There are many reasons why you may want to renovate your home. You may want your home to have a higher value when you sell it, you may have purchased a new home and want to redecorate it, or you might want to make your home more beautiful. No matter what your reason is for remodelling your home, for sure, renovating your home is a big job that requires budget and planning. To help you out in your remodelling journey, here are some things you want to keep in mind.
Should you Hire a Contractor, or Should you Do-it-Yourself (DIY)?
When considering remodelling your home, one of the first things you want to ask yourself is: should you hire a contractor, or should you DIY?
There’s no straightforward answer to this question. Hiring a contractor almost always ensures professional-looking results, but it comes with a cost. Going the DIY route will cost you less, but are you skilled enough to go through the entire renovation process yourself? When deciding whether or not to hire a contractor or DIY, ask yourself the following questions:
- How big is the scope of work? If you’re remodelling a bedroom or installing a leaf guard for gutters, you might be able to do it yourself without a problem. However, bathroom and kitchen remodelling is a bigger job because plumbing is involved.
- What kind of experience do you have with this type of work? If you’re skilled in the sort of renovation you want to do, there is no reason why you shouldn’t go ahead and do it. However, if this is the first time you’ve encountered this type of work, it might not be a good idea to tackle the project.
- Can you live with the results? Ultimately you’re the one who has to experience the outcome of the renovation. If you want to consolidate your expenses and are willing to spend the time and effort, going the DIY route may be good for you. However, hiring a contractor is the way to go if you’re looking for a professional result.
Decide which Part of the House you Want to Renovate First
When you’re thinking of remodelling, you want to decide which part of your house you should remodel first, but which one? According to the National Association of Realtors, you can 107% recover the cost of renovating the roof and floors if you decide to sell your house. Also, in the same report, renovating the kitchen and closet and giving the house a paint job are the top three projects that bring the most satisfaction. But, no matter which part of your house you want to remodel first, the important thing is you make a decision. From there on, you can start to compute your time and budget and get the renovation going.
Interview Multiple Contractors
If you’re going with a contractor, you’ll want to interview a few so you can compare their bids on your home renovation project. In addition to comparing their prices, when you talk to a few contractors, you’ll be able to find a contractor you’re comfortable and happy to work with. To find the best contractors, you’ll want to:
- Check out their licenses and permits.
- Ask for references from their previous clients so you can see their previous work.
- Put everything in writing for your and your contractor’s protection. Insist on a detailed contract, so everything is covered.
Set a Budget and Timeline
Once you’ve decided which parts of the house to remodel and choose a contractor (if you want one), you’ll want to decide on a budget. You’ll want to work with a contractor to create a project cost estimate. This includes material, labour, permits, and any finishes. Setting 10% of your total budget for unexpected expenses might be a good idea, which often crop up in a renovation project. You’ll also want to work out a timeline on when you expect things to be finished. Be realistic in your timeline, and don’t forget to include the time for shipping, delivery, permit applications, and work area preparation. If you want, you can use free project management software found on the internet.
Don’t forget to check the short-term and long-term weather forecast so you can schedule jobs that require you to be outside accordingly.
Label Your Boxes When Packing
To make any remodelling project as organized as possible, declutter and pack your items away from the renovation zone. When you do this, don’t forget to label the boxes, so you know exactly where you’ve kept your things when you have to unpack.
Home remodelling can be challenging, but with careful planning and these tips, you’ll enjoy your improved and beautiful home in no time.
