Things to Consider Before a Remodeling Project

Remodeling your home is a major decision that will quickly become the center of your life and finances over the course of the project, and brings with it a need for great patience. When deciding to embark on an invasive renovation project, it’s important to place much thought into your goals, visions, and the work that needs to be done before even swinging a hammer. If you’re seriously considering upgrading your home, be sure to give the following things a twice-over in order to ensure your remodel is a successful one!

Have a Goal in Mind

Why are you remodeling? Are you hoping to place your home on the marker within the next year or so? If that is the case, research your neighborhood and the surrounding houses to figure out which remodels will really add value to your property. Take note of similar homes that have sold, considering the features they have and what they may have been sold for. Use this research to prioritize what aspects of your home you should remodel.

If your goal is to upgrade your own lifestyle and plan on staying in your home for years to come, you probably don’t have to consider the current market as heavily. Go in with a fairly concrete plan of what you want your remodel to look like- granite countertops or marble? A double vanity or a grotto shower? Going in with a plan will prevent you from overspending on additional things you never really considered needing in the first place.

Prep the area

You wouldn’t paint over a navy blue wall without priming first, right? When remodeling, don’t put all of the time and energy (not to mention the money!) into beautifying a space only to have to go back and fix major infrastructure issues. Be sure to add these to your house wide check-up:

• Check pipes for leaks or cracks caused by age or harsh winter weather. Not only can the average household’s leaks waste up to 10,000 gallons of water, but can lead to even more costly damages such as mold in drywall or damage to flooring. Doing a quick search for plumbers near me will connect you with a plumbing expert in your area who can determine what’s best for your remodeling project. Your hired pro will know if you need a quick fix or a full plumbing replacement.
• Educate yourself on the life spans of each major appliance and evaluate if it’s time to bring in newer models into your budget. Having sleek appliances will only add to the aesthetics of your new remodel! No need to dole out the cash on brand new, either- used and refurbished models are just as good. Opt for eco-friendly, energy-efficient versions to see a return on your utility bill!
• Finally, get around to those minor repairs. Whether it’s fixing the showerhead to finally have proper water pressure, rewiring that one light fixture that is always a little dimmer than the rest, or hammering back in the loose baseboard, tackling these small inconveniences will help your home be in top shape before you do some major facelifts.

Have a Plan for Outages

If you are planning on doing major work to a kitchen or bathroom, expect spans of time with no water or electricity. If the project is expected to take longer than you initially bargained for, the outages may even span weeks. If this is the case, consider renovating in late spring and summer so you can utilize the outdoors for showering and grilling for your three square meals a day.

Mark Off a Construction-Free Space

Remodeling can be mentally and emotionally invasive on your household, so set aside a space designated for relaxation and reconnecting. If you are planning on remodeling several rooms in the house, don’t tackle all of them at once so as to leave a dining or family room untouched so you can have a break from the mess of drywall, tarps, and construction tools. Your household will appreciate the space to get away from the seemingly endless days of renovations.

Go DIY with the Decor

Just because you may need a professional to install a countertop or tear down a wall or two, doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune on a designer for your home. While the pro will help restructure the room through your remodel, allowing you a new canvas to work with, what you do with decor will make a huge difference in bringing the room to life- and going the DIY route with your home decoration will help you be in control of how much you spend and save!

Get Your Permits

Most big renovation projects will require a permit to begin and finish. Research the federal and local laws regarding home construction projects and apply as soon as possible. Permits can hold up renovation projects by weeks- months, even- so be sure to start the paperwork a season in advance. If you are planning on beginning your remodel at the end of spring, consider obtaining permits during the fall and winter.

Cross Your T’s and Dot Your I’s

When enlisting the help of a contractor, be sure to do in-depth research to find vetted ones with great references! After you’ve found what you feel may be the perfect person for the job, be sure to settle firm agreements on expectations, completion dates, and prices in a contract so as to prevent issues down the road.

You don’t have to go into your next remodel blindly- consider these seven things before beginning to design to your dream home and you’ll be able to save a lot of time and energy. You’ll be enjoying your new home before you know it!