Remodeling can make changes to your house that take it from okay to dream home, but it can also bring with it a fair amount of stress. When you have a specific vision for what you want, the road to getting there can be filled with twists and turns. You may find that things don’t go absolutely according to plan, but rest assured that, with the right preparations, you can through it all.
The important thing is to plan accordingly to mitigate some of that stress and research your project so that your improvement goes smoothly and with minimal interruption, leaving you with a magazine-worthy home. Here are a few tips to make the process painless as possible and get the results you want.
- Make A Budget But Remember That It Can Change
Of course, you’ll want to set a budget for your project and try to stick to it as much as possible, but keep room for those delightfully unexpected surprises, like the unexplained pipe that shouldn’t be there or labor issues that could arise at the last minute. A good estimate is 10-20% over your initial budget. Stay within what you can reasonably afford, but be flexible.
- Expect The Unexpected
In line with being flexible with your budget, be prepared for surprises. There’s no time like a remodel to discover that termites have been having a field day with your foundation or that the wiring isn’t up to snuff! Issues like these have to be addressed before any additional work can be done, which can cause time delays and get more expensive. Know that every house has its peccadilloes and yours will likely be no exception.
- Stick With Your Plan
One thing that drives up costs is changing the design as you go along. Knowing what you want at the beginning can eliminate additional funds being charged for materials that have to be rush ordered or sent back extra labor, and design costs. Spend some time looking over designs in magazines and prepping Pinterest boards to make sure you have your vision perfect, then go over the plan with your contractor to ensure it will work for your space.
- Be Realistic In Your Expectations
While you’re building your Pinterest boards, remember to keep perspective. If your dream is a big, extended family/media room that would require an addition, check to make sure it won’t be taking up valuable lawn space or violating any ordinances. Likewise, before dreaming too much about taking out that wall to create an open kitchen, be sure that it’s not structurally crucial. Be prepared to be flexible while still keeping your vision in mind.
- Go With A Pro
Trying to save money by going with a cut-rate service for your project might not be so economical in the long run. A licensed general contractor is essential to making sure you get quality work that won’t need to be redone later. See more.
While a cheaper service may be appealing initially, remember that subpar work will cost more in the long run. This is one area where you definitely get what you pay for so pay for quality.
- Plan For Living Your Life
A project like redoing a guest bathroom might not be a major life disruption, but gutting a kitchen or adding a room could be a different matter. The sounds and sights of construction could be less than pleasant to live with, so make other arrangements if possible. A hotel or a family member’s home can be a lifesaver while your own home is undergoing a transformation. Plus, it’s a great excuse to have a celebratory party when the work is done to thank them for being wonderful hosts!
- Get To Know Your Contractor
Take some time to talk to different contractors and find one you feel comfortable with. Get to know their management and communication styles so that while you’re in the process of changing up your home, you’ll have someone you can talk openly with and know what’s going on as the project progresses along. You want to make sure there is no personality clash on the horizon and taking some time to get to know one another ensures you’re all on the same page. In fact, you can use a web-based construction bidding software to have contractors bid on your project and also use it to manage the project while your project is running. With advanced project management software, you will not only know about your contractor but will be able to manage it effectively.
Author Bio: Alfonso Gonzalez is a freelance writer based in Malibu, California. He spent 25 years in the construction industry, working roofing, plumbing, electrical, and more before retiring. In his free time, he likes to work on home repair projects.
