal reading nook. Ideally, you’ll have somewhere comfortable to sit, a task lamp for illumination, and a place to store books or other items such as throw pillows and blankets. If you have the space, you can even add a side table to store beverages or snacks. Other accessories like rugs, plants, and candles are also nice to add to enhance the ambiance of the room.

Creating a reading nook doesn’t have to be expensive. You can use items you already have in your home, such as a chair from a bedroom or living room or a bench from a hallway. You can also find some unique bookshelves for the nook, such as a ladder shelf or a fire escape shelf to add character and make your nook feel even more cozy.

If you can’t dedicate a specific area to the nook, consider a screened-in porch or a sunroom for your reading space. If you’re lucky enough to have a quaint sunroom in your home, consider adding a built-in window seat, a comfortable chair, and some colorful throw pillows.

A screened-in porch is also the perfect space for a reading nook since it’s usually quiet and surrounded by nature. If you have a small screened-in porch, you can easily turn it into your reading nook by adding a comfy chair or lounge sofa with a few throw pillows and a plant or two. You can also add a few decorative touches, such as a chandelier or a lampshade with a fun design to personalize your nook. This will be a special and unique space that you can enjoy alone or with friends and family.

3. Create a Renovation-Free Zone

When you’re undergoing a home remodel, it can feel like your life is on hold. It’s important to create at least one renovation-free zone where you and your family can gather in semi-relaxation. This will not only protect your possessions from damage but also allow the team working on your home to work more efficiently without having to move items around all the time.

This is especially important if you have kids or pets who will be living in your home while the remodeling is taking place. If possible, it’s a good idea to have a designated area that can be used daily, such as a living room or kitchen. This will also help minimize the amount of dust that’s produced during the project, which can affect your family’s health.

Landscaping is often overlooked during a home remodel but it can make or break your curb appeal. It’s also the first thing that you, your guests and potential buyers will see when they visit your home. Sprucing up your landscape can be an inexpensive way to give your home an immediate facelift, and it’s something that you can do yourself or hire a professional to complete for you. The key is to find a design that fits in with your neighborhood and compliments the style of your home.

4. Hire a Professional

It’s easy to underestimate the skill and knowledge required to remodel a home. And even if you’re an accomplished DIYer, it’s important to hire a professional remodeling contractor that is licensed and insured. This will protect you in the event that unforeseen issues arise during the project and ensure that your project is completed quickly and correctly. However, keep in mind that contractors can’t read minds, so be sure to let them know if something isn’t right so they can fix it. This will save you money, time and frustration in the long run. Plus, it will also help ensure that the project is done correctly the first time.