9 Tips to Read Before Home Renovation
The thrill of a home renovation can be quickly reduced by unforeseen circumstances, stretched budgets and other unexpected issues. The good news is that most of the time these problems can be alleviated, if not completely avoided, by paying attention to the warning signals. Read on as we go through the essential home renovation tips that should be considered before you start your repair.
1. Make a realistic budget
While it goes without saying that every project needs a budget to keep costs under control, it is not always an easy task to find the balance between your dream models and the amount you have set for a project. This is why it is essential to get a real understanding of pricing, both in terms of materials and workmanship, in order to assess expectations accordingly.
Unfortunately, TV shows for home improvement and renovation can sometimes be misleading in terms of costs, which can vary greatly depending on location and time. Therefore, be sure to look at a contractor on your budget and confirm that it is realistic.
2. Set on a Sensible Scope of Work
Once you have set a realistic budget, you will need to explain exactly what work can be done and when. You may also need to ask yourself some tough questions about what you really need versus what you just want. This will help you identify the true purpose of the project and set important rules. It can also help in scheduling and determining what work happens when.
3. Determine Splurge-Worthy Items Upfront
Learning which items to spend your money on goes hand in hand with creating a realistic budget and defining a reasonable scope of work. The sooner you can make this determination, the more likely you are to stay on track with costs. Think about which items you will use most often, as these are products that may be worth a higher price. If you have a tight budget, you may want to save on cosmetic finishes, as these items can be easily changed over time.
4. Create a Clear Vision in Mind
From the tiles that will be glued to the walls to the equipment that will be installed, anyone who has completed a home renovation before knows that it is better to get everything before you start work. This is because you will have to make many decisions once the renovation starts, and the more you have done before, the better – and more educated – you will be. Online tools like Pinterest, showroom visits and/or sample material can help, and don’t be afraid to start buying items to get the ball rolling
5. Understand What’s Already Around
Existing conditions in a home can radically change the budget and purpose of a renovation, as sometimes something seemingly simple like adding an extra addition to a room can result in rebuilding an entire home. If you know, for example, that you occasionally blow a fuse when you turn on the hairdryer and the dryer works at the same time, this should be a hint you may need to update your electrical system.
6. Know Who You’re Hiring
If you decide to hire a renovation general contractor or individual subcontractors for this job, it is important to find the right team to complete the renovation of your home. While word-of-mouth recommendations from friends may be enough for some, you might also consider doing a full check on your contractor – asking for their license, insurance certificate, lien history, bond number and certification – to assure you we are dealing with a professional who is in good financial condition. Equally important is finding a contractor you agree with, who understands your vision, so it may be helpful to have a preliminary interview or discussion before formally engaging the services.
7. Don’t Make Assumptions Based On Television
While we are fans of home improvement shows just as often, many series can make certain projects, such as laying a study wall or installing new bathroom vanity, look extremely simple – and they can be for a professional or advanced DIY-er.
However, if you are considering a home renovation, think practically about what you can and cannot do; painting the walls of a small bathroom may be entirely feasible by itself, but painting the entire walls of a 4,000-square-foot home is likely to be less so. While you may think you will save a lot of money doing the work yourself, if it is something unknown, it may cost even more to have a professional unlock and then complete the project properly.
8. Prepare to Live in Discomfort During the Renovation Time
Living through a home renovation can be a trial experience – an experience that is often filled with dust, and many take-out. Even the most meticulous contractors cannot keep dust and dirt from flying everywhere, so know that your home will not be as clean as you normally keep it and try not to let it bother you. “If you think it will be a lot for you to handle, it is not unusual to rent a place to stay, you can also go on vacation or live with friends or family for a few weeks until the house is a little more “livable “.
9. Remember to Stay Positive
There has not been a home renovation yet that has been gentle, with no single noises, so be prepared for days when things just aren’t going right. Naturally, you want everything to go perfectly according to plan, but with so many products and people involved, it is unusual that everything will turn out exactly as you imagined, which can be disappointing and sometimes even costly.
However, at the same time, keep things in perspective: simply because something is not delivered on time or because you are a little behind schedule is not the end of the world and it is better to try and have the “how can we fix this?” mentality rather than “whose fault is this?” Most importantly, keep an eye on the prize and remember that the renovation will not go on forever, although it may sometimes seem so in the process.
