As you plan for your house remodel, you will find that the most tempting thing to do is fast-forward to the fun phase of choosing colors, fixtures and accessories, and upholstering the furniture. However, for any remodeling project to be successful, there are several things to think about in the planning phase before executing anything at all. Below, we give you five tips on what to consider.
1. Define the Purpose
Determining the extent of remodel depends on why you’re remodeling to being with. According to the pros at Watara Homes, while a house extension can create bigger space for you and your family, a home remodel can add value, provide functional living spaces, and recreate the look of your residence.
You will want to identify whether your remodel is aimed at raising the value of your property to put it on the market, or to get a new, refreshed feel of where you live. Having a purpose in place will help you decide how deep to go with your project.
2. Do Your Homework
Make it a point, early on, to start talking to friends, family, and neighbors about any renovation work they might have done. Ask about their experiences with these projects; the challenges they may have faced; the cost of certain items and services; and the time it took for specific tasks. This organic information will help you when it’s time to plan for your project schedule, budget, and manage your expectations regarding the possible obstacles and potential issues.
3. Draw a Timeline
If your house facelift is planned for a certain event, holiday, or occasion, you will want to start planning at your end date and working your way backwards. Given that some unexpected hiccups might arise, as it is the case with most multi-stage projects, make sure to plan for a few weeks to a month of wiggle-room. This will really help when the stress about deadlines is about to kick in.
4. Decide on a Budget
One of the most important aspects of planning a home remodel is knowing your budget from the get go, and sticking to it throughout the project. It is highly recommended to leave some room, or margin if you will, as a contingency fund for possible unexpected costs. You might also want to account for other costs like staying at a hotel for a few nights while the works are on, or eating out for a few days if the kitchen is included in the renovations. Don’t forget that you’ll want to have a spare bit of cash just in case things go wrong and you might have to replace something. You don’t want to spend all your money only to find that you have to replace conservatory roof?
5. Find a Reliable Contractor
Now that you know your goals and limits, it’s time to find a trustworthy contractor to work with. It is highly recommended to hire someone who can provide references and copies of liability insurance. And while client testimonials are a good source of reviews, it would be ideal if you could talk to actual customers who can give details about their experiences with the contractor, and answer the questions you may have. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask your potential contractor anything that comes to your mind, and ask to see before and after pictures of their previous projects. The internet is a fantastic resource when it comes down to finding a contractor to work on your home remodeling project. At just the click of a button, you can find contractor websites like RemodelWorks.com where you can learn more about a remodeling expert to determine whether they are the right fit for your project.
Manage Your Expectations
House renovations and remodels are extensive projects, full of details and steps. While it may be inevitable for things to get challenging, frustrating, or even chaotic at times, knowing what to expect can make or break your experience. With proper research, planning, and making room for errors, in addition to partnering with a good contractor, it is possible for your house remodel to actually go smoothly.
