Organized home remodeling can seem like an impossible task. There are So. Many. Moving. Parts.
Today, I’m sharing three home renovation planner tools that have saved the day when it comes to managing our home improvement projects.
It seems that our household is always the midst an extensive renovation project.
The redesign & remodel project list over the past few years has included:
- a massive landscaping project
- a dining room redesign
- a home office redesign
- a laundry room redesign
- a great room redesign
- a powder room remodel in our old house
- a powder room remodel in our current house
- a homework/craft room redesign
- installing new flooring
- replacing light fixtures and door hardware
- pre-selling home upgrades
You get the idea!
Throughout our home renovation journey, I’ve shared a lot of random tips and nuggets of wisdom we’ve acquired along the way, such as:
- an easy wallpaper removal method
- harnessing the power of spray paint
- how to stencil a wall
- how to install Elfa shelving
- the benefits of LVP flooring
- how to update dated light fixtures
- how to select outdoor lights
What I haven’t written about is how we’ve organized our home renovation projects. Kind of ironic, given that organizing is my jam, right?
If you’ve ever worn the remodeling project management hat, I don’t have to tell you that here are lots of moving pieces/parts to keep track of when undertaking any home improvement project. It is crucial to have solid organizational systems in place during the home renovation project planning phase as well as the project execution phase.
Today, I’m sharing my arsenal of “Must Have” home project planning tools that have helped me to maintain my sanity and reap the benefits of an organized home remodeling process.
The 3 Home Renovation PlannerTools I Can’t Live Without
Planning Tool #1: Renovation Project Binder
A basic project binder is one of best tools for home renovation. So simple, yet so effective at keeping all the paper related to your project in one central location.
Related: Organize with Binders: Managing Household Papers and Projects
This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission) Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
I used a set of 3-hole punched Poly Translucent Slash File Folders and an old set of tab dividers with an index sheet to organize project-related information into key categories, including:
- Timeline
- Budget
- Contractor Business Cards
- Paint Samples
- Furniture/Fixture Sourcing
- Project Bid
- Plans/Sketches
- Notes.
I created this binder prior to embarking on our first major renovation project. Since that time, I discovered a better tool for managing the project timeline/budget (see below), so those binder sections are no longer used.
Even though I’m a paperless girl at heart, my Hubby is a paper lover. Since we both need access to the project information, it just makes sense to keep the majority of our home improvement project information in paper form.
Besides, it makes a lot more sense to view paint colors using paper paint chips rather than on the computer.
Related: My No-Fail Process for Choosing the Right Paint Color the First Time
I also have a much easier time modifying a design sketch via the old school paper and pencil method.
Planning Tool #2: Pinterest
It probably comes as no surprise that Pinterest made the list of must-have tools for an organized home remodeling project.
I have been using this awesome visual search tool since its inception to curate ideas/information for both myself and my clients. I’ve created a series of Pinterest boards that serve as a collection hub for:
- images of inspiration spaces
- product sourcing options
- color palette ideas.
Having all of the information gathered together in a single board helps me to easily communicate my vision for each subproject with husband, as well as with contractors.
Follow me on Pinterest, where I curate lots of home remodeling project management tips!
Here’s a screenshot of my Kitchen Redesign board on Pinterest.
It’s so helpful to be able to click on a particular product and link directly to the source to obtain information on pricing, dimensions, customer reviews, etc.
Gathering all of your product options in one place enables you to make side-by-side comparisons, so you can make project design decisions faster and easier.
Planning Tool #3: The Homezada App
HomeZada is a digital home information tool that helps homeowners organize and maintain all facets of their home. The free version of HomeZada enables you to create a home inventory for insurance purposes.
Upgrading to a premium subscription gives you access to a universe of additional home project organizing tools, including the Home Improvement Project Management feature.
You can create a project very easily by selecting from a menu of common home improvement projects or by creating your own custom project:
Here’s a current snapshot of our master projects dashboard, which lists the status of each individual project:
For each project, you can specify a budget and timeline.
Within a particular project, you can calculate your estimated budget by creating a list of project items and a budgeted price for each item:
The Shopping Choices option enables you to input a high and low price option for each project item so that you can determine what you can afford given your budget constraints.
Once you’ve made purchases, you can record the purchased items within your project and HomeZada calculates the project cost to date, which you can then compare to your budget on the project dashboard.
Every time you input a project purchase, HomeZada asks if you would like to add this item to your home inventory — Brilliant!
That’s it…now you know the secret to organized home remodeling my friend.
Get even more actionable tips and advice from professionals for a safe, organized, and budget-friendly renovation here!
Which home renovation planner tool will you try when you take on your next project?
So glad to see someone else who uses a project binder. It is a must in my house for every project. Thanks for sharing again this week. #HomeMattersParty
I use binders for just about everything!
Thank you for the article!
I’m a DIYer with years of experience and I know how important it is to plan every project you think of but sometimes even when you plan everything, you might do it wrong. Thank you for the idea of the home improvement binder. I usually just write information on some papers that disappers after a while and the next time I’m planning a project, I need to create everything again. That folder would definintely help, so thanks again!
When searching for ideas I also use Pinterest and create boards. It’s amazing how many information you can find there. But I’ve never heard of Homezada. It really seems like a useful tool
Glad you found the article helpful. And yes, Homezada is a an amazingly useful tool for creating a home inventory. Can’t recommend enough!
I like the idea of making a project binder to keep all paper related to the remodel in one location. We are planning a bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom remodel this year and need to get organized. Thanks for the tips on how to organize home remodel projects.
Wow, you will have your hands full for sure Sutton, but that’s exciting! Best of luck with all of your projects!
I thought it was wonderful how the binder you used matched the color scheme of your redesign. It’s a cute idea. I found this really helpful since my house could use some remodeling. This seems like a good way to get started.
Wow, that wasn’t really intentional, but you are right LOL!
It’s nearly impossible to find well-informed people for this topic, however,
you sound like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Well thanks so much for the compliment Daniella!
My husband and I just had our offer accepted on a townhouse. We don’t have any concrete plans yet, but once escrow closes and we actually own it we’re going to be doing everything we have the time & money to do!
Congrats on becoming a homeowner Denise! Yes, Homezada will definitely come in handy for you! Best of luck.
Looks like a great way to keep everything organized!
Thanks for stopping by Heather! Have any home improvement projects in your future?