by Karyn Winrich (financial-literacy.info)
Are you thinking about renovating your home? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Renovations can be a great way to make your home more comfortable and functional, but they can also be time-consuming and expensive. To make sure that your renovations go as smoothly as possible, it is important to know what to expect in terms of timeline, budget, contractors, and more. Shippy Realty & Auction takes a look at some key considerations for any home renovation project.
Do Your Homework
When it comes to renovations, there are many different paths you can take — from cosmetic changes like painting or upgrading appliances to larger projects such as gutting a room or adding an extension. Before beginning any renovation project, it is important to consider how much time and money you want to invest in the project and what type of outcome you ultimately want. For example, if you want to add an extra bedroom quickly and inexpensively, then a loft extension may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for something more luxurious and spacious, then perhaps a ground-level addition would be better suited for your needs.
One great idea might be adding an office space that can double up as a guest room whenever necessary. This allows flexibility when entertaining guests while still giving you a dedicated workspace away from distractions. Keep the room functional and beautiful with a sleeper sofa, add storage solutions with cabinets, and bring in a full-length mirror for your guests to use.
Find a Contractor Who’s a Good Fit
Finding the right contractor for your home renovation is a huge decision. To make sure you’ve selected someone with extensive experience and knowledge, ask friends or family for referrals or look online at reviews from previous clients. Also vital: ensuring that your potential hired help is appropriately certified and insured before making any commitments. Don’t be afraid to inquire about their process and timeline either — the more information you have before deciding on them, the better.
Determine Your Budget
The next step in preparing for a home renovation project is establishing a budget. This will depend heavily on what type of improvements are being made as well as how large-scale they are. For instance, smaller cosmetic changes like re-painting walls won’t cost nearly as much as installing new plumbing lines throughout the entire house.
Figure Out Your Timeline
You and your contractor must collaborate to set realistic expectations on the timeline of each stage of the renovation project to ensure it stays within budget. Include all facets, from installing fixtures to painting walls, and make sure there are ample breaks between phases for other projects to start up. That way, you can guarantee a timely completion regardless of how big or small your renovation may be.
Use Tools to Stay Organized
Once all design plans have been created and approved by both parties, digitize these documents using either a scanner or camera phone, so they can easily be stored electronically on cloud storage sites. Then, use a PDF merger tool to combine the documents into one file, which will make it easily accessible and shareable. Once they’re included, you can rearrange them according to your needs.
Give Yourself Peace of Mind
You’ll also want to consider investing in a home warranty, which can help cover the cost of expensive repairs. This provides peace of mind when it comes to things like the HVAC system or electrical work. Check the home inspection report for red flags, and look for existing home warranties to find out what might already be covered. This site could be helpful in making a decision.
The right home renovation project can add value to your home or give you the office space you’ve always wanted. The right home warranty can give you peace of mind as you get started. No matter what your goals are, with a solid plan, you can turn your project into a success.