By Lizzie Weakley
Are you considering remodeling your house this year? Whether you are giving your kitchen a face-lift or adding an addition, home remodeling can be both exciting and intimidating. Careful planning and budgeting are essential if you do the work yourself or hire professionals. Here are four useful hacks to make your remodeling project a success.
Create a Plan & Budget
Once you have committed to a home building project, consider a brainstorming session. Maybe you can peruse through books and magazines to find inspiration. If you have a partner or family, get them involved in the process. Cut or copy pictures and create a project notebook for visual guidance. Add a list of tasks that will be necessary for completion. Use your laptop as a preliminary source for yourself or your professional project manager. Your project manager will help you establish a proper budget and timeline.
Do Your Homework
Many small remodeling projects in or around your home won’t require paperwork from local authorities. Before you hammer the first nail, visit your county auditor for rules and regulations concerning local permits, building codes, and inspections. You will know what standards and permits your project will require, and how much these documents will cost.
Consult Qualified Professionals
Even if you are an experienced DIY homeowner, specific tasks require the expertise of certified professionals. Unless you have certification and experience in electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC projects, it is best to leave it to skilled home remodelers. Before you hire anyone, be sure to do background and reference checks. A trustworthy professional will have no qualms about submitting to this interview process. Most contractors will provide free estimates, so scrutinize each one before hiring. It is always advisable to work with an attorney to provide a contract between you and the professionals you choose.
Sticking to the Plans
After meeting with your project manager and contractor, you should have a mutually agreed-upon budget and completion date. If you have done remodeling projects in the past, you know that unexpected situations can raise the budget or delay completion. Give yourself some leeway, just in case. Make a list of supplies and costs, so you will know where each dollar is going.
In general, you know how much money is allotted to your building project and don’t want to create a financial strain. A project timeline is especially crucial if the weather is a factor or there is a period of going without power or water. Consider these variables when you make your original agreement for a completion date.
Getting a home makeover is rewarding in many ways. While it requires a commitment in time and finances, some improvements can be a tax write-off or add value to your home. It all starts with inspiration and a plan.
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her three-year-old husky, Snowball.