Updates to a home whether big or small can not only personalize the space, but provide a bigger return on your home’s investment. An entire home renovation can be overwhelming for some, who are not prepared for the unexpected.
Many homeowners are planning a home improvement project now that the housing marketing is rebounding and the demand for move-in ready spaces is on the rise. According to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, projects home improvement spending to reach $155 billion dollars in 2016, surpassing the peak spent in 2006. To help you navigate through the home improvement process check out these five secrets to a successful project:
#1 Home Improvement Secret: The Plan
Make sure to consider all the possibilities that could happen in a particular room. Plan for how you’d like to use the space and what actually needs to happen in that particular space. Pay attention to the little details too — is there enough storage? Can you easily access the light switch? Where do you need outlets? Should you add more natural light or ceiling fixtures? What are the traffic patterns in that room? Will are your furniture fit in the space? Remember choose items for your space because they’re functional and work in the room, rather than just because it’s pretty. It’s important to communicate with your team and tell them everything you’d like to do, even if you think you can’t afford it –this way you can build on the improvements over time.
#2 Home Improvement Secret: The Budget
It’s important to know what you can and can’t afford before starting the project. Do your research and plan for unexpected costs. Rather than going the cheap route, trim your wish list back (or possible do overtime) and opt for better quality items that will stand the test of time. In order to calculate how much remodel you can afford, follow these four steps: ballpark the cost, establish a spending limit, get quotes from contractors, and set your priorities.
Source: Fix.com Blog
#3 Home Improvement Secret: Begin with the End in Mind
Keep your eyes on the end goals of your plan. Some home improvement projects may take more time than others so have a conversation with your contractors to make sure you have a realistic timeline. Frustration and stress occurs when homeowners aren’t alerted to delays or when the pro fails to indicate how much time they really need. Changing materials, appliances, or design can actually lead to much longer lead times, additional labor expenses and other costs. It’s best to think through all of your various wish list items before the project begin.
#4 Home Improvement Secret: Dealing with a Home’s Quirks
What lies beneath the surface? No one really knows until the project is started, making it difficult to make an informed decision.These unforeseen issues should be planned for, both in the budget as well as in the timeline. Consider keeping some of the home’s older character to create a warm and cozy remodel. Don’t stop short of what your home improvement project needs, you don’t want to look back and regret not dealing with the home’s quirks, especially when you the means and manpower to fix the issue.
#5 Home Improvement Secret: Trust Your Team
Make sure to do your homework and research ahead of time and find a team that you can trust. If you have limited time to manage the project, get a project manager or look for a contractor or home designer who has this skill. It’s important to keep everyone on the same page and the project moving forward. Respect their suggestions, make sure they understand exactly what your want and the budget available.
Have you done a remodel in your home? Share your story below. How did you make it run smoothly? Or keep your sanity if it was a disaster? I’d love to hear from you.
Happy Renovating,
