The planning process is one of the most exciting parts of a home renovation project. With many of us spending more time at home than ever before, now’s the time to dream big and get ready.

Whether it’s a basement makeover, a pool addition, or even building a new house from scratch, here are some tips to get started:

Factor in your lifestyle

Think about your priorities and lifestyle — do you work remotely without a proper home office? Do you enjoy cooking and entertaining? Is your backyard living up to its potential as an extension of your home? Asking these kinds of questions can help you determine the most beneficial focus for your next project.

Educate yourself

A home makeover is a big investment, and any decisions you make will hopefully last for years to come. So, take some time to learn about materials, processes, and new innovations you can incorporate in your designs. You can make smarter purchasing decisions by finding out the answers to key questions, such as: Is this material mold resistant? How long will it last? Is this a passing fad or will it stand the test of time?

Consider sustainability

Products and materials that reduce your carbon footprint don’t just help the planet — they’re often better for your wallet, too. When doing your research, look for energy-efficient appliances, windows, walls, and more to build a greener home that will last longer and save you money in the long run.

You can also check to see that the products you’re considering using are made of eco-friendly materials by reviewing its Declare label, or if they contribute to green certification programs, such as LEED green building rating systems.

Disaster-proof your design

The pandemic has taught us that sometimes the worst can happen. From natural disasters to fires and flooding, we need our homes to offer as much protection as possible.

Whether you’re planning an extension to your home, pools and spas for your backyard, or a custom-built home, Nudura insulated concrete forms are a smart investment. An eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials like wood, ICFs are disaster resilient, designed to withstand wind, fire, tornados, and more. Plus, they help create a well-insulated home for a more comfortable indoor environment and monthly savings on your energy bills.

Plan for smart splurges and savings

Budgeting is one of the most important parts of the planning process because you want to spend your hard-earned money wisely. You’ll want to splurge on items that will boost your property value, like energy-efficient features, creating more living space, and a solid foundation.

Meanwhile, upcycling and repurposing furniture, DIY-ing simpler projects like painting, and spending more on nicer hardware but less on cabinets are clever ways to save.

Find more inspiration and ideas for your home renovation in our residential applications gallery featuring ICF homes from across North America.