Remodeling can make you fall in love with your home all over again, but home renovations are hard work! Keep these tips in mind to help you along the way.
Key takeaways
- Assess your home’s condition before starting renovations to avoid unexpected problems and delays.
- Leave room in your budget for unexpected expenses that may arise during the renovation process.
- Prioritize which changes to make first and hire a trustworthy professional who understands your vision and has the necessary licenses and certifications.
1. Assess the condition of your home
Home renovations may reveal some unforeseen problems which can put the updates behind schedule. Understanding the conditions of your home’s electrical wiring, plumbing, and foundation is important for planning your renovations. Simple changes like adding an outlet may require a complete rewiring of your home.
If you ever blow a fuse in a certain room when using too many appliances, this can be a sign that you need to upgrade your electrical system. A good contractor will tell you if certain designs may not work with your home’s existing features, so make sure to listen to their input before you begin.
2. Leave room in your budget
Try your best to research the costs of materials and labor to get an estimated budget. A contractor can look over your budget and let you know if it’s reasonable. Oftentimes, you’ll have a solid budget in mind, but unexpected changes can end up costing more while the renovations are already underway.
3. Prioritize your changes
You should think long and hard about the timing of your renovations. Trying to squeeze several renovations in a short period of time isn’t the best way to go. You should also think about which updates will be the biggest splurges so you can weigh your options. For example, it may be worth it to spend more money updating the kitchen while putting the living room upgrades on pause.
4. Hire a trustworthy professional
It’s better to spend more money hiring someone who knows what they’re doing than to cut costs and put your trust in an inexperienced builder. It’s a good idea to interview multiple contractors before making a decision.
Consider checking their licenses, certificates, and client reviews. Make sure you get along with your contractor and choose someone who understands your vision. Also, make sure to get their proposed plans in writing, as well as a breakdown of the costs.
5. Don’t believe what you see on TV!
Home improvement shows can mislead you when it comes to expenses. Remodeling costs can vary by location, timing, and your home’s existing features. You should also be careful about getting ideas from television or social media. For costly renovations, it’s best to opt for more timeless, classical designs. If you go the trendy route, then your home upgrades may not stand the test of time.
6. Pick new features in person
When it comes to materials such as lighting fixtures or countertops, you should pick these out in person. Make time to visit sample stores so you can visualize how these additions will look in your home. For new materials and appliances, understand that there may be delivery issues or delays. It can be frustrating to have a newly-renovated kitchen, just to wait an extra month for your oven to arrive.
7. Check local building permits
Your local building department should issue home renovation permits. This means that a building inspector has checked that your home improvements follow local ordinances and building codes. For major changes like removing a load-bearing wall or adding a deck, you may need a building permit beforehand. Check your local government’s building codes for more information.
8. Prepare for a not-so-pleasant remodeling period
Home renovations are hard work! A lot of inconveniences will come up during construction like dust, noise, and not being able to use certain rooms in your house. This is partly why timing out your renovations is important. While undergoing renovations may get frustrating at times, try to stay positive and look forward to the final result. After everything is said and done, the finished product will make you love your home even more!
