Ignite FB Tracking PixelHome remodeling: How to prepare for any project - The Hickox Team
Keller Williams Realty River Cities
The Hickox Team, Keller Williams Realty River CitiesPhone: (205) 901-6756
Email: [email protected]

Home remodeling: How to prepare for any project

by The Hickox Team 07/07/2025

Home remodeling can be a stressful and complicated experience. Many homeowners want to remodel to increase property value, boost square footage and enhance the quality of their living space, but are hesitant due to anxiety over logistics and possible mistakes.

However, with the right preparation, you can save time and ease the pressure of even the largest home remodeling endeavors. If you’re worried about being ready for your next home remodeling project, here are some expert tips to help you prepare:

Make a list

There are a few important reasons making a list of your permanent belongings is crucial to preparing for a major home remodeling project. Making note of your belongings and their values is important for insurance purposes, and will help you mitigate the costs in case something is lost or damaged.

Listing items can also help you organize them before home remodeling, especially if you need to store them somewhere temporarily. Since most storage units are priced by the square foot, knowing exactly how much room you’ll need for storage prevents you from losing money on too large or small of a space.

Clear out consumables

If a kitchen upgrade is part of your home remodeling plan, try to reduce the amount of food and drink items you’ll need to pack away. Challenge yourself to eat or cook everything in your freezer, for example, or clean out perishable items in your kitchen cabinets. It will be easier to work with fewer items, and you can help prevent food waste at the same time.

Home renovation ideas involving bathrooms can also benefit from this strategy. Consolidating personal care items before a home remodel will create more space and even mitigate costs of replacing lost or damaged items.

Check your security

Unfortunately, a work-in-progress remodel can leave your home vulnerable to theft or damage. Some ways to keep you and your belongings safe while your home is a construction site include adding smart locks with timers, installing video doorbells and storing your most important items in a safe.

Many home remodeling ideas require one or more professional third parties to access your home. Clarify insurance options and policies with contractors, interior designers and delivery people to make sure your project is as secure as possible. Not only will these methods make a big difference in protecting your home during the renovation, they will continue to benefit you once it’s finished.

About the Author
Author

The Hickox Team

Hi! We are David and Evelyn - The Hickox Team!

With a shared passion for helping people find where you truly belong—whether it’s a dream home or a strategic commercial space—we’ve combined our experience, heart, and hustle to better serve you, as our client across the Chattahoochee Valley. 

David brings sharp negotiation skills and market insight, and I bring creative strategy, relationship-driven service, and a love for both Residential and Commercial real estate. Together, we bring a perfect blend of strategy, service, and savvy, to elevate every step of your Real Estate journey.

We believe that real estate is not just about property—it’s about people, purpose, and possibility.

If you’re buying, selling, investing, or just want advice—we’re here for you.

-TheHickoxTeam 

Every Home Begins with 'H"

Keller Williams Realty River Cities

Meet David

"When I think of dedication and drive in Real Estate, I think of David Hickox. Not only is David my professional partner, he’s also my fiancé — which means I get a front-row seat to the determination and care he puts into every property detail and client interaction."

-Evelyn Forston

I’m David Hickox—a dedicated real estate advisor serving the Chattahoochee Valley with a focus on results, relationships, and real value. My approach is grounded in strategy, honesty, and a deep respect for the goals and dreams of every client I work with.

I bring sharp market insight, strong negotiation skills, and a calm, solutions-focused mindset to every transaction. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling an investment property, or expanding your portfolio, I’m here to make the process smooth, strategic, and successful.

As co-lead of The Hickox Team with my fiancé Evelyn—an incredible Realtor and partner in every sense—we combine our strengths to deliver a real estate experience that’s both heart-led and results-driven. Together, we bring creativity, clarity, and commitment to the table every step of the way.

Outside of real estate, I enjoy staying active, watching the Braves and SEC football, working out, spending time with family and my sweet fiancé, Evelyn. 

Let’s connect—I’d be honored to help you take the next step with confidence.

Call me at 912-596-4261

Meet Evelyn

Hi, I’m Evelyn Forston —a people-oriented, house-obsessed, dog-loving soul!💛🏡🐾

I'm a Realtor, Advisor and Associate Broker serving both Residential and Commercial Real Estate clients across Georgia and Alabama. I believe Real Estate is more than closings and contracts—it’s about connection, service, and walking with people through some of life’s biggest milestones.

I don't just sell properties—I shepherd people through meaningful life transitions with my professional partner, who is also my fiancé- David Hickox.

Whether I’m helping a family buy their first home, assisting an investor with a new commercial venture, or supporting someone in a major life transition, I treat every client with care, strategy, and heart. My experience spans residential and commercial sales, multi-family, single-family, and property management—which means I can offer smart advice, creative solutions, and real results.

I grew up in the Chattahoochee Valley and proudly graduated from both Brookstone School and Columbus State University. I love this community deeply and it shows in how I live and serve. I’m a 2022 East Alabama Leadership graduate, a 2025 “star” for the Alzheimer’s Association Dancing Stars of Columbus, a member of the East Alabama Board of Realtors, and I serve as the 2025 Entertainment Committee Chair for the Columbus Board of Realtors.

I live, work, and thrive in the Columbus, GA / Phenix City, AL area with my fiancé and real estate partner, David Hickox and my two pups, Cupcake and Aubs. We love helping people turn dreams into keys and investments into income.

Call me at 205-901-6756

💫 Explore what’s happening in the area:

Always Uptown Events

Chattahoochee Valley Living Calendar

#ResidentialAndCommercial #RealtorLife #Teamwork #YourNextMoveStartsHere 

Keller Williams Realty River Cities-Official