There comes a time in every homeowner’s life when they want to upgrade. Remodeling your house isn’t a small task, though. It requires a lot of planning to get the job done.
If you’re ready to take the plunge and remodel your home, here’s where you should start.
Know Why You’re Remodeling Your Home
There are many reasons why someone would want to remodel their home. You may want to increase your home’s resale value or make a change to your forever home. Knowing your end goal will help when you start the planning process.
Consider Your Budget
What you intend to upgrade or fix within your home will be determined by your budget. For instance, if you’re planning on doing a full kitchen renovation, you’ll probably need to hire a custom home remodeling company.
This will obviously cost more than if you’re simply planning to replace your kitchen appliances. Know how much you’re able to spend on a remodeling project and what the estimated cost is for every aspect.
Name Your Nonnegotiables
As you look through your budget, you might realize there are certain things that will require compromise. Maybe the kitchen countertops you originally wanted are too expensive. Instead, you’ll need to opt for a cheaper option.
However, don’t forget that a remodel is an investment in your future. Consider the items that you believe are your nonnegotiables. That way, you know the areas of your kitchen remodel that have a little extra wiggle room if things need to change.
Decide When To Do The Remodel
Regardless of what you’re remodeling, it’s going to take time. It will require you to clear out rooms by packing up belongings and putting them in storage. And depending on the extent of the remodel, it may take a lot longer than you anticipate.
Make sure you’re not planning to start the remodel when you have an upcoming engagement or family vacation planned. The contractors are going to need you around during this time.
Consider What You Can DIY
On the other hand, not every part of the remodeling process will require the help of a licensed contractor. There will be parts of the project you can do on your own. For example, if you’re planning on switching out the carpet for hardwood floors, you can save money by ripping up the carpet yourself.
Be careful when deciding what you can do yourself and when you should hire a professional. According to the National Association of Homebuilders, more than 30% of remodeling jobs are a result of a failed DIY project.
Get Quotes From Contractors
As much as you might want to save money and do a lot yourself, most major home remodeling projects require the help of professionals.
If there are electrical, plumbing, or gas lines involved, you’ll need to hire a licensed contractor. Don’t forget to do your research to see if they’re properly certified.
Start by getting quotes and timelines from different contractors and builders. Compare them to make sure they fit within your budget and desired time frame.
Check For Reviews
It’s always a good idea to get recommendations from people you know and trust. Yet, sometimes you’ll have to find a contractor yourself.
Always check their reviews. Testimonials are a great way to see how previous clients may have felt about the quality of their work and whether or not they were professional on the job.
Start Packing
Now that you’ve found a quality contractor or builder to work with on your remodeling project, it’s time to pack up the house and get it ready for construction.
You may have extra space in your garage or attic. But you also might want to consider getting a small storage unit to avoid excess clutter in your house. Remember, it might be a while before your home is back in order again.
Keep Kids and Pets Safe
Major remodeling projects are considered to be construction zones. There could be dangerous tools or hazardous materials lying around that could be harmful to your children or pets.
A great tip is to use baby gates to keep curious ones out of dangerous areas.
Conclusion
Getting started with a home remodel is going to require planning. Think about not just the budget, but also the logistics that are involved with a remodel.
Your home will need to be packed up. Routines might be thrown off because certain rooms are out of commission. Children and pets need to be kept away from construction areas.
Plan out as many details as you can beforehand and most importantly, be diligent when deciding on the right contractors for the job.
