Ladies, if you are rookies when it comes to home renovation or you just haven’t done it in a while, you have found the perfect help. Our guide to home renovation will give you reliable guidance on what you need to do during your upcoming renovation venture. Once you are done with your home or any other property, it will look like a shiny new penny. The perks of home renovation are truly great. For starters, you will be able to enjoy your home to the maximum. Later on, if you decide to sell your home, you will have a property that is worth more than it used to be. So, let’s not wait any longer and kickstart your renovation process. Here are the key details that you shouldn’t forget during your renovation planning.
Every guide to home renovation must start with a plan
When planning a home renovation, you must have a clear vision of what would you like to improve. Once you are certain what you want, you will have a detailed plan on how that can be accomplished. This process will be long and tiring, so it is important that you are always motivated. Motivation is key on your end because there will be days where nothing will go your way.
Your plans should contain:
- Blueprints of your property
- List of your demands that contractors can examine and provide their feedback
- Parts of the project that you would like to do on your own
- Permits and zoning clearance
Zoning and permits
Your guide to home renovation will not mean a thing if you haven’t figured out the zoning and permits for your project. Unless you are a female wizard when it comes to renovation, it is very likely that you will not know these processes and rules. So, be prepared to miss a yoga class or two, because this should be your number one priority from the start. If you cannot get this in order, there might be no point in continuing the projects.
Figure out your budget
For a budget to be reliable, it should contain every single expense that can cross your path during your renovation. Therefore, everything from material costs, labor, decorations, permits, and similar things should be included in it. The best way to get this done is by asking professionals for estimates. This way your budget can be as reliable as possible. Once you have finalized your budget, add another 10% on the amount that you have calculated. Remember, you are not that experienced in renovating and unexpected things can happen. Thus, it is always good to have a little extra cash on the side when that happens.
What to do when your budget doesn’t fit your plan?
Renovating your home might imply that you will have to downsize on other fronts. For example, you might have to skip a few massages that you so love at the SPA. It might be difficult, but it is a sacrifice for a great cause. In case downsizing still doesn’t help, it is time to prioritize. Look at your plan and prioritize the things that you would like to be fixed. Let’s do a comparison. Roofing leaks can happen for many reasons, so this task will be highly prioritized. On the other hand, you always wanted that extra space in your closet for your shoes. However, realistically this part of the renovation is not as important as fixing your roof. You certainly get the picture. Do your best to be realistic and prioritize.
Hire the best contractor for your renovation project
Estimates are a great way to start when choosing a contractor. Yet, it shouldn’t be the only criterium when choosing the right person for the job. It is very important that you hire a contractor that has been around the block and that has plenty of experience with similar projects. In addition to experience, you want your contractor to have all the needed licenses. This is another moment where you must put your researching hat on and investigate which licenses contractors should have.
This might be a process that you aren’t looking forward to, but it will be well worth it once you choose the perfect contractor for your project. On the other hand, there are still some smaller things that you can do yourself, for example, spruce up your gutters. Although it’s a small item, it will do wonders for the overall look of your house.
Have a timeline in place
We cannot skip mentioning timelines in our guide to home renovation. We all know that women are very good at planning and managing time. However, when renovating, your time management skills must be on the next level. Your contractor will be very helpful when making a timeline because he or she can provide clear estimates on how long a specific part of the project should last. Don’t forget to factor in the little tasks like cleaning preparations and material deliveries. Even the smallest tasks and details can influence your timeline. In the end, do not forget to leave a little spare room when scheduling. This way if something unexpected comes up, you will have some extra time to deal with the crisis.
Start packing and preparing for the renovation festivities to begin
Your preparations largely depend on the rooms that you will be renovating and on the portion of the property that you will be invading during this project. If you are only renovating your kitchen, you can make little arrangements that will help you during the process. Though, you do not have to move your entire family out of your home. However, if you are renovating your kitchen and you will be eating out more often, this might not be the best time to start a new weight loss regime.
Prepare yourself and your family for this project
The biggest mistake that you can make is thinking that renovating a home will be a piece of cake. This is a project that you must dive in with both feet. Sometimes you will be stressed and overwhelmed. When that happens, give yourself a break. Go get that much-needed manicure and pedicure. Also, prep your family members for what is to come. Renovation projects might cause additional noise and discomfort. They need to know what awaits them. If you think that they cannot handle it, you can always temporarily move them. If that ends up being your last resort, check out these tips when moving with a large family.
If you are a mom, make sure your children are bothered by the renovations as least as possible. Alt-text: a woman lying on a white rag with a baby, looking at a book.
Take charge of your project
If you are on top of things and you know what you want, you can end up having a fabulous project. Stick with your plan and know what you want. Our guide to home renovation will provide you guidance, but you must be the facilitator.
Author Bio
Jennifer White is a real estate agent that works and lives in New Rochelle, NY. Jennifer started off as a real estate agent, but with growing experience in the real estate market, she became an expert in staging properties for potential sales. With time, to her skills, she added consulting services. Nowadays, she is one of the most in-demand real estate experts in New York City. When she is not working she loves spending time with her husband James and their two daughters, Anna and Angela.
