Home remodeling is an investment in your property that can increase its value. However, you should weigh your budget, motives and value payoff before making any major changes.
Complete renovations that involve moving load-bearing walls and running new plumbing or electrical lines should be left to professionals. If you have advanced DIY experience, you can do some tasks like painting and installing shelves yourself to save on labor costs.
Budget
A home remodeling project can be expensive, but with careful planning you can keep costs down. The first step is to create a budget and set realistic expectations. You can do this by getting estimates from contractors and researching the cost of different materials and labor.
Make sure to consider any permits that may be required, which can add to the overall project cost. It’s also important to know that some work can increase your property taxes, especially if it increases the value of your home.
A contingency fund is a good idea to cover unexpected expenses. It’s a good idea to have at least 10% of the total renovation cost in this fund. By doing this, you can avoid having to borrow money and prevent project overruns. It’s also helpful to discuss budgeting with your contractor upfront. They will be more likely to communicate unforeseen costs with you and work within your desired range.
Design
The design phase of a remodel is where the home improvement contractor starts pulling permits, ordering materials and scheduling trade partners. During this phase, the project manager will also communicate with the homeowner to ensure everyone understands what needs to be done and how it will be completed.
Reputable design-build contractors will create a construction project timeline that shows how each stage of the remodeling process is scheduled to be completed. This way, the contractor can make sure they’re not deviating from the schedule and potentially incurring additional costs.
A good design-build contractor will have strong relationships with vetted, reputable subcontractors and tradespeople. This helps them establish and maintain a high level of quality throughout the entire project.
Construction
A home remodel is a major undertaking. It requires multiple stages, each building upon the previous phase. Choosing a contractor who has experience with large-scale remodeling projects makes this process more manageable.
In addition, a reputable design-build firm works with a network of vetted subcontractors and vendors. This ensures the quality of work and eliminates problems that could delay your project or even derail it altogether.
This step includes all the “behind the scenes” elements of your remodel. It can run concurrently with rebuilding and framing and often includes rewiring and replumbing.
It is important to research local zoning regulations and find out whether you will need a permit for your home renovation project. This can affect your budget and timeline. It is also wise to consult with a professional about the potential effects on your property taxes. Large changes in your home’s value may cause an increase in your tax assessment. This will depend on the scope of your project and local market conditions.
Maintenance
A home remodel can be a complex project that requires many different professionals to do the job. Whether you are calling in favors from family and friends to help with the heavy lifting or hiring professional contractors, having clear communication throughout the process is crucial to staying on schedule and on budget.
Simple renovations like repainting, basic new flooring installations and replacing appliances might not require a permit but full remodels almost always do and should be completed by a licensed professional who knows local codes, how to run plumbing and electrical lines and has a good reputation for working with building inspectors. It is also a good idea to have permits if you are changing the structure of your house in any way like moving load-bearing walls or adding an addition.
The best contractors are highly transparent, respectful of your time and money, stay on schedule and deliver impressive results. They will have the experience to handle any problem that arises and make sure the final product is exactly what you want.