If you haven’t yet gotten around to that bathroom or kitchen remodel, there’s still plenty of time to tackle it this summer. The hardest part about a remodel is getting started, especially if this is your first remodel experience—for first time remodelers, starting your project can be daunting because you’re unsure where to begin. Below are five tips for getting a jump on your home renovation project before summer is over.

Find Inspiration

You can use Houzz, Pinterest, or HGTV to find inspiration for your remodel project. It’s easy to search for home design projects on Houzz and Pinterest, and to create Houzz Ideabooks or Pinterest Boards with the ideas you love and want to replicate in your home. If you’ll be replacing any doors or windows in your home, look to AG Millworks Luxury Patio Door Systems for inspiring photos of accordion doors and windows that create an indoor-outdoor kitchen or living space.

Hire a Contractor

The best thing you can do for yourself is hire a contractor/builder to manage and execute your renovation. This will help reduce the stress of a DIY remodel, and let you oversee the project from afar. A contractor will help you solve any design dilemmas, know what upgrades require permits, and can help you create the home of your dreams. Find a contractor in your area is easy—ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations or search for local contractors on Houzz. Be sure to check reviews, past projects, and the Contractors State License Board to confirm their license and bond are in good standing, to ensure you’re getting the best professional for your job.

Consult a Sash and Door Expert

If door and window replacement is part of the project, ask your contractor to recommend a trusted door and window dealer that you can visit to look at displays, test products, and learn more about the features and benefits of the doors and windows you are interested in. Visit the dealer with your contractor so he or she can help guide you through the process and let you know what design limitations exist in your space. To visit an AG Millworks Certified Dealer, please contact customer service at 806-644-4494 to find a dealer near you or click here.

Pick Out Materials

When you have a design plan, and you’re working with a sash and door expert, it’s time to select the materials for your project. Visit local building material specialty shops, or head to your nearest Home Depot to choose your favorite combination of flooring, backsplash, countertops, and cabinetry for your project. If you’d prefer to hire a design professional to guide the project, you can show them your inspiration boards and they can create something that will fit your tastes.

Take a Vacation

Once your project is in full swing, consider taking a break from the renovation zone and heading on a relaxing vacation—it is summer after all. Home remodels can be messy and stressful, especially if you’re tackling a kitchen renovation that will leave you without a proper kitchen for weeks. You can escape the construction chaos for a week or two and travel to a new place you’ve been wanting to explore. When it’s time to finally head home, you’ll (hopefully) return to a completely transformed space. And if you chose to expand your home and connect it to the outdoors with an AG Millworks Folding Patio Door, when you return home it will feel like you’re still on vacation!