When considering a home remodeling project, keep the benefits in mind. Remodeling will improve energy efficiency or functionality. Other tasks, such as installing a new roof or installing gas and smoke sensors, will enhance the appearance of your home. Whether you are planning a renovation yourself or hiring a professional, it’s essential to consider the long-term return on your investment before making the final decision. For example, if you are a single person, you may want to remodel your home before selling it.
Open up walls to create a more functional space. Open floor plans also require continuity of style elements, so keep in mind that adjacent walls must be painted the same color, and architectural details should remain intact. In addition, remember to protect valuables and immovable fixtures. This means securing built-in cabinets, chandeliers, flooring, and other immovable fixtures. A good home remodeling contractor will know how to protect these items, as well as how to properly remove them if necessary.
Aside from changing the appearance of a room, remodeling can also change the layout of a house. For example, combining a kitchen and living room is one way to change a household floor plan and create a more open and flexible living space. Another option is installing a kitchen island or making a room more usable. While some renovations can be done on a small scale, other renovations may require a larger budget and involve professional contractors.
Before beginning your home remodeling project, determine your budget. Remember that the entire process can take anywhere from four months to a year. Once you’ve decided how much you want to spend, create a spreadsheet containing the details of your desired renovation. If you don’t have the time or patience to do it yourself, hire a contractor. Having a professional do it for you will ease the process and keep you safe. You can live in the house while the work is being done.
If you’re working with a general contractor, make sure you get a punch list to review the work and make sure everything is finished to your satisfaction. This checklist can include details such as trim molding joints not fitting exactly. It may also include scars from installation of appliances. Faucet handle covers might not be installed yet. These minor details are worth the extra time. In addition, it’s a good idea to check the state’s consumer protection agency for complaints about any contractor. It’s always better to hire someone you know and trust.
Then, you need to budget for the costs of the project. Remember that home remodeling involves many different items and tasks, and it takes time to finish them properly. You might want to hire a professional contractor to do the work. Remember to make a 10% reserve for unexpected costs. If possible, get several estimates from different contractors and compare costs and quality. Once you’ve compiled the budget, you can begin eliminating elements that are not necessary.
When deciding on the type of remodeling project, it’s important to understand the differences between renovation and remodeling. The two terms are not interchangeable, and some contractors are better suited for one type of project than another. Depending on your needs, you may decide to renovate your entire home or just part of it. In either case, make sure that you choose a contractor who specializes in the type of project you want. You may want to change the kitchen, bathroom, or living room, or simply paint the walls.
The next step in home remodeling is choosing a start date. Make sure to factor in the time needed for each part of the project. Decide if you want to start the remodeling project immediately, or schedule it over several weeks or months. In addition to choosing a start date, you should consider what materials you will need for the various phases of the project. It’s important to consider the time needed to obtain permits. A general contractor can obtain all of the required permits, but it’s a good idea to contact the local permitting agency ahead of time to ensure everything is in place before you begin.
While both renovation and remodeling are good options for improving your home, the process can be confusing. There’s a difference between the two and knowing the difference between the two can save you time and money in the long run. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources available to help you determine the right option for you. Just remember, home renovation and remodeling are similar but very different. Regardless of the type of renovation you choose, both will improve your home’s value and appeal.