7 Things to Knew Before Renovation
Home renovations can be exciting. They let you turn your living space into a dream home that fits your style and needs. But renovations also come with challenges. Unexpected costs, longer timelines, and construction mess are common problems.In this post, we’ll share 7 things that can help you have a smoother renovation experience.
By learning from Total Quality Express experiences, you can save time, money, and stress. We want to make sure your renovation project is as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.
1. Set Your Goal
Before you start making changes to your home, it’s important to set clear goals for your renovation. Ask yourself: Why am I renovating? What do I hope to achieve? Understanding your reasons can guide all the decisions you make during the process.
For instance, if your goal is to increase the resale value of your home, you focus on upgrades that appeal to potential buyers, like a modern kitchen or an updated bathroom. On the other hand, if you’re renovating to make your home more comfortable for your family, your choices prioritize functionality over aesthetics.
Having a clear vision from the beginning will help you avoid costly mistakes that come from being unsure or changing your mind halfway through the project. It’s much easier to plan and stick to a budget when you know exactly what you want to achieve.
2. Budget for the Unexpected
One common problem with renovations is underestimating the cost. Renovations can be very expensive, and if you don’t have a realistic budget, you might end up with unexpected costs that are overwhelming.
Start by researching the costs of the type of renovation you’re planning. Talk to contractors, visit home improvement stores, and get quotes for the materials you’ll need. Once you have a rough idea of the costs, add an extra 10-20% to your budget to cover any surprises that might come up during the project.
It’s also important to prioritize your spending. Decide which parts of the renovation are most important and where you might be able to save money.
For example, you might choose to spend more on high-quality countertops but use more affordable lighting fixtures. Making these decisions ahead of time can help you avoid going over budget on less important items.
3. Referrals Matter More Than You Think
Getting recommendations from people you trust is very important when choosing a contractor for your renovation. Friends, family, or neighbors who have had good experiences can point you to reliable professionals.
These referrals can save you time and help you avoid hiring someone who might not do a good job. When someone you know recommends a contractor, it gives you more confidence that they will meet your needs and do quality work.
Once you get referrals, it’s important to check out the contractors before hiring them. Here are some tips to help you evaluate potential contractors:
- Check Their Experience: Ask how long they have been in business and if they have worked on similar projects.
- Read Reviews: Look for online reviews or ask for references from past clients to see what others think about their work.
- Verify Licenses and Insurance: Make sure the contractor has the necessary licenses to work in your area and carries insurance to protect you in case of accidents.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Ask at least three contractors for quotes to compare prices and services. This helps you understand what is reasonable.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask about their process, timeline, and how they handle problems that may arise during the renovation.
By following these steps, you can find a contractor who is trustworthy and capable of delivering the results you want.
4. Choose Durable Materials
The materials you choose for your renovation will affect how your space looks and how easy it is to maintain. It’s easy to choose materials that are popular right now, but it’s important to pick things that will last a long time.
Go for materials that are durable and won’t go out of style. For example, granite or quartz countertops are popular because they are tough and don’t scratch easily. Hardwood floors are another classic choice – they look great and can be refinished if they get worn down.
Be careful with materials that seem good but are not practical. Some types of carpet can be hard to clean, and trendy tiles might look outdated quickly. Do your research and think about how easy it will be to take care of the materials you choose. Picking the right materials can save you from having to make expensive repairs or replacements later on.
5. DIY Where You Can, But Know Your Limits
Doing some renovation tasks yourself can help you save money. Here are a few areas where homeowners can safely and effectively take on DIY projects:
- Painting: You can easily paint walls or cabinets to give a fresh look without hiring someone.
- Tiling: If you have some basic skills, you can install tiles in kitchens or bathrooms.
- Installing Fixtures: Changing out light fixtures, faucets, or cabinet handles can often be done by yourself with some simple tools.
- Landscaping: Planting flowers, and shrubs, or even building a small garden can be a fun DIY project.
- These tasks can be rewarding and help you save on labor costs.
While DIY can save money, some jobs are better left to professionals. Here’s when it’s worth hiring experts to avoid costly mistakes:
- Major Electrical Work: If you need to rewire your home or install new circuits, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician for safety.
- Plumbing Issues: Fixing leaks or installing new plumbing can be complicated. A plumber can ensure everything is done correctly to prevent future problems.
- Structural Changes: If you want to knock down walls or change the layout of your home, a contractor can help ensure it’s safe and up to code.
- Complex Renovations: For large projects like a full kitchen or bathroom remodel, hiring a professional can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you more in the long run.
Knowing when to DIY and when to call in the pros will help you achieve the best results for your renovation.
6. Don't Hurry Your Decisions
Renovating your home can take a long time, and it’s easy to feel like you need to make quick decisions to keep things moving. But hurrying can lead to mistakes that are hard to fix later.
Take your time when making big decisions, especially ones that are hard to change, like painting or putting in permanent things. It’s better to think carefully and be sure of your choices than to hurry and regret them later.
To avoid feeling rushed, make a timeline for your renovation that includes deadlines for making decisions. This will help you stay on track without feeling pressure to make choices too quickly.
If you’re not sure about something, ask a contractor, designer, or even a friend who’s done a renovation before. Getting another opinion can help you make the right decisions and avoid common problems.
7. Learn from Others' Mistakes
One of the best ways to avoid problems during your renovation is to learn from others who have done it before. Talk to your friends, family, or neighbors who have recently renovated their homes, and ask them about what went wrong and what they would do differently.
You can also find a lot of useful information online from people who have shared their renovation experiences. Reading about what others have been through can help you avoid common mistakes and be better prepared for your renovation.
For example, many people wish they had saved more money for unexpected problems, like finding water damage or needing to fix old wiring. Others regret not spending more time researching contractors or being clear about their design ideas from the start.
By learning from others’ experiences, you can avoid these issues and make your renovation go more smoothly and successfully.
Conclusion
Home renovation offer the chance to create your ideal living space, but they come with challenges that can be managed with careful planning.
By setting clear goals, budgeting for unexpected costs, choosing the right professionals and materials, and knowing when to DIY or seek expert help, you can navigate these challenges more effectively.
Taking your time with decisions and learning from others’ experiences will further enhance your renovation journey. With these tips, your project can be both satisfying and successful, transforming your house into the home of your dreams.
If ready to start your renovation, Contact Total Quality Express for a consultation or quote. We’re here to help you avoid these pitfalls and make your renovation a success.
