What’s Important For Home Renovations
What’s Important For Home Renovations? Do’s And Don’ts
Things To Do
Do: You should have a realistic budget and a realistic expectation for the work to be done. Remodeling can be inconvenient, noisy, and messy, even with the best contractors. It can be even worse when done as a DIY project. A good contractor will help you to understand what to expect throughout the process. Also, renovations are often more expensive than anticipated. So, be sure to build 20% extra into your budget to accommodate unexpected costs.
Do: You should buy quality windows. Having high-quality windows with the proper climate protection can keep your home comfortable from the extreme heat of summer to the extreme cold of winter. Trying to save money on windows can also have a negative impact on your utility bills. And, it can have a negative impact on the look and resale value of your home.
Do: You should carefully plan the design and the selection of materials for your project. This is often overlooked. Ensure your plans have doors and hallways that are large enough to allow furniture and appliances to be moved in and out easily. Plan the flooring, cabinetry, and paint with a cohesive intent. Avoid buying what’s on sale just because it’s on sale. Also avoid selecting all the latest trendy designs. Trends can be short-lived and quickly make your home seem outdated. Classic designs often have better long-term resale value. Lastly, lighting is an often-overlooked aspect of renovation. A good lighting plan will include three types of lighting: general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Also, more customers today include smart lighting. All these things can have a major impact on the overall impression of your home.
Do: Pay attention to the structure and foundation of your home. Ensure the foundation and subflooring are sound. Also, update the electrical system to the latest code. And, ensure structural integrity to avoid damaging your beautiful home.
Things Not To Do
Don’t: Making a hurried decision on which contractor to hire can have a major impact on the cost, quality, and outcome of your job. Don’t rely solely on price. Make sure your contractor understands your needs. They should communicate clearly with you and take time to answer your questions. The best contractors are often found on a referral basis. Ask a neighbor, a friend, or contact your local Better Business Bureau to determine which company provides the best service in your area. A good contractor is an invaluable partner in the renovation of your home. They often spot issues that you would not uncover yourself. And, often you can receive more personalized service from a smaller company than a larger corporation.
Don’t: When selecting a paint finish, take time to consider the room that is being painted. For example, semi-gloss or gloss paint is often used in kitchens and bathrooms for ease of cleaning and wipe-off. Matte finishes are best for ceilings to help them disappear and not attract attention. Satin finishes are ideal for the majority of your home. They will add to the brightness in the house by reflecting just the right amount of light without appearing too shiny.
Don’t: Renovating without permits is risky. Unpermitted renovations often end up wasting time, money, and energy. Often unpermitted work is made to be removed or demolished. This has happened with room additions, roofs, and fences among many other things. Upon resale, the home sale price can be lowered and the sale itself can be jeopardized. This is another area that is handled best by a professional contractor. They will ensure proper permitting occurs and quality standards of the workmanship are maintained.