Tips for Your Next Remodel
JANUARY 23
Hello East Bay!
Before planning your next home remodel there are a few things you should consider before you start picking out your paint colors. Before deciding on a home remodel, make sure to do your research, so that when you decide to move forward you have the clarity needed to proceed.
1. Plan with the end in mind
Before you begin to renovate your home, you need to know what your goal is for the room, area, addition, or entire home.
What is the purpose of the remodel? Are you renovating to increase the value? Do you need to upgrade your living space for the years to come?
Knowing your neighborhood and considering which renovations would provide a good return on investment will help you decide how to proceed with your project.
Keep in mind that cost and value are not equal. Without considering how to increase the value of your home, you may end up paying for items and renovations that are costly and add no value to your home.
2. Remodel Budget
Just as you need to know what you want, you need to know how much you want to pay. Start with a number in mind and then subtract 20%. Set that 20% aside for unexpected costs.
Budget - 20% is your actual budget. Most homeowners are unaware that in most home remodels you will face unexpected expenses. Those unexpected expenses can easily put you over budget.
Make a master checklist with all the items you will need to purchase versus all the items you already have available.
Another factor that can put you over budget is time. The longer a home remodel takes, the more it will cost you. However, there can always be unexpected delays.
Make sure that you are available to keep things on track in case there are any delays in materials or in labor to avoid paying more in the long run.
3. How to Create your Remodel Calendar
Do you want to have your remodel finished by a specific day, holiday, or event? Once you decide when you want your remodel to be completed, work your way backward.
Also, consider your daily and weekly routines. How will this affect your day-to-day life? Will your day-to-day life affect the remodel? Create your calendar based on
your schedule, and your goal date.
Leave some additional days, weeks, and maybe even months in your calendar in case there are delays with your remodel.
4. Hire Professionals
Although it may be tempting to save on money when remodeling your home you need to bring in the professionals. Get referrals from friends, read testimonials, and gather quotes. Not all professionals are the same.
Why hire professionals? Licensed professionals will be able to pull permits if needed, they are familiar with the city’s codes and regulations and build accordingly and most importantly they increase the value of your home.
When you do not hire professionals you stand the risk of having your remodel built with the wrong materials, in an improper way, and would not pass a city inspection.
You may believe you are saving money, but in the long run, not hiring a professional could end up costing you money by decreasing the value of your home.
5. Secure your Belongings
Clean the area where the remodel will take place and remove any items that may get damaged or may get in the way of the renovation.
If necessary pack up your belongings and store them temporarily in a storage unit or locker for safekeeping.
6. Protect your Family that includes your Pets
If you have little ones you want to make sure they are safe and out of the job site. Put up safety gates, and electrical safety covers and store tools out of the way, especially after workers have gone home.
Another thing to consider is sawdust, debris, dust, and chemicals. You don’t want your children, family, and pets breathing these things in. Have a renovation-free zone in your house where your family can gather and relax together.
While the renovation is in progress make sure the rest of the house is well-ventilated and that at the end of the day make sure the job site is cleaned up.