Best Tips for a Successful Home Remodeling Project

Home remodeling can be a daunting task, but it provides results that are well worth it in the end.  From raising your home’s value, to creating a workspace, to simply making it more comfortable, remodeling can have huge benefits for you, your home, and your family.   However, few things are more inconvenient than a home remodeling job gone wrong.  To avoid mistakes or delays, let’s look at the most important tips to remember before the work begins.  

Tip #1: Don’t begin without a plan.

This is the most important thing to remember when it comes to home remodeling.  Don’t ever just start hiring people or taking out walls without a thorough plan and careful consideration.  Planning ahead when it comes to parts, appliances, or other furnishings you will need will help prevent delays later down the line.   Essentially, before beginning you should have a crystal clear idea of your end goal and desired timeline.  This could be raising the value in order to resell at a higher price, creating space for a family, or simply taking care of normal wear and tear house maintenance.  Each of these goals will require different processes and techniques, so never begin without knowing exactly what you are aiming for.

Tip #2: Always budget.

A critical part of your planning should be sitting down with a spreadsheet or other document and laying out your exact budget and where it will be spent.  Make sure to calculate labor costs, permits,  parts, and any other costs you will have like flooring or appliances.   A good rule of thumb here is to plan for a 10% unexpected overhead cost.  This should cover any surprises so that you won’t break the bank if the costs overrun.  Getting multiple quotes is always a good idea, and if the budget isn’t working then you’ll have to either finance it with a loan or remove certain items until you get to just the most essential parts. 

Tip #3: Work out a plan for kitchen/bathroom needs before starting.

Not much is worse than not having a kitchen or bathroom for weeks at a time.  To manage this major aspect of the project try to plan ahead as much as possible, like setting up a temporary area with a refrigerator and microwave to cook in while the work is being done.   If you only have access to one bathroom, things might get a little trickier for a bathroom remodel.  Try to establish a plan with a friend or relative to use theirs, or you may end up needing to resort to a hotel.  Try to plan ahead as much as you can and try to ensure the project will be completed as quickly as possible. 

Tip #3: Be professional.

Always remember that things can go wrong, delays might happen, and there will be a certain level of inconvenience you have to deal with.  To do your part, always be reachable, follow along as the steps of the project are completed, and try to be a reasonable “boss” of the project whenever possible. However, this professionalism works both ways as well.  Be sure to closely examine any contracts you sign, and try for an agreed upon “fixed price” contract that locks in costs for materials, labor, and other aspects of the job.  The contract should be as detailed as possible, with all information correct, and preferably an accurate start and end date for the job.  

Tip #4: Put away any valuables or breakable items before the project starts.

One of the most inconvenient things that can upset or delay a home remodeling job is if an accident or mistake happens and damages something in the house.  While this is unlikely, it’s always smart to ensure it won’t happen by putting away any rugs, lamps, vases, paintings, or other expensive or cherished items before the work starts. Likewise, always be sure to wrap or cover immobile furnishings like a chandelier or cabinets.  Plastic sheeting or bedsheets work well for this, and flooring that isn’t being worked on should be covered with similar materials like cardboard.  If you don’t take these precautions, you run the risk of losing something you can’t replace or ending up in a lengthy battle over liabilities. 

Tip #5: Treat yourself!

Remember that there won’t be many opportunities like this that come along to upgrade things that are important to you!  At the end of the day, a fancier bathtub, showerhead, kitchen sink, or other appliance you use daily won’t cost that much more than a standard one.   Most of the costs involved will come from labor, and the parts will have a certain cost anyways.  Don’t be afraid to treat yourself and remember that visible and desirable upgrades like this, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, can greatly increase resale value. Home remodeling is an excellent way to improve your life and make your house more comfortable.  Contact a home remodeling company today and get the process started!