You can enjoy your home more and increase its value when you’re ready to sell it. Over the past ten years, we have helped homeowners renovate their homes. Please let us share some of the most important lessons we have learned.
Before we say anything else, let’s add that the home renovation shows on TV make remodeling seem easier and faster than it is. HGTV may be entertaining to watch. However, the process they portray is not realistic. Renovations are expensive, and a lot goes into them.
Never Start Your Reno Blindly
Plan your project! It may seem obvious, but I’ve seen people start tearing up wallpaper and flooring without any plan and without ordering the materials. Planning is essential to avoid costly mistakes in the future.
Avoid Measuring Mistakes
Measure twice. Measure twice. Measure three times. If you’re doing your renovations without a contractor and you plan to order flooring, tile, or cabinets, you should make sure that you have the correct measurements. Ask a professional if you are unsure before ordering too much material.
Hiring a designer from the start
You’re about to invest a lot of money in a renovation. Use an interior designer for the job to get it done right.
Get the best aesthetic result
Be cost-effective (a designer can assist with many decisions)
Get the work done in time (many designers maintain relationships with contractors during the entire project so that nothing is missed)
Do not wait to hire a designer until you’ve started your renovation. A good designer will usually have a long waiting list. A designer can also review your plan before you begin any demo and provide feedback. This allows for adjustments to be made without going over budget. Be sure that they listen to you, have your aesthetic in mind, and are aware of your priorities.
Select the Right Contractor
You should not hire a contractor who offers you a good deal just because there is a gap in their schedule. Find a contractor that can work with your budget and schedule. Contractors who work with interior designers understand how important it is to be client-oriented and provide homeowners with the highest quality.
Avoid a project that never ends. Your contractor should provide you with a written timeline so that you can see how the project will progress and conclude. You should know the materials that need to be ordered in advance so you don’t waste time. Know when you need to make your decisions so that you are not rushed. This will also help you avoid having the contractor wait on you. This is another area where an interior designer can be of great help.
Set Your Cost Expectations
Renovations are usually more expensive than anticipated. Add 20 percent as a cushion to offset construction costs. This also allows for upgrades and changes like attic insulation or upgrading appliances.
Yes, unexpected construction happens. Renovations of older homes may cause unforeseen issues. You may not be aware of what is behind the wall, ceiling, or floor you are opening up. Prepare for the unexpected. Be sure to have your contractor inspect the area before you begin. This will help minimize any problems.
Visualize the New Footprint
You may not be able to visualize the new layout of a room when using blueprints or sketches. Painter’s tape can be used to map out the latest design of a kitchen, for example, to determine the new length of a kitchen island. To see how everything will fit, move furniture around. Move your furniture around the built-in television if you’re getting one. Tape a cardboard piece the size of the TV to the wall and measure the height.
You can lose a lot of cash if you don’t understand the plan or change your mind after it has been implemented. You’d be surprised at how expensive it can be to make changes in a renovation. Even changing a floor vent or a light switch can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the labor and materials required.
When Quality Counts, Go for it
What you pay for is what you get. Please do not skimp on quality when it comes to the things you use every day, like cabinets, faucets and handles, appliances, lighting, and core furniture. Budget for these items. When you can feel and see them, they will be treasured every day.
Holy Binder
Ask for instructions on how to care for new furniture, appliances, countertops, and flooring. This is great for everyday cleaning or if something gets spilled. Some cleaners can damage your carpets or upholstery.
