Home renovation projects can be both fun and overwhelming. This is especially true if you have not done any form of home improvement before. If you have been wanting to pursue that first big home improvement project, here are some tips to help you accomplish your goal.
All Renovations Start with a Plan
Everything starts with developing a detailed project plan. How do you envision the outcome of your home renovation project? What is the scope of your project? Does it involve just the kitchen, the living room, or the entire house?
List down everything, outline all the work that you want to do, and all the specifications you want to be included. The clearer your goals are, and the more detailed you are with want you want to be done, the easier it will be for you to obtain quotes from different builders and make a comparison.
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Remember to check zoning regulations in your area to determine if your project requires you to secure a permit first. If that is the case and you failed to get proper permits, you could be fined and possibly be asked to take down everything that has been done. That would mean money going down the drain, apart from the inconvenience, of course.
The budget
The next step is to set a budget. You also need to determine how you are going to finance your project. A typical budget should cover costs for labor, building materials, and permits. A 10 to 20 percent allowance should also be included in the budget to cover any contingencies.
Your contractors
Once the budget is secured, you will then proceed to the next step--hire your contractors. Keep in mind not to base your decisions on cost estimates alone. Consider other things too, such as their experience and credentials. It will not hurt if you ask for references to help you in assessing their qualifications.
The timeline
Lastly, you will need to create a timeline for your project. Your timeline will help you track the progress of your project. Choose a date when you want the project started or when you want it to be completed. Make sure you factor in delays that may arise from those unforeseen issues.
Discuss with your contractors to estimate the amount of time needed to complete each stage, the order in which works will be performed, and which sections can be completed at the same time.
Renovation on a tight budget
If you have a limited budget for your home renovation project, there are some options for you:
Consider a DIY project. If you have the skills to do the renovations without needing to hire some help, then you can consider doing it yourself.
You may want to shop for used or refurbished goods to cut costs on your building materials and appliances.
Use a mix of materials. For example, hardwood flooring looks great on living rooms, but for other areas, you may use other flooring materials instead, like vinyl and tiles.
To conclude, communication is key to your dream project's success. Make sure that everyone is one the same page, especially if you will be working with multiple contractors. This will ensure that your project will be completed according to your specifications, budget, and timeline.
