How to plan your next renovation project

Any home remodeler will tell you that the planning phase is the most important part of any renovation project. If every aspect of the project hasn’t been planned out to the minutest detail before work begins, it’s destined for failure. Here are some tips to help you along as you plan for your next renovation project.

Know what you want

Before can do anything else, you need to have a clear picture in your mind of what it is you want. Are you remodeling for you or are you remodeling to sell? Know what you want out of the project and you’re already on the right track.

Get recommendations for contractors

Unless the remodel is very minor and you are confident you can do it yourself, you’re going to be bringing in a contractor, or contractors, to manage the project. It’s crucial that you get the right people. Ask around in your community for recommendations so you can be sure you’re getting people with a good reputation.

Check credentials

Almost all contractors will need to be licensed with the state depending on the work they specialize in. No matter how good a contractor’s reputation is, you’ll want to verify that they have the necessary license from the state/city and that they are insured. This protects you as the homeowner and ensures that the work is done according to code.

Trust your gut

It may not be scientific but always listen to your gut instincts. You need to have a good rapport with your contractor. If there’s any lack of trust of problems with communication between you and your contractor it can lead to all sorts of problems. If something just doesn’t feel right about a contractor, even if you can’t put your finger on what it is, play it safe and look for a different contractor.

Be prepared to spend more than you thought

When deciding on a budget for the project, always assume that it will cost more than you think. Most contractors recommend setting aside an extra 15% more than you’re anticipating. There are almost always nasty surprises during a project that will add to the cost of the remodel so it’s better to plan for it and be prepared than to hope for the best and be disappointed.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate

The majority of contractors are willing to negotiate on the price to some degree in order to secure the job. If your budget is tight and you want to get the most bang for your buck, don’t be afraid to haggle with the contractor a little. The worst that can happen is he/she says “no.”

Get everything in writing

A written contract is absolutely essential for any remodeling project no matter how big or small. A written contract protects both you and the contractor from any misunderstandings. The contract should spell out the scope of the project in detail, an estimated time frame and list of materials, and the estimated cost. You should also ask that the contractor’s warranty on their work is included in this contract as well.

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Source: consumerreports.org/home-improvement/home-renovation-without-aggravation/

Six things to consider when remodeling your home

Remodeling your home can be a major headache. But it doesn’t have to be. The key to a successful home remodeling project is proper planning. If you take the necessary time to consider the following 6 things before and during a project, the home remodel process will go a lot more smoothly.

1. What’s my budget?

Before you can do anything else, you need to determine what your budget is. If you know people who have done projects similar to what you want to do, you can talk to them and get a feel for what it’s going to cost. It’s always a good idea to have an extra 15% set aside for a contingency. In almost every project, things will crop up and there will be unforeseen costs. In the event everything goes according to plan, you’ll spend less that you were planning on.

2. What do I want to achieve?

In the earliest stages of a remodeling project, it’s easy to get carried away dreaming about all of the things you want to do without sparing a thought for cost. But at some point, you need to get realistic and start defining exactly what it is you want to achieve with your remodel. You can begin to visit home improvement stores and start tallying up the costs for various products that you’re going to need.

3. Am I going to stay or sell?

It’s crucial that you think about the future purpose of your home. If you’re remodeling to sell, for instance, you’re going to want to think about remodeling projects that will add value to your home and make it attractive to prospective buyers. If you’re planning on staying for a long time, then you’re not as concerned with which projects will add value but which projects will improve your quality of life in your home.

4. What style do I like?

This consideration is closely linked to the previous one. If you’re planning on staying in your home, then you want to give more weight to your personal preferences when it comes to interior design decisions. You can feel free to be bolder when it comes to selecting paint color or flooring options. On the other hand, if you’re going to sell in the near future, you’ll want to go with neutral finishes that will appeal to the widest number of people possible.

5. How important are the finishes?

Sometimes the fine details can make all the difference in a remodeling project. Think about possible finishing touches such as interior oak doors and determine how much you can afford to spend on such things.

6. Am I going to do any of the work?

Finally, you should think about what aspects of the project you can do yourself, and which things will need to be done by a contractor. If you’re a confident DIYer you may be able to stretch your remodeling project by doing a lot of the work yourself.

Interior Decorating and Remodeling News Brought to You by ezbaseboardheatercovers.com

Source: tgdaily.com/happyplace/143711-6-things-you-must-consider-when-renovating-your-home

Renovate your home uniquely

How to plan your next renovation project

Six things to consider when remodeling your home