7 Tips for Starting Your Remodel
The prospect of an updated home can be enticing. When everything is done you will have a home that is more attractive and functional. But getting to the finish line can be a challenge with all of the potential hurdles between here and there. In construction there is a saying, “measure twice, cut once.” In order for your remodel to go as smoothly as possible, you must take your time to plan carefully. Here are seven tips to help you plan your remodel.
Get Inspired
The most fun part of the planning process is seeking inspiration. You get to pour over glossy home magazines, binge watch HGTV and browse around home improvement stores. You should be looking not only for aesthetics but for function as well. Think about the area you are going to remodel. Think about how you use the space currently. Are there things you could do to make it function better? How do designers on your favorite home shows solve the same problems? Would their solutions work for you?
Do Your Research
How much renovating you do to your house is ultimately up to you, but there are a few factors you should consider. If you think you will be moving sometime in the next five years, then your renovation should be done with an eye toward improving the value of the home. If you plan to stay in your home long-term, then the renovation is entirely for you and your family.
If you are seeking to improve the value of your home, you should look at realtor websites to get an idea of what homes are going for. If your renovation improves the value of your home, then it can help you sell your home later. But if the renovations your are considering price you out of your local market, you may need to reconsider.
Keep Your Paper Work Organized
Over the course of your remodel, from planning to purchasing, to hiring contractors and achieving the finished product, you are going to receive a lot of paperwork. There will be plans, contracts and receipts just to name a few. You will likely need that paperwork for one reason or another. You may need a receipt when a fixture you ordered arrives broken. You may need to refer back to a contract to see what the terms of your agreement were. For your own sanity, it is a good idea to keep it organized and in one place. Have different folders for each space that is being renovated if it is a large-scale renovation. Or, organize your folders by type of document such as receipts in one, contracts in another, etc.
Have a Budget
Determining a budget is one of the most important parts of your project. It can help narrow down what you will and will not do in the renovation. It may help you decide which materials to use. Making a detailed budget will especially help to prevent you from spending more than you can afford. Plan your budget carefully so that you have at least an additional 20% set aside for the unexpected problems that inevitably come up during remodels.
Find Reliable Contractors
You will need good contractors to get your remodel done properly. If you have friends who have recently been through a remodel, you might ask them about their contractor. You can also check out online sites like Angie’s List. Another good place to look is at your local home improvement store. Sometimes they keep lists of contractors or have bulletin boards with information about local contractors. Make sure contractors are insured and have references.
Develop a Schedule
When will you start renovations and how long will they take? Sometimes renovations can take longer than expected. But when you are in the middle of renovation chaos, having a light at the end of the tunnel will help you get through. It is a good idea to plan renovations so that you avoid any important dates like the beginning of the school year or a wedding. Talk to your contractor before you get started to determine a schedule.
Plan Your Logistics
How extensive will the remodel be and where will you live while it is happening? If your remodel is only focused on one area of the home, you may be able to stay in your home. If your remodel is more extensive, you may need to stay with someone else or rent a hotel room. If you develop a schedule before hand, that will help you to decide on lodgings.
When you are preparing to renovate you home, planning is one of the most important parts of your renovation. It will help you stay on budget and make sure that the results are what you want them to be. These seven tips can help you plan the perfect remodel.
