Part of being a homeowner is to maintain your home and even improve upon it. Now that the weather is getting cooler, it may be a good time to tackle some of those home renovation projects that you've been putting off. And, now that more people are working from home or their children are doing online learning, one of the most common reno projects is to create a home office. 

Even if you're planning on listing your home soon, home offices are highly sought after by buyers. According to HomeLight's Q3 survey, 45% of surveyed agents revealed that their clients are interested in buying homes with one or more home offices. 

It doesn't matter what kind of renovation project you want to tackle, here are a few tips on how to keep your sanity during the remodeling process.

1. Don't forget your budget

Before you dive on in and start ripping up the carpeting, you need to be honest about your budget. Although you may want an intricate herringbone pattern using expensive mahogany wood in the dining room, your budget may not be so accommodating. Even if you just want to turn a spare room into your office, you should be careful about how much you're spending on furniture, paint, and accessories. 

If you're working on a tight budget, we like the idea of using second-hand furniture because it'll be more affordable than buying new. And, with second-hand furniture, you're probably getting something that's made with better materials (real wood instead of particle board) and you can even personalize it with bold paint, unique fabric, and other fun touches. 

2. Give yourself enough time

Doesn't it seem like that no matter how much you plan, something always goes wrong? Regardless of the job, be it painting the hallway or replacing the floors, consider adding an extra day or two to your estimated timeline. That way, you can take your time and make sure everything goes smoothly and you aren't rushing to make your deadline.

3. It's okay to spend extra money on something special

Although we just said that you need to be mindful of your budget, that doesn't mean you have to be frugal for everything. Let's say you're working on a home office because you work from home and you spend a lot of time at the desk. So, you can spend a little more money on things like lighting, your chair, going all out on a custom shelving system to keep everything neat and organized. 

4. Hire a licensed and insured contractor

There's a lot of options regarding where to make a home office. Sometimes it's as simple as putting a desk in a spare bedroom. Other people need a whole set up, therefore converting a space in the basement is the more viable option. 

Regardless of what route you choose to go with, you will want to assess your skill level and go from there. If you find that you need a contractor, don't hire just anyone! Check the BBB to find local contractors that are licensed, insured, and have a good reputation. You can even ask friends, family, or your real estate agent (if you're planning to list) for recommendations. 

5. Take a deep breath and relax

There's already a lot going on in the nation and when you add a renovation project on top of it, it's understandable if you need to get away for a bit. Don't push yourself to the point of rage quitting! If things aren't going right and you need to get out of the house, go for a walk, read a book, or have a nice dinner with someone special. 

When you're ready to come back to the project, you'll have a clear head and will less likely to make any mistakes or have any accidents!