Remodeling your home can increase your property value, improve your home's functionality, and give you the lavish features you've been dreaming of. Yet, it's not a project to take lightly. A complete or partial home remodel is an extensive undertaking that requires foresight and careful planning. Renovating a home is often costly and inconvenient, but having the right strategies helps you to keep costs reasonable and complete the renovations you've been dreaming of. Try these 10 remodeling tips for a successful renovation.
5 tips for a smooth renovation process
When remodeling your Houston home has the potential to increase your property value by over $50,000, jumping right into a renovation is tempting. You may have all the right ideas from your favorite remodeling shows and glitzy catalog photos, but the process is never as pretty as the result. Getting your desired outcome requires a structured game plan and local knowledge.
1. Start with a plan
You know you want to renovate, but why? Are you planning to sell your home? Are you hoping to improve the functionality of your living space? If you're remodeling with plans to sell, it pays to know which renovations provide the best return on investment in your neighborhood. ROI is equally important when meeting your personal needs. Consider which renovations are likely to have a lasting impact. A structured plan will help you avoid impulse purchases.
2. Define your budget
Renovation costs escalate quickly. Without a firm budget, you could run out of funds before achieving your goals. Your budget should include the cost of materials, permits, and labor and the price of finished products. Consult with a professional to ensure your estimates are accurate before moving forward.
3. Assess your limits
Do-it-yourself renovations are a great way to save money, but they're not a practical choice for every homeowner or every remodeling job. Review your renovation plans and determine whether your expertise matches the projects on your list. Before ruling out DIY based on your capabilities, consider completing preparation tasks like demolition.
4. Connect with a dependable, professional contractor
A professional remodel requires architects, contractors, and designers. To find trustworthy professionals, ask your neighbors, family members, and friends for recommendations. Examine company reviews, ensure contractors are properly licensed, and conduct multiple interviews before choosing the right professional for your project.
5. Learn about local regulations
Most locations require permits for building construction. If your home remodel doesn't meet the applicable building codes, you may not be able to sell your property in the future. After determining the scope of your renovation, consult with your contractor or a local home inspector to determine the permit requirements. Consider contacting your local building department to learn more about the necessary permissions.
5 tips for staying within your budget
You don't want to cut corners on your renovation, but you want to maximize your ROI. Whether your remodel is for yourself or you plan to put your home on the market, it's easy to go overboard.
1. Find quality recycled materials
Construction projects can be unpredictable, and contractors often overorder materials. When everything goes according to plan, they have surplus materials. To cut costs, ask your contractor if they have overstocked or recycled materials they could use for your renovation. You could also visit your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore to find quality recycled materials to use while remodeling.
2. Make sure you're properly insured
Depending on the scope of your renovation, your homeowner's insurance may cover unforeseen incidents. However, this isn't guaranteed. It's essential to ensure your contractor is insured against damages they cause while working on your property. However, this insurance doesn't cover the remodeling tasks you complete. Ensure you're protected by carefully reviewing your policy and talking to your insurance agent before renovations begin.
3. Take safety precautions
Construction sites are dangerous. If your family lives in the home during renovations, you should take precautionary measures. Before construction begins, designate a no-work zone to gather your kids and relax as a family. You could secure renovation areas with plastic tarps and gates to keep small children and curious pets out of the construction zone. For a whole-home renovation, you may consider staying in a local Airbnb or hotel until it is complete.
4. Eliminate clutter
Functional living typically results in a comfortable amount of clutter. While easily accessible items improve your lifestyle, they have no place in a construction zone. Pack up any easily moveable items in the renovation zone to provide an orderly workplace for builders. This may include clearing countertops, moving small appliances, or storing furniture temporarily. Putting these items in a garage space, storage, or another room in your house keeps them safe from the construction crew and helps you avoid broken possession.
5. Take care of the clean-up
Remodeling is messy. Clean-up costs for your construction crew include labor for hauling and disposing of debris. If you're physically capable and don't mind getting your hands dirty, you can handle the clean-up. Talk to your contractor about your plans to clear the worksite daily, dispose of debris, and clean the area after the renovation. Depending on the size of your renovation, this may involve the daily removal of trash and sweeping or renting a dumpster to remove heavy debris. You'll save the professionals time and yourself a little money, which might pay for those granite countertops you've been dreaming of.
Connect with a real estate agent for professional advice
If you're planning a remodel to increase your property value before you sell, an experienced local real estate professional may be your strongest advisor. Even if your remodel will take months or you're not planning to sell immediately, an experienced local real estate agent like Carol Wolfe can provide valuable insight and remodeling tips. A realtor knows the upgrades buyers typically look for and has experience selling similar properties, allowing them to share information about the renovations likely to have the biggest impact. This knowledge can help you boost your current property value and create an attractive listing when you're ready to sell. For home advice about buying, selling, or improving your home, contact Carol Wolfe today.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
