Whether you’re planning a renovation in a home you’ve just purchased, one you’ve lived in for years, or one you plan to sell in the near future, there are some important questions that everyone should consider before beginning their renovation. No matter what the size of your project, taking time to prepare and get organized ahead of time can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Here are some of the essential questions all renovators should ask themselves:

What’s Your Time Frame?

Renovations have a tendency to take longer than expected. The best thing homeowners can do is sit down and look at their time frame to get a clear sense of what’s realistic. First, look at your ideal timeline. Is there a hard end date that must be met? It’s wise to incorporate some wiggle room in your plan. Then, if you’re working with a contractor or other professional, confirm that your timeline is reasonable from their perspective as well.

What’s Your Budget?

I’d recommend doing this is a similar way to creating your timeline. First, map out your ideal budget, then make some wiggle room. You want to know your max budget as well as what you’d like to spend, and it’s good for there to be some space between the two. Once you’ve determined a financial plan, consult with the people you’ll be working with. You can let them know your ideal budget and trust that if anything unexpected comes up, you’ll have some flexibility to address it.

What’s Your Inspiration?

Renovations require attention to detail, and having some clear sources of inspiration can really help pull them together. Whether it’s some magazine images, photos from a favorite blog, fabric clippings, or a specific piece of furniture, getting in touch with your inspiration behind the renovation can ensure it goes it the right direction. If you’re working with others, share this so everyone is on the same page.

What’s Your End Goal?

Do you want a kitchen that’s more functional for a large family? Do you want a bedroom with plenty of storage? Do you want to make your living room more appealing to prospective buyers? Just like identifying your inspiration, you also want to identify a clear end goal and share it with anyone working on the project. When questions come up, this can help inform your answers.

What Are Your Priorities?

Sometimes, after considering your timeline and budget, you might find that doing the renovation you imagined isn’t in the cards. It’s essential to know your priorities so that you end up with a finished product you love. Determine which aspects of the renovation are most important to you, and communicate those as you begin planning.

If you’re considering a renovation, it’s important to ask yourself some important questions so you have the clarity you need for a successful project. Beyond giving yourself clarity, you need to be able to communicate these things to the people you’re working with. By asking yourself these questions ahead of time, you’ll be prepared to guide the renovation the way it needs to go.