Develop a budget and set a spending limit. Whether you plan to utilize savings, home equity loan, line of credit or free up funds through refinancing, now is the time to figure out how you will finance the project, and how much you want to allocate towards it.

Clear all spaces where professionals will be working beforehand. Remove valuables and breakables to avoid damage and cover furniture in areas where paint, dust or dirt could harm upholstery.

When selecting a contractor, make sure they are certified and reputable. For example, when taking on window and door renovations, we recommend hiring Windows Doors & More to do the job. Our installers are extensively trained and have decades of experience in a large variety of residential projects, so they are able to work with you to provide the right products and service.

As professionals will frequently be coming in and out of your home, it may be a good time to add or update your home security system with reprogrammable smart locks. Making it easy to grant access to contractors for limited periods of time, the Schlage Sense™ deadbolt can be paired with the Schlage Sense™ app so that you can check your lock status anytime you like within Bluetooth® range, as well as add and delete codes—giving you the final say in who comes and goes, and when they do it. Even better, users with Apple TV® can enjoy these tasks remotely.

When a renovation is done the right way, you may never need to repeat the process. This makes open and consistent communication with your home renovation team essential. Be sure to share your vision and ask questions as they arise. At the same time, expect the professionals working with you to communicate regularly and address all your concerns.

Take the time to carefully select a timeframe for your renovation that best fits your schedule. Keep in mind that unforeseen circumstances can cause delays. Build this into the timeline so you aren't taken by surprise.

Prioritize projects that will potentially raise the value of your home. According to FortuneBuilders, the top 10 greatest returns on investment for home renovations include bathroom and kitchen remodels, landscaping, replacing entry doors and replacing windows. It is also wise to choose products that come with transferrable warranties, as this will give your property a tangible advantage on the market when it's time to sell.