Looking to start a home remodel? Keep in mind these tip while planning your next remodel.
Be prepared. Preparation is everything. Do as much planning in advance as you possibly can. Take time to educate yourself. The more you know about what you want and how you hope to achieve it, the easier the process will be once you bring in a contractor. Use these do’s and don’ts:
DO know what you want.
Clarity is the name of the game. Have a clear vision of what you want your remodel to achieve. Some questions to get you started: what problems does your current layout create? What does your current floor plan lack, that you desire?
As an example, saying, “I’d like a kitchen that has a more modern, open layout while not sacrificing counter space,” gives far more insight to your contractor much more than just “I want to redo the kitchen.”
DO accurately assess what you have.
Often, in the planning part of the remodeling process, it is easy for our imagination to run away with images on Pinterest and Houzz. Who wouldn’t want a wider shower, linen closet and the addition of a garden tub Jacuzzi added to their half bath? Unfortunately, the tape measure may have different plans. Take a good long look at your home, and decide whether your dream renovation will fit, in terms of both style and physical proportions.
DO do your homework and know the sizes and types of building materials available.
Using standard sized lumber, cabinets, and even shower pans will save you money and often time. Furthermore, do product research to make sure you’re familiar with the pro’s and con’s of the products you’re interested. Don’t be afraid to talk to your contractor, too, about the products you’re interested in. Often, they’ve worked with the product, and can offer professional insight that the general consumer may not be aware of.
DON’T ignore the law.
Find out which jobs your local government requires you to pull a permit for and whether you will need to have the work inspected to verify that it is up to code. Also consider any Home Owner Association standards that may need to be met (especially when it comes to exterior projects) to stay compliant.
DO be realistic about the return on investment.
Consider the value of your home and what features other properties in the neighborhood have, especially before putting your house up for sale. With any sort of remodel, you should keep in mind adding value into the property. It’s perfectly valid to research real estate listings for your area to figure out what’s popular and marketable.
DO take sustainability and health into consideration.
Consider the long-term investments you can make to improve your home. Wherever possible, choose upgrades that will conserve energy and improve your home’s indoor air quality.
DON’T overpay on a remodel that relies heavily on materials which are cheaply made and/or incredibly trendy.
If you are planning to stay in your current home for the foreseeable future, choose high quality materials in classic styles. Trends come and go, but classic styles are timeless. And the quality of the product will be well worth the investment.
DON’T focus on surfaces only.
Take the opportunity when your walls are opened up to evaluate the structures making your home run. Consider if it’s time to upgrade the power box or your piping. While, neither are as sexy as that new tile you’re putting in, they are sound investments. Done right, will save you money and time down the road.
DO be realistic about your budget.
Know your budget. Know your vision, and know what you’re willing to compromise on. Often, homeowners underestimate the budget for the perfect HGTV remodel, or Pinterest perfect vision. You have an accurate estimation of what your preferred products are going to cost, delivery fees and all.
Prepare for unexpected expenses. A good contractor will offer a proposal detailing the foreseeable labor, but it’s not uncommon to open up a wall, and find out there’s an entirely different problem underneath. Add at least 15% to 20% extra to cover unexpected problems (like repairing water damage behind that shower you’re replacing, perhaps).
DON’T overestimate your tolerance level.
Will you be up to living in your home in the midst of a full-scale remodel- even when you have no kitchen or floor? Three weeks may not sound too bad on paper, but when it comes to the actual project, it may be a different story.