The Ultimate Guide to Home Renovation
Whether you are looking to take on a small project or do a complete overhaul of a home, home renovations can be quite the undertaking. When it comes to remodeling a house, there is no set-in-stone guidebook to say, “this is what you must do.”
Below we have created the ultimate guide for you on how to remodel a home, from the initial decision-making process down to the very last detail.
How to Find the Perfect Home Renovation Project
Have you found yourself on the hunt for a new home, but everything seems so far out of the price range you can afford? Purchasing a home that needs a small or moderate amount of remodeling can be an excellent way to get into the desired neighborhood or school district you long for. But how do you know which home is right for you?Be Realistic
Generally speaking, most homeowners should not purchase a home that’s in need of renovations from top to bottom. Instead, look for properties that require a manageable amount of remodeling in order to fit your needs and desires. Keep in mind, aesthetic changes can be taken on over time in the form of short-term projects, but you don’t want to skimp out on necessary repairs as this may hurt you in the long run.Inspect The Property
Take a thorough walk throughout the property being sure to inspect the interior of the home, the exterior of the home, and even the land itself. Ensure you’re taking on a project home that is within your means to renovate.Find Your Style
Each person has a different style when it comes to home renovations. Two people can enjoy the same modern feel of a home, but there will always be one or two details that differ when it comes down to it. Finding your style should be the first step in the process of remodeling a house as it plays a huge role in which house you choose.Think About The Potential
When purchasing a home, you must think of the potential of what this home “could be” when house hunting. Think of what your end goal is for the home, and what the future value will be once you have finished putting your touch on it.Home Renovation Step 1: Develop a Plan
The very first step when it comes to home renovations should always be developing your renovation plan. Determine what renovations, if any, you can complete yourself or what you’ll need to hire a contractor to complete. Gather your blueprints or sketches of what your finished project should look like, compile a list of the needs of your space and things you want, and set up an individual plan for the rooms you want to update, such as a custom basement, custom deck, or custom bathroom. For example, plan out elements such as:- Paint color options
- Flooring
- Light fixtures
- Furniture
Home Renovation Step 2: Set a Budget
Decide what you want your total renovation budget to be and finalize your financing. It’s recommended to have more than one contractor provide you with a cost estimate as to just how much you are likely to spend on the home renovation process. Many contractors will provide free estimates, and even if they do not, do your research to determine if the business is worth paying for an estimate. Each room project will vary in how much it will cost to complete. For instance, a custom deck will be less expensive to complete than a custom covered porch as it requires less material. Experts recommend that you hold 10% of your budget for unexpected costs such as a sudden price increase in materials or an unplanned water leak. Schedule a free estimate today!Home Renovation Step 3: Find a Professional
When you’re on the hunt for the perfect contractor, there are a few things you should ask:- How many years of experience do you have?
- May I see your contracting license?
- Do you have a certificate of insurance?
- Can I see a list of references?
- What is the payment schedule?
Home Renovation Step 4: Create a Timeline
Once your budget has been finalized, and you have hand-picked the right contractor and team for your renovation needs, it’s time to put a timeline in place of just how long the home renovations will be expected to take. You must allow:- Time to clean out the project area
- Time for the materials to be delivered
- For any holidays your team might take off
Home Renovation Step 5: Prepare Yourself and Your Home
If you’re looking to add a space to your current home, such as a custom sunroom, you are going to want to remove anything of value from the area. You do not want your contractor to accidentally damage or break something that cannot be replaced.How Do I Know if a House Is Worth Renovating?
Remodeling a house can become quite daunting. To determine the needs of your home renovations, determine your plans for the home. If you plan to spend several years in the home, then upgrade what you can afford at the time. If you are looking to sell your home once the home renovations are complete, have renovations done that will yield results with a future home buyer.
Do I Need Renovation Insurance When Renovating a House?
Your contractor should carry liability insurance in case someone on the team is injured on the job. However, it is not a bad idea to ensure that your homeowner’s insurance holds a high enough liability insurance policy to cover any accidents should your contractor not have enough insurance.Why Choose Perimeter Remodeling for Your Renovation Project?
If you find yourself wondering how to remodel your house or begin a renovation project, Perimeter Remodeling is here to get the job done. We have had a BBB Accredited Business since November 1, 2002, and have met their standards since. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured and offer different financing options as well as free estimates.
Perimeter Remodeling is committed to making a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints and to providing you with your dream home.