A Guide to Home Renovation
Whether you’re building your dream home or just looking to make your current one better, the time and money it takes to renovate can be substantial. Fortunately, with the right knowledge of home renovation, it doesn’t have to be as hard as it seems. The following guide will walk you through the process of home renovation and home improvement from start to finish so that you can make your house into whatever you want it to be!
Starting The Process
The first step in renovating your home is taking stock of what you want and need, says Claire Hittle, Director of Marketing at Houzz. This should include a list of requirements such as desired square footage and amenities, as well as an estimate of your budget. Think big: Don’t be afraid to dream! Many people hold themselves back from doing something bold because they think it’s too ambitious, or that it will break their budget.
Determining What Needs To Be Fixed
Before you even begin considering a renovation project, it’s important to consider what needs fixing in your home. Ask yourself simple questions like What is broken or not working properly? and Are there any outdated elements of my home that could be replaced with something new and more effective? can help you identify problems in your home you may have not even noticed.
Considering Ways To Pay For It
If you’re just getting started with a home renovation project, one of your first thoughts may be how you’ll pay for it. More often than not, people choose to pay for home renovations by way of a loan. These loans can come in many forms, depending on your current financial situation. Fortunately, there are plenty of lenders out there who can help with financing almost any type of renovation.
Selecting a Contractor
When you decide to hire a contractor, you will have a lot of options in front of you. It can be difficult and time-consuming trying to figure out which is right for your project. To ensure that your experience is as smooth as possible, we’ve put together some tips on how to pick a contractor.
Tips When Dealing With Contractors
While it’s never fun to deal with contractors—from having to haggle over prices and wait for them to finish their job—getting a new bathroom or kitchen for your home is worth a little trouble. With that in mind, follow these tips when hiring someone you’re going to pay by check
Keeping Costs Low During Renovations
Creating a budget for home renovations can help you get an idea of what can be done and how much you have to spend. Start by making a list of everything that needs fixing in your home, then categorize each item by size, scope, and cost. If some items fall outside your budget, don’t hesitate to move them down your list and free up some money.
Know when it’s Time To Hire A Professional
When you are improving your home, it’s essential that you know when it’s time to hire a professional. While some projects may be fairly simple, others require a high level of skill and experience. This can include plumbing work, electrical work, or other specialist jobs. Hiring contractors will also give you peace of mind by knowing that they have passed official safety checks and hold all relevant licenses.
