Home renovation is a long and messy process. But it’s worth it when it means you get to live in a beautifully upgraded home without having to consider buying a new home. This is especially true in places like Rockwall, TX, where the median price of a house is upwards of $560,000.
If you’re trying to create a beautiful space you’d be proud to call home without the hassles of a stressful, delayed, and underwhelming project, there are some important steps you need to think about. In this article, we’ve put together 9 ways to make your next remodeling project a smooth success.
1. Prepare a plan
Make a few rough drafts of the renovations you want. Include as much detail as you can about the materials, paints, color choices, finishes, and other decorative elements you want in your home. Do some research to collect visual ideas and make a vision board that will help translate your thoughts. By the final draft, you should have your plans all sorted and a clear picture of what you’re aiming for. After that, you’ll be able to create a schedule and budget plan accordingly.
2. Hire Professionals
A renovation project, especially a large-scale one, is a lengthy process so you want to hire the best possible team. Start by looking for specialists that align with your goals. For instance, if you’re specifically looking to remodel for space and clutter-free living, look up some of the self storage Rockwall TX has to offer.
After narrowing your focus, you can start your research to hire a contractor. Take your time and interview a few different contractors, visit a job site, check for references, and discuss your plan so you can ensure the availability of materials and obtain an estimate.
3. Determine your budget
Once you have the initial outline of your project in place, take a look at your finances. There are various financing options you can look into, such as personal loans, home equity loans, or using your savings. In any case, prepare a realistic budget that allows you to bring your original plan to life. Creating a budget will keep you from getting carried away with unnecessary additions and expensive materials and finishes.
You should also set aside a collateral sum for potential mistakes and repairs. You can get estimates from contractors to properly finalize a financial plan.
4. Obtain a permit
Look into local ordinances related to home additions and structural requirements. Most neighborhoods have guidelines for safety purposes regarding building add-ons on your property. As such, it pays to be aware of any restrictions since local authorities can demand the removal of newly constructed structures, like a garage or shed if they violate a local ordinance.
Generally speaking, many contractors handle the process of obtaining permits. Still, communicate with your contractor to ensure their team has the necessary permits for your area and is working within the scope of local requirements.
5. Create a timeline
Pick your desired start date and an estimated end date so you can prepare a working schedule with your chosen contractor that best fits your busy routine. Include shipping time for materials to plan and account for potential delays. You can also prioritize which part of the renovation you want done first and last to streamline the entire process.
6. Pack away your valuables
After all the planning, it’s time to proactively prepare for the project to save time and improve efficiency. Start by clearing away the space where the work needs to be done before it starts. Pack away any valuables and breakables to avoid damage. Remove curtains from windows and cover up furniture to avoid any dust build-up and paint splatters. Safely packing away your things in an organized manner will help in the future when you’re ready to re-decorate.
7. Be Open to Compromise
During the project, you might go over your budget. In this case, it’s important to compromise on your original plan to avoid a future financial crisis. However, be sure to never compromise on the necessary elements of home building; a reinforced roof, good plumbing, waterproofing, wiring, and insulation are all crucial for a safe and functional home. Instead, consider reducing the cost by opting for cheaper decorative elements such as paints, fixtures, and wallpapers. You could also dial down the cost by reusing existing materials, like old kitchen cabinets, instead of having them made new.
8. Communicate effectively and often
The biggest issue that leads to failed renovations is miscommunication; you could have a brilliant plan for a beautiful remodel, but you can’t expect a perfect execution if you don’t properly communicate with your remodeler.
Before starting the project, be sure to have a detailed discussion where you can explain your plans properly. If you’re having trouble with words, use visual aids to present your ideas. Also, have your contractor visit your home to ensure your plans are realistic and feasible; this is around the time you should bring up the finances and cost of materials.
Finally, before you start, exchange contact information with your contractor so they may reach you in case of questions, issues with materials, repairs, and delays so you can take action immediately.
9. Consider Future Resale
If you plan on living in your house for over seven years, then go ahead and renovate according to your likes and dislikes. However, if you plan on moving out in under five years, then keep the resale value of your house in mind. Renovation can be a make-or-break activity when it comes to resale. You can use it as an opportunity to increase your house’s value by incorporating market trends like modern kitchens, neutral tones, bathroom remodeling, and more.
Research is key. Be sure to look into design elements desired in the market and incorporate them into your plan. Your contractor can also advise you regarding current market trends, so share your goals openly.
Conclusion
Remodeling a house is a stressful task, but with the right action plan, you can get through a long project and have a gorgeous house in the end. Just follow the steps above and get ready for your next big renovation project.
