Things You Need To Consider Before Starting A Renovation

Home renovation can be so fulfilling and rewarding. However, it is all that only if it’s done right. Every
homeowner knows how hard it can be to plan home renovation projects, stick to the budget, and still
achieve what you always dreamed of. There is a lot to plan, contractors to find, materials to be
purchased and so much more. And you have to do all of that within your budget and time frame you’ve
planned. So, before you rush headfirst into the renovation project, here are a few things to consider
before you start.

PIcture of a home undergoing renovation with a torn apart staircase

Create a Thorough Plan

Home renovations are a bit more complicated than building a house. This is because you are not starting with a blank canvas. Rather, you have to paint on the existing picture. So measure twice, cut once, and this will be your plan. If you plan to renovate the bathroom, make sure to measure every square inch of it to figure out where you can put the new shower or bath, add cabinets, and how big tiles you’d like. If you want to renovate the kitchen, take into account the space you have available for the new appliances, and cabinets and even see if you can reuse some of the old materials. Once you lay down your renovation plan, it is crucial to stick to it and not add features and new elements on your day off. And when you stick to the plan, renovation can go on smoothly.

Research, Research, Research

Research is another important step in planning your next renovation project. You have to do thorough research in order to determine your budget. This means shopping around and looking into various material sources, distributors, shops, etc. For example, if you’d like to upgrade your insulation or actually install one, it’s a good idea to research local insulation suppliers and professionals. You can find various types of housing insulation on the market, and by researching you can find the best one at the best cost. Additionally, research all the local handymen and contractors you might need. Get as many quotes as you can for your project, and make sure to send them as many details as possible. This will help you get insight into how much they will cost and you will be able to find the best contractor for your home.

Home Renovation photo of stairs being ripped out

Set the Budget

As soon as you have a clear plan and prices on what you’re going to renovate, it’s time to get your calculator and start setting the budget. The budget is the most important factor here, and no matter how much you love that kitchen you saw on Pinterest, run the numbers and see if you actually can afford it. Take into account materials you can reuse from old furniture you plan on replacing, research how much other materials can cost, get quotes all around the town, and see if you can afford all the elements you plan on upgrading. Also, it is a good idea to leave some extra room in the budget just in case when renovations don’t go as planned.

See if You Need Permits

Before you even start preparing the materials and mapping out the property, you should keep in mind that some upgrades require permits. Not every state, country or city has the same regulations when it comes to renovations, and that’s why you should research this. As a homeowner, you should always comply with building codes and regulations to avoid fines and having to take down your renovations. These documents are needed, especially if you plan on building on top of your house, building a deck, fences, and other parts of the property. On the other hand, if you plan on simply upgrading cosmetic interior elements, then you don’t have to worry about these documents. However, still, check with the local laws in case you plan on selling or refinancing your home in the future.

close up of construction worker on a home job site

Insist on a Contract

Some renovation projects can be DIY-ed, but some need professional help. In case you need to hire a contractor, make sure to insist on an airtight contract with them. Renovation projects are fun, but a lot could go wrong, and you should insure yourself with a good contract. Also, accidents and issues beyond our control are always possible and can happen, and that’s why a contract is handy. In this contract, you can include details such as:

  • Timeframe
  • Payment schedule
  • Details on all the work that’s going to be done
  • Potential penalties if the contractor doesn’t meet your deadline.
Tile being installed on a bathroom wall

Set a Realistic Timeframe

Last but not least, you should set a timeframe for the project and make sure you are real about it. To get started, you can create a schedule list with all the tasks that need to be done. As you have a plan and have found the contractor, you can talk to them about the timeframe and how fast things can be done in reality. According to Allfilters, over the past two years, homeowners have significantly increased their spending on home improvement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to more free time during lockdowns.  Renovation processes can be chaotic, and that’s why a good and realistic timeframe can help keep everything at bay. Of course, you should also leave a few days or even weeks for potential mishaps or delays that may happen without anyone’s control. 

Turning a house into your dream home is not an easy task. It is fulfilling and rewarding, but a lot of sweat and planning is behind all that. And if you want your renovation project to go as smoothly as possible, these are the elements you should always take into consideration before you even start.

For ever more inspiration, please check out these 6 Tips to Have a Safe and Organized Home Renovation.

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