Perhaps you’ve been thinking about changing your kitchen countertops for months. You might have been contemplating about changing the look of your living space. If you’ve been itching to change some things in your home, then perhaps it may be high time for a home renovation project.
Whether you’re updating the look of your house or you are just enhancing a recently bought property, a renovation definitely adds value to your home and refreshes your lifestyle. You can do something as simple as changing the shades of your lamps or you might want something bigger like tearing down an interior wall for bigger space. Whatever your home renovation project may be, it is essential to plan carefully by conducting some research. As such, we’ve prepared eight tips that will help you make better home improvement decisions.
1. Carefully Plan your Budget
A lot of homeowners make the mistake of jumping into their home renovation project with no accurate budget. It is important to note that most remodeling projects go above the initial budget. It is advisable for you to conduct some research and have a list of possible expenses for your project. While doing so, place some cushion around your budget so that you will still have money for unexpected purchases.
2. Should you Hire a Contractor or go DIY?
You may have all the tools and equipment you need for a home renovation project. However, you have to know your limitations and acknowledge that there are projects that cannot be handled by DIY enthusiasts. You should only do the project yourself when you absolutely believe that you can do a better job than professionals.
You might have the skills to deliver quality workmanship and in this case, the end-result would be better than what most contractors in your area can produce. On the other hand, you should still remember that do-it-yourself projects tend to take a longer time to complete as compared to hiring a professional. It is worth noting that you can still save money by having the project completed in a timely manner.
Sometimes, acknowledging your limitations and knowing when to hire professionals can save you more money. You can be your own contractor when you have a clear vision for your home remodelling project. If you have the right connections in the construction industry, you can definitely pull off being your own project’s contractor.
3. For Limited Budgets, Prioritize Necessary Projects
There are some home remodeling projects that may seem more important than the others. When you prioritise them, you can avoid further damages that may cost you a lot of money. For example, if you see some cracks on your kitchen countertops, you might want to focus on fixing or replacing them first. On the other hand, winter may come soon and you find it uncomfortably cold for your feet when you walk on your hardwood floors. In this case, it would be advisable to focus your home improvement project on installing carpet on your floors even before winter comes.
4. Allowing the Contractor to Buy the Materials
You might have heard somewhere that contractors mark up the cost of building materials. Well, you’ve heard right because such is typically true. Now, do not rush into buying the materials yourself, thinking that you will save money by doing so. The truth is you would just exert more effort and time while not making much difference in your renovation expenses.
You see, contractors have good connections in the market and they can get materials at discounted rates. This means that even after the mark-up, the cost of the materials would still be the same as what you can find when you go out and purchase them yourself. So, if you want to save time and effort, you’re better off with letting your contractor purchase the materials.
5. Keep Changes at a Minimal
It is perfectly normal to make changes while the home renovation project is underway. However, you have to acknowledge that every change you make can cause delays and extra expenses, no matter how small it is. Even the process of discussing the changes can cost you money. You have to ensure that everyone involved in the project clearly knows about the change. Otherwise, they will waste time and money working on the previous plan. Always remember that changes cause additional expenses and delays. Before you start the project, make sure that you carefully plan everything so you can avoid making changes.
6. Wisely Manage your Extra Budget
We’ve discussed that you have to put a cushion around your budget for unexpected expenses. People rarely spend within their intended budget when undertaking a home renovation project. On the other hand, make sure that you carefully think about where you spend your contingency fund. As much as possible, only use them for unexpected expenses and not for unnecessary modifications. If you initially planned a living room renovation, stick to that and avoid extending the project towards your kitchen or bathroom. Other projects can be saved for another budget and time.
7. Carefully Plan your Home Renovation Design
Some home renovation projects require hiring an architect, while others need an interior decorator. On the other hand, a skilled and talented builder would sometimes suffice. When planning your home renovation design, it is important to stick to the timeless look and veer away from fleeting trends. For instance, you might want a modern design. It would be advisable to incorporate that with some timeless elements like neutral colours and patterns. In this way, you would not have trouble finding a buyer when you resell your property.
8. Moving out or Staying During the Renovation
Most people prefer to stay in their house during the renovation project. A home improvement is expensive enough and moving out even racks up the cost of the project. However, you have to be willing to deal with coming home to a messy and stressful construction site. It is also worth noting that living in the house can be hazardous for the kids and the pets. If you have the budget to move out during your home renovation, then do so. You can also use this time to go on a trip or move to a comfortable vacation place.
Home remodeling projects can be overwhelming. However, with careful planning and budgeting, you will be able to make the project a lot easier to handle. What’s important is you consult professionals and review your options before making any decisions.
Author’s Bio: Carmen Bean is a content writer for Aurora Stone. During her free time, she enjoys collecting photos of her dream book nook and home office on Pinterest. Fun fact: Carmen has never met a cupcake she didn’t like.
