If you’re thinking about remodeling your home, renovating the house is a great way to increase its value, improve aesthetic appeal, and make your home more welcoming. However, without proper planning, you could end up with mediocre results and massive bills. Read on for 10 tips to ensure a perfect home remodel.
1. Understand your end goal
To decide how extensive you want your home remodeling to be, you should first determine your end goal. Do you intend to stay in the house for years to come, or are you looking to increase the resale value? You should also check the condition of the homes in the neighborhood to determine which renovation guarantees optimal return on your investment and which will be viewed as overdoing it in the locality. By evaluating your end goal, you can decide how far or deep to go with the project.
2. Do your research
Before starting any renovation project, dedicate time to speaking to family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors about the remodeling work they have handled and the challenges they may have experienced. This provides valuable insights to help you have a better plan for your project.
3. Purchase quality materials
Quality construction materials are often at the high end of your budget, so it may be tempting to opt for cheaper alternatives. While the low-priced materials may look just as good, they will not last long. Remodeling your home is already an overwhelming and stressful experience, and the last thing you want is to deal with replacing some products within a few years when they start falling apart. You also do not want to spend thousands of dollars maintaining cheap products in good condition. For these reasons, you should invest in durable, high-quality materials to have a renovation that lasts and adds value. Check out DoorsPlus.com.au for leads to quality products that bring character to your home.
4. Do not push yourself to DIY
One way most homeowners opt to cut the home remodeling costs is by going DIY; after all, there are unlimited resources online. While this can be productive for simple and small DIY renovation projects, you should not push yourself, especially if you lack proper skills, knowledge, and experience.
Home remodeling is time-consuming and expensive, so any mistakes could lead to spending even more money to rectify. Instead of pushing yourself to do everything, only stick to what you are confident you can handle, then leave the rest to a professional.
5. Hire the right contractors
Your contractor can make or break your project and budget, so you should take your time to find the right person for the job. A reliable contractor will not have problems providing a copy of liability insurance and references before the project begins. You should also insist on seeing the before and after pictures of potential contractors’ previous jobs, then trust your gut to choose the right person.
Reading customer reviews and testimonials on different contractors’ websites can help narrow down your search. However, do not solely rely on the testimonials. Find the actual clients who can give you a firsthand account of working with a specific contractor and answer any queries. Alternatively, seek referrals and recommendations from family, friends, or coworkers to experienced contractors within your region.
6. Establish a timeline and detailed contract
Once you identify a contractor who ticks all your boxes, you should sit down and establish a timeline and detailed contract.
Establishing a timeline allows you to set expectations for when specific things should be done, giving you a clear idea of how long the project should take. This is especially crucial when you want your home ready for a specific holiday or event.
Drafting a contract helps you and your contractor be on the same page and ensures all expectations are in writing, giving you peace of mind throughout the project. It also prevents unexpected price increases in the middle of the project. Ensure your contract includes the start and completion date, address, prices, names, and details of what should and should not be done. A contract can be used as evidence in a court of law in case of disagreements with your contractor.
7. Obtain the required permits
Most homeowners consider getting permits for home remodeling as an unnecessary exercise that slows down the renovation project, so they fail to obtain them. This results in unnecessary delays and headaches. Your local authority could demand that you halt or demolish a construction or prevent you from proceeding. Getting a building permit is crucial as it shows your home renovation meets the fire safety and structural requirements. This prevents expensive headaches when you want to sell your home in the future, especially when the buyer requests professional inspections.
8. Consider your daily routine
If you are handling the home renovation by yourself, you may be able to work with the disruptions of the project. However, if you intend to hire a professional contractor, you should be clear about your routine. This will help the contractor schedule when to start and end the house remodeling to cause minimal disruptions to your family’s routine.
9. Protect children and pets
Be sure to think about your children and pets when preparing your home for remodeling. Install child safety gates, electric safety covers, and store sharp or dangerous construction tools out of sight, especially during off-hours when there is minimal supervision of the renovation zone. Consider enrolling your furry friends in a pet boarding facility or let them stay with a family member during the day or the entire construction period to protect them from hazardous chemicals and power tools.
10. Set a budget
Determine how much you are willing to spend on the home renovation project and stick to it. Involve your contractor in the budget-making process or consult a financial advisor to ensure that you create a realistic budget. You should also set aside an additional ten or twenty percent to your budget to cater for unanticipated expenses that may crop up during the renovation process.
Endnote
With proper planning and smart choices, a home remodel is one of the most rewarding investments. Implement the above strategies for a successful house remodel to help you create your dream home.
