The best homes, like the best people, are always improving. According to a survey of over 1,300 homeowners in the United States, 90 percent are planning to renovate or remodel their home. This is especially true if your home is getting up in years.
In most cases, remodeling your home is the more sensible option than moving to a new place. The average time for most renovation projects take only a few weeks, considerably shorter than the timeline for buying a home.
However, you can run into some serious hiccups with your renovation. Projects could take longer than anticipated, designs may not work out the way you want them to and the dreadful experience of going over budget.
Here are nine tips for avoiding these challenges and ensuring you complete your home remodel efficiently.
1. Plan a Budget
Surveys reveal 31 percent of homeowners renovate their homes without a budget. This is not an ideal situation and you should always plan your remodeling with a budget. This will prevent you from spending too much and putting yourself in financial trouble. A budget should include materials, labor and clean-up, as well as a reasonable safety net in case of emergencies.
2. Select Expensive Items Carefully
When renovating your home, a few expensive items may persuade you to break the bank. Is it a beautiful clawfoot tub for your bathroom? A wrought-iron chandelier for your entry hall? Choose these expensive items carefully and before you start remodeling to ensure you have room in your budget for everything else.
3. Use Technology
Technology can make your remodeling so much easier, if you know how to use it properly. The right programs and devices can help every step of the way. Apps and website can help you find reliable contractors near your home. There are 3D scanning companies that can survey your property and give you exact measurements. And there are programs for determining the best materials and practices. Finding the right technology can shave weeks and hundreds of dollars off your project.
4. Know Your Limitations
You may be tempted to handle your renovations and remodeling yourself. How hard could it be when you’ve watched the YouTube videos, right? Unfortunately, some remodeling projects are a lot more complicated than they appear. Consider your experience and physical condition carefully before trying to DIY a project. Knowing your limitations can save you a lot of time and frustration.
5. Research References
When hiring a contractor, always find companies that have lots of references. And don’t just look at these references. You should pick up the phone and try to contact them. Ask these previous customers how professional the contractors were, if they experienced any issues working with them and will they recommend them to you. These calls will be a lot more illuminating than reading any comments online.
6. Move Kids and Pets
Remodeling is already hard enough without having to worry about the health of your kids and pets. Arrange for your kids to stay away from home if your renovations are extensive and make sure to lock doors and windows to rooms being renovated. Talk to your kids about the dangers of tools and other equipment and lock pets in cages during the night or if no one is around to supervise them. These can prevent accidents and injuries form impeding your project.
7. Make a List
Create a master list of everything you need to get done if you want your renovation to finish underbudget and before deadline. Separate the list into phases, such as before renovation, during renovation and post renovation. Double check this list every day to ensure you’re progressing at a proper pace. A list also makes the prospect of remodel less daunting and more achievable.
8. Don’t Forget Permits
Different cities and states have their own building codes, which you’ll need to follow to secure building permits. Thoroughly research the building codes and permit requirements of your community before undertaking major renovations. Although you probably won’t need a permit to retile your bathroom, you could save yourself some explaining at city hall if you just do your research. Contractor should be intimately familiar with permit laws in your area and you should discuss it with them as soon as possible.
9. Check Seasonal Compatibility
The weather will affect your ability to finish remodeling your home. Unless it’s an emergency, never schedule a remodel during winter, especially if these involve tearing up the walls. This will reduce your insulation and make it difficult to keep your home warm. Late spring to early summer is the ideal time for you to start a remodel, with clear skies and warm temperatures.
Home remodeling can be complicated and stressful projects, but they don’t have to be. These tips and similar advice can help you make your renovation an easy and successful one.