Renovations are a big part of homeownership.
While most homeowners begin their remodeling process feeling hopeful and excited, this excitement can quickly turn into anxiety and stress.
The best way to experience a regret-free renovation is to be proactive about every aspect of the remodeling process.
Homeowners should keep the following tips in mind to guarantee their upcoming renovation goes as smoothly as possible:
1. Never Start Renovations Too Soon
One common theme amongst the most stressful renovations is that renovations are started too soon.
While many homeowners are excited to start remodeling as soon as they can, doing so causes you to rush into a remodel.
Experts suggest that homeowners live in a home for some time before making plans to go through with a renovation as this gives them the best opportunity to learn the best and worst aspects of their home as it is now.
2.Calculate Costs Accurately
Underestimating costs during a renovation can easily cause more stress than necessary.
While it’s impossible to know the cost of every single aspect of the renovation, it’s important to get accurate estimates and expenses for equipment, supplies, and furniture to create a working budget.
This budget should include everything from the cost of the contractor to the price for the portable storage that will house furniture during the renovation.
By accurately calculating costs, homeowners are able to better assess what they can afford and what part of the renovation should wait for a later point in time.
3. Leave Room for the Unexpected
Nothing will ever go according to plan during a renovation.
Instead of stressing themselves out to try to stick to every aspect of their remodeling schedule, homeowners should leave room for the unexpected.
Homeowners can accommodate for this by adding extra cushioning to their budget and leaving room for emergency repairs in their timeline.
4.Hire a Designer or Architect
While some homeowners decide to forego using a designer or architect, this isn’t always the best choice.
While DIY renovations are certainly possible, trusting the expertise of a professional interior designer or architect gives homeowners a certain peace of mind.
Though hiring these experts will be another expense to tack onto the cost of this remodel, guaranteeing that the renovation goes as it should is priceless.
5. Never Choose the Lowest Bid
When looking for the best professionals to work with on a renovation, avoid choosing the person with the lowest price.
Typically, these types of professionals don’t have the proper qualifications or experience that their competition might have.
By factoring in this expense into their remodeling budget, homeowners are able to guarantee that they are getting their money’s worth.
6. Hire the Right Person for the Job
The right person for the job goes beyond their qualifications.
When looking into which professionals to work with, make sure they will be the best fit for the job.
For a truly regret-free renovation, homeowners should hire professionals that are able to meet their needs, prioritize their projects, and understand exactly what is expected of them.
7. Ask for References
Homeowners hoping to jump on the renovation train often forget to ask for references.
While a contractor or designer may seem to have it all together, they may be all talk. Be sure to ask for references and research their work history.
If possible, homeowners should also visit the job sites of their candidates to determine if their work ethic and habits match their expectations.
8. Don’t Wait to Consult a Contractor
While homeowners often wait until they need to start knocking down walls to call a contractor, this isn’t the best way to begin a renovation.
Contractors should be involved in every step of the renovation process to make sure that everything from the design, demolition, and construction is as safe as possible and will result in the finished product homeowners expect.
9. Limit Changes During the Remodeling
Remodeling gives homeowners the opportunity to change everything they want about their home.
However, experts suggest that homeowners go step by step when remodeling.
As even the smallest of changes can be quite costly and time-consuming, it’s best to work on one remodeling project at a time before launching into something else.
Renovations have their fair share of complications but don’t have to be a stress-filled experience.
With the above nine tips in mind, any homeowner can set themselves up for a smooth remodeling process.
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