4 Tips for Planning a Successful House Remodel
Sometimes all you need is a new environment to break up the monotony of your daily life. So what about a house remodel to switch it up and create a unique space to enjoy for years to come?
Depending on the size of your home, a remodel is an enormous task with many small details.
Here are a few tips for planning an organized, successful house remodel with the minimum of hassle, stress, and nervous breakdowns.
1. A Comprehensive Blueprint
When planning a house remodel, you need a systematic approach to completing tasks; for example, the plumbing and electrical should be sorted out before painting and tiling.
Construct a step-by-step home improvement plan that includes the contractors and materials required for each task. You can also go a step further and lay out the required tasks and the timeline for each task’s completion so you can stay on track.
Planning is crucial for success. Besides the schedule, you must have a comprehensive design blueprint before starting the remodel.
Home remodeling is not one of those undertakings that benefit from spontaneity. Work with a contractor and an architect (if need be) to see how the desired changes will be possible in the space.
You may require a permit from your local municipal authority for specific changes such as fencing, garage remodels, or even certain types of roofing.
Learn more here about all your roofing needs.
It’s essential to know that a blueprint plays an integral part in the success of a roofing project. It can guide you and your roofing contractor in Kansas City about the needed installations to ensure your roofing system will function properly.
For instance, if you want to upgrade your home’s resistance to water damage and improve its appearance, you may need to install (or upgrade) certain components such as eaves and soffits.
Eaves and soffits are the overhanging aspects of the roofing system. The eave is the whole overhanging part, while the soffit is the underside component of the eave which protects the roof from outside elements and protects the soffit vent.
If you’re unfamiliar with these roofing parts, you may check out some reputable companies that manufacture components for exterior trim building systems, like Hardie Boys, for more information.
2. The Finances Can Make Or Break A Home Remodel
Many homeowners make the early mistake of not having a clear idea or budget before they attempt a home remodeling project. It can be challenging if you start laying down a new roof with the help of a commercial flooring contractor, for example, and suddenly find you’ve run out of funds. Set a clear budget and accept that remodeling can take a chunk of your savings if your disposable income is insufficient to cover the project.
Your budget should include labor and material costs and other overhead costs such as permit costs and adjusting the amount for inflation or import tax if applicable. Deciding on a budget also has other practical uses, such as determining whether to secure a loan or sell an asset.
Expert contractors advise laying out as much as 10% of your budget for unforeseen price increases or unexpected costs. Before you decide on a final amount, always consult more than one contractor as they can give a more accurate estimate.
Review the estimates and know if the extras are included. These extras, no matter small they are, can add up and impact your overall budget. So check these details to ensure your budget is sufficient to handle a successful house remodel project.
3. Prepare Your Home
When your home is undergoing renovation, there is likely to be a lot of mess so prepare the space accordingly. Safely pack away and remove all decoration pieces and everything made from glass, including the covering of light fixtures. Make space for contractors and employees to go back and forth and store materials.
If you don’t have extra space at home, consider renting out a storage unit to keep all your belongings safe while the house remodeling project is ongoing. With a storage unit in place, you can organize your stuff and ensure everything is accounted for throughout the renovation process.
On the other hand, other things must be done to prepare your home for remodeling. For instance, depending on the tasks you need to be done, you may need to cover or remove appliances, furniture, pets, and carpeting.
When preparing the house for a remodel, use this opportunity for a thorough pest evaluation by a specialist. The older the home is, the greater the chances of water seepage and pests like rodents, termites, or carpet beetles.
Call a reliable pest control company to examine your house for pest infestation so that they can perform the necessary procedures should there be any problem.
4. Choose Contractors With Care
Choosing a contractor is one of the most critical steps. The wrong contractor can not only cause considerable financial loss but can also be troublesome to deal with for the duration of your project.
Not to mention if you hire the wrong commercial roofer, you can end up with low-quality materials along with inadequate expertise. Make a shortlist of contractors in your area that come highly recommended, using review sites and even Google reviews as a guide.
During the interview and research process, always check their previous portfolio of work and experience along with past client reviews. Inquiring whether they have the necessary permits and licenses is also a good idea to prevent an insurance nightmare later down the road.
Make a point of asking for references and deciding on a payment plan that suits both parties. Contractors should ideally also have employee liability insurance and accident insurance. If their workers are installing impact windows or similar elements and an accident or injury ensues, you should be liability-free as the homeowner.
When embarking on a bathroom remodeling project, it is essential to choose your contractors carefully. While there are many qualified and reputable contractors, there are also those who cut corners or do shoddy work.
One way to avoid ending up with a subpar contractor is to get recommendations from friends or family members who recently had a similar job. Another option is to check online reviews, which can give you a good sense of a contractor's quality of work.
Once you have drawn up a list of potential contractors, meet them in person to better understand their work ethic and professionalism.
By choosing your contractors carefully, you can ensure that your bathroom remodeling project will go smoothly and result in the beautiful and functional space you envision.
Final Thoughts
Always have a vision of the end product in mind. Know what you want or what you envision before you begin planning your house remodel.
You can always adjust as you go along and make changes, but having a solid idea to start will help you stay focused.
You can also use this plan to help guide the process if you get off track at any point.
Remember: staying on budget is essential to a successful remodel!
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