Are you thinking of remodeling or renovating your Virginia home? Many people dread renovations, but it can be a very fun and fulfilling project — as long as you’re properly prepared. Here are some helpful tips for home renovation that will help you get ready for the big project!
12 Best Tips for Home Renovation
- Have a Clear End Goal
- Set a Budget
- Have a Timeline
- Get a Detailed Contract
- Obtain Permits
- Keep Your Cool
- Set Up a Living Area
- Protect Your Valuables
- Plan for Outages
- Keep Resale in Mind
- Consider Life After Renovation
- Find a Reliable Contractor
1. Have a Clear End Goal
When it comes to home renovation, one of the most important things to have is a vision. Before you start any work on your home, consider what the end goal of your project is.
Are you renovating your home to increase its value with an upcoming sale in mind? Or are you planning to stay put for years to come and want to make your home more appealing to you and your family? These are just two possible renovation goals that require a wholly different approach.
It’s a good idea to write down notes about your goals. You can then refer back to these notes to remind your contractor — and yourself — about what you want.
2. Set a Budget
There’s no way around it — every renovation project costs money. Materials, parts, tools, and labor are just the beginning of the things you may need to pay for. Create a clear budget before anyone grabs a hammer — and remember to stick to it.
When creating your budget, remember to set aside at least 10% of it for surprise expenses. You should also talk to your contractor to see if there are more affordable options for the upgrades you want.
3. Have a Timeline
Start planning your renovation project as soon as possible. If you’re hoping to have your new, beautiful home finished by a certain date, work backwards and consult your contractor on when the work should begin. It’s always best to add a couple of weeks of extra time toward the end to save you from disappointment in case you run into unexpected delays.
4. Get a Detailed Contract
You should have every detail of the project down on your contract. Make sure the contract includes:
- The correct address
- Expected start and completion dates
- A detailed list of all work to be completed
- A list of work that won’t be done
- Projected budget
A responsible contractor will offer you a good contract that covers all aspects of the project. If your contractor is reluctant to set things like the scope of work or expenses in the contract, you may want to look elsewhere.
5. Obtain Permits
Check whether you need any permits before doing any work. We can’t stress this enough. You may have to wrangle with bureaucracy to find out which — if any — permits you need, but it’s better to do that than end up with an expensive headache if an inspector finds out your remodeling project doesn’t comply with local regulations.
6. Keep Your Cool
Home renovation is a complicated project where things can, and probably will, hit a snag. Unexpected obstacles or delays can be frustrating, but it’s easier to get over them if you know to expect them.
Ask your contractor about possible things that might go wrong so you can prepare for them. And always keep your finished dream home in mind!
7. Set Up a Living Area
Before you start tearing up your home, create a comfortable space where you and your family can retreat to. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, set up an area where you can still cook simple, light meals. Having a space for yourself helps reduce stress and lets your family unwind at the end of the day.
8. Protect Your Valuables
Here’s a simple rule of thumb for what to do with your valuables and decorations — if you don’t want them to break during work, pack them away. A renovation project may affect every room in your house. It’s best to safeguard your paintings, vases, and other decorations so they can delight you in your new home.
Also, if you have small children or pets, set up safety barriers and gates to keep them out of the work area. Renovation areas are no place for a curious toddler or a scared dog.
9. Plan for Outages
You may have to cut water, electricity, or gas for a while during a renovation project. If you know an outage is coming up, plan for it ahead of time.
Buy drinking and cooking water and fill some buckets so you can flush the toilet. In case you lose electricity or gas, plan for how you will get your meals.
10. Keep Resale in Mind
When you’re dreaming up the design of your new home, take a moment to consider how long you’re planning to live in it. If you have no intention to move out in the next, say, seven to ten years, go right ahead with your quirkiest ideas!
But if you are planning to sell your house within five years, you may want to hold back a bit to maintain the resale value.
11. Consider Life After the Renovation
Some remodeling ideas look great on paper, but what about reality? When planning upgrades, consider the running costs and maintenance they will need. You should consider if a color or style choice you make now will still please you after a few years.
12. Find a Reliable Contractor
Once you have a detailed plan, it’s time to find a contractor you can trust. Always check references and portfolios, read online reviews, and even visit some work sites if possible. This way you’ll get a good idea if they’re the right fit for you before you start talking about money.
Renovate Your Home with Confidence
A home renovation project will be a much more pleasant experience when you’re properly prepared and have a contract you can rely on. A good plan is essential for turning your house into the dream home you’ve always wanted.
Over more than 10 years, our team at CBD has helped more than 200 happy customers in turning their renovation plans into reality. As a family business, we understand what matters most when renovating your home.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your home renovation plan!