A home remodel, big or small, has plenty of perks that make it worth the effort. An extra room or a more spacious kitchen can improve the quality of life for a growing family, while a bathroom remodel has a great ROI and is one of the best ways to boost a home’s value. Follow the eight remodeling tips below to save time and stress when planning renovations.
1. Think through renovations
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Start your home remodel with a clear idea of what you plan to accomplish. That way, you can avoid mistakes and make correct decisions when your plans change.
Smaller projects will be easier to complete. With the right tools, some renovations may be manageable as DIY projects. Do your research to discover what different projects require. For example, a simple bathroom remodel will be much less time-consuming than a basement conversion.
To help you think through renovations, ask your real estate agent for advice. They may have access to sources like home contractors or architects. These reliable contacts save time and energy from having to research professional help independently. In addition to your agent, you may have an acquaintance who recently upgraded their home. Ask for remodeling tips like preparing for unexpected problems or what tools you’ll need to finish a remodel.
2. Plan your expenses
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A home remodel can get expensive, so set a budget to avoid costs getting out of hand. Costs of a home remodel may include materials, appliances, or fixtures. You should also factor in the cost of labor, the cost of any necessary permits, and a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. We recommend you add an extra 20% to your budget to hedge against unforeseen circumstances.
3. Create a schedule
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Schedules are critical when under deadlines, whether you want to complete renovations before the holidays or plan to list your home on the market. Start with your anticipated end date, then calculate how long the remodel will take. Like budgeting, you should factor in extra time for problems that may arise, such as delays in labor and materials. This will save you from a cascade of mistakes as your deadline fast approaches.
4. Clear your area
Before starting your home remodel, clear the area of all valuables and other possessions to make a spacious and safe workspace. Remodeling gets messy, so having a blank slate minimizes accidents like tipping over something breakable, staining carpet or fabrics, or running into pieces of furniture. While moving items for a minor remodel into a separate room is easy, renting extra storage for a larger home remodel is usually best to keep belongings safe.
5. Keep areas child-safe
Exposed wires, sharp tools, and toxic materials can make a home renovation dangerous for small children. Make it a top priority to set up safety gates, use electrical covers, and keep dangerous tools out of reach. Once your precautions are all in place, you can involve your little ones with safe projects like hanging photos or painting walls.
6. Use what you have
A home remodel doesn’t have to break the bank, especially if you use what you already have. If you’re remodeling because you need extra space to store items, the area may already be available. Consider your property’s layout and organization, then think of ways to utilize space more efficiently. For example, replacing shelves with pullout drawers can increase storage, saving remodelers from costly room expansions.
If a home feels perpetually dim, maximize natural light. Effective sight lines can save you the cost of installing a window or paying for new light fixtures. Alternatives like a light tube can funnel sunlight from between the rafters into living spaces and cost much less than a new window.
If a home feels perpetually dim, maximize natural light. Effective sight lines can save you the cost of installing a window or paying for new light fixtures. Alternatives like a light tube can funnel sunlight from between the rafters into living spaces and cost much less than a new window.
7. Know what you can do yourself
One of the most effective remodeling tips for saving money is knowing what you can DIY. Rather than paying somebody to tear down a wall or pull up flooring, personally take on demolition. When doing so, especially with interior spaces, it’s best to proceed with caution to avoid breaking down a load-bearing wall or damaging plumbing and wiring. Other simple ways to save are to handle daily cleanup rather than having a contractor do so. This gives them more time to work and only costs you extra time.
8. Think creatively
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Creative thinking can go a long way to finding efficient and effective solutions in a home remodel. For example, rather than hiring an architect, a remodeler can consult an architect. A consultation can provide the advice and plans a remodeler needs while saving extra time and money.
To learn about the craft while adding labor into the process, some contractors are open to partnering with their clients. Not only do you save on construction costs, but you gain valuable information that you can use in future projects. Lastly, being the delivery man for the materials you need is another way of cutting corners. A large truck or pickup isn’t necessary with the purchase or rental of a utility trailer that can be hooked to the back of a car.
Ready to remodel your home?
By following the remodeling tips above, you’ll have a successful renovation in no time. Thorough prep work beforehand ensures remodelers can handle unexpected problems and have a clear goal while considering your capabilities and what your property offers can save extra time and money.
If you need help looking for homes to remodel or preparing your property to sell, contact experienced agent Arman Grigoryan.
If you need help looking for homes to remodel or preparing your property to sell, contact experienced agent Arman Grigoryan.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
