A home renovation project enables you to increase the value of your property, improve its aesthetic appeal, and create a space tailored to your family’s needs and lifestyle. However, a home renovation could quickly become a nightmare without proper planning and research. If you are considering taking on a home improvement project, here are ten factors to consider to set yourself up for a smooth, incident-free project.
1. Budget
While a renovation project can help you give your family their dream space, it is often an expensive undertaking, and costs could spiral quickly without a budget. For this reason, it is best to determine the maximum amount you want to spend before you start your project.
A budget enables you to stay within your means and informs you what is and is not possible. For instance, your budget will dictate whether to go for wood flooring or rugs and paint or wallpapers.
When creating a budget, factor in all potential expenses, including building materials, permit charges, equipment rentals or purchase prices, and labor costs, if you intend to work with a contractor. You should also set aside a contingency budget, preferably 10% of the maximum amount you want to spend, to cater to unforeseen costs and challenges. Remember to communicate your budget with your contractor and demand that they abide by it to avoid breaking your bank.
2. Cleaning and waste removal
Dealing with renovation waste can be frustrating. Not only could the dirt and debris from the project inconvenience your routine and cause allergic reactions and asthma. Construction materials are also large and may not fit in regular trash cans or bags, and if you are not careful, you could continue living in filth long after the project is complete. For this reason, you should rent a small dumpster before starting your renovation project to help you dispose of non-hazardous or unharmful building waste.
3. Size
The available space is one of the most important details to consider when taking on a renovation project. For instance, if you want to add more living spaces like guest suites, you should first determine whether or not you have the adequate square footage to make the project possible. If you’re not sure how to measure your space to determine whether it can accommodate your goals, consult a home improvement professional.
4. Your home’s design
With the endless interior design options, choosing the right style can be overwhelming. You could go for eclectic maximalism or settle for pared-back minimalism. If you are going for a complete overhaul, consider researching online for interiors that appeal the most to you while considering the style, texture, and color. You should then determine how you could incorporate these elements to create your desired style and design. However, if you only plan on redoing a section of your house, ensure the renovation complements your home’s overall design and style.
5. Permits
Most states require homeowners to have building permits, especially when taking on extensive projects such as electrical system upgrades or increasing the home’s footprints like adding more rooms. However, every city, municipality, or county has different permit requirements, so ensure you conduct in-depth research on your local building codes or contact local officials with your home improvement plans to get the correct permits.
Failing to obtain permits before starting your project could result in legal charges. Your city officials could even demand that you halt the renovations or demolish a construction, which is expensive. An unpermitted improvement could also make your property harder to sell.
6. Time
Based on the scope of work and the project, a home renovation could take days, weeks, or even months to complete. For this reason, consider time, especially when planning a major renovation such as a complete kitchen and bathroom remodel. Be sure to speak with your contractor to determine how long a project could take. Next, check your schedule to determine what other responsibilities you could have, including family trips and job events, to plan accordingly.
7. Weather
Specific projects like updating the kitchen and remodeling the basement, among other indoor improvements, can be completed regardless of climatic conditions. However, you should always consider the weather before any outdoor space renovations, such as adding a deck. Be sure to schedule landscape renovations during the spring or summer months. This helps you avoid project delays due to cold weather.
8. Hiring a pro Vs. DIY
Most homeowners prefer taking on renovation projects themselves to save on labor costs. However, some projects, such as electrical repairs, could be dangerous, while others, like plumbing, could compromise your home’s structural integrity when not handled appropriately. For this reason, always evaluate whether or not you can complete each aspect of a project by yourself. If unsure, it is best to seek a trained professional’s help. This will keep you from making mistakes that could be expensive to rectify. Meanwhile, take on more straightforward tasks like tiling, painting, and staining to reduce labor expenses.
9. Safety
As the homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure everyone’s safety, including your family, contractors, and other workers, during renovations. Be sure to hire vetted workers for papers and qualifications to ensure their safety and protect yourself against liabilities should something go wrong. You should also put barriers to restrict access to potentially dangerous areas. If you have small children and pets, consider having them stay with friends, neighbors, or relatives during the renovation period to guarantee their safety.
10. Return on investment
If you are renovating your home to sell, you should not prioritize creating an ideal space for your current situation. Instead, invest in projects that could bring a significant return on your investment.
Consider your neighborhood to determine projects that will increase your home’s resale value. Be sure to evaluate the condition of your neighbor’s homes and the real estate pricing to inform your renovation project choices. If, for instance, most homes within your locality are priced at $700,000 and are planning to take on a $300,000 renovation project, you may not get a return on your investment since homebuyers table offers based on neighborhood comparisons.
Additionally, some projects such as kitchen, bathroom, and basement renovations have higher returns on investment than others. According to a recent report, even a minor kitchen renovation could generate more than 83% ROI.
Endnote
Renovating your home is an effective way to improve functionality and transform its visual appeal. Consider available space, design, budget, ROI, building permit requirements, weather, and safety to ensure your home renovation project runs smoothly.