Introduction
Starting a major home renovation is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming if you're not sure what to expect. The good news is that most of the stress homeowners experience during construction comes down to one thing: not being prepared before work begins.
At De Marco Builders, we've guided Portland homeowners through more than 1,400 projects, and the ones that go most smoothly share a common thread — the homeowner showed up ready. In this post, we'll walk you through exactly how to prepare your home for a major renovation so you can protect your space, stay comfortable, and keep things moving from day one.
Understand Your Timeline Before Work Begins
One of the most important things you can do before a renovation starts is get clear on your timeline. At De Marco Builders, we guarantee both project start dates and completion schedules — and we give homeowners ample notice before construction begins so there's no scrambling at the last minute.
That notice window is your opportunity to make arrangements. If you need to relocate furniture into storage or rent a PODS container, plan for that early. Waiting until the week before construction starts to figure out where your belongings are going adds unnecessary stress to an already busy time.
Make Your Final Decisions Early
One of the most common causes of construction delays is homeowners making material selections late. Tile, fixtures, paint colors, cabinet hardware — these decisions need to be made before the work reaches that phase, not during it. When selections are pending, crews wait. When crews wait, schedules slip.
Work with your contractor to understand the decision timeline for your specific project and put each deadline on your calendar. Starting early gives you the time to make decisions you'll actually be happy with long term.
Communicate Your Expectations Clearly
Before construction begins, sit down with your project manager and walk through the full scope of work. Make sure you understand what's included, what decisions still need to be made, and what the process is for approvals and change orders. If something isn't clear, ask — there are no bad questions at this stage.
If there are specific work hours that work better for your household, communicate that upfront. If you have pets that need to be managed, mention it. If certain areas of the home are strictly off limits, say so explicitly. The more your contractor knows about your situation and preferences, the better they can accommodate them throughout the project.
Good communication at the start of a project sets the tone for everything that follows. Contractors who feel informed and trusted tend to work better, flag issues earlier, and go the extra mile when it matters. It's a two-way relationship, and it starts before the first nail goes in.
Set Up a Temporary Living Plan
If your kitchen or bathrooms are being renovated, plan ahead for how you'll manage daily life during construction. If needed, set up a temporary kitchen space with a coffee maker, microwave, and mini fridge. If work is being done on a bathroom, identify which bathroom will remain operational throughout the project and make sure the crew knows it's off limits.
Decide What to Do With Your Belongings
Before construction begins, take inventory of what's in the work area and make a plan for where things will go. Large furniture pieces, appliances, and personal items that can't stay in the space need to be relocated before the crew arrives. Depending on the size of your project, renting a storage unit or a PODS container is a practical option that keeps your belongings safe and out of the way for the duration of the work.
For smaller projects, this step is much simpler — but it's still worth thinking through ahead of time so you're not making last-minute decisions the day construction starts.
Prepare for Dust
Dust is a common complaint during a home renovation — and one of the easiest things to prepare for. Before work begins, remove or cover any items in adjacent rooms that you don't want coated in construction dust. This includes furniture, electronics, artwork, and clothing in open closets.
Talk to your contractor about what dust containment measures they use on the job. At De Marco Builders, we create dust barriers to contain the work area and protect the rest of your home throughout construction.
Think About Your Outdoor Space
Construction projects can often spill outside — materials get staged in driveways, crews need access along the side of the house, and delivery trucks need somewhere to park. Before work begins, think about how your outdoor space will be used and clear anything that might be in the way.
If you have landscaping, a garden, or outdoor furniture close to the work zone, consider moving or protecting it. Talk to your contractor about where materials will be stored and how access to the property will be managed. A little coordination upfront prevents damage to things you care about and keeps the job site running smoothly.
The De Marco Builders Advantage
De Marco Builders guarantees both project start dates and completion schedules. Homeowners receive ample notice before construction begins, allowing time to relocate furnishings into storage or PODS if needed.
For smaller projects, our team can assist homeowners with moving belongings at no additional charge. We also take extensive measures to protect occupied living spaces by creating dust barriers and temporary insulated walls, allowing many homeowners to comfortably remain in their homes during construction.
Conclusion
Preparing for a major renovation doesn't have to be complicated. Clear your space early, lock in your material selections, communicate openly with your project manager, and make a plan for how you'll live comfortably during construction.
At De Marco Builders, we've been helping Portland homeowners navigate major renovations for more than three decades. If you're planning a renovation in the Portland area, we'd love to help you do it right.
Have a project in mind? We'd love to hear about it. Initial consultations are always free — call us at (503) 574-0659 or reach out to us here.
