bdblogger
June 30, 2016
Category: Remodeling & Renovation
What to consider before you renovate
Thinking of remodeling, but don’t know where to start? Looking for helpful ideas or have too many and simply not sure what will work for you? Here is a handy guide of what to consider before your project is a “go.”
Do your research
Whether you are renovating a room or your entire apartment or a house, the more informed you are, the better your renovation will turn out. From styles and colors to floor plans and wall treatments, there are multiple options available and some of them will surely be right for you. Go online, talk to friends who recently renovated, watch home improvement TV shows and read magazines to get inspired. Get a sense of the styles you are looking, as well as the materials and labor costs in your area. You will find that a well-researched project is much easier to execute.
Budget
This is something that, literally, cannot be underestimated. You don’t want to run out of funds in the middle of your renovation and it’s much more satisfying to use the money your saved up for the project than go into debt, hoping that your renovation will pay for itself, should you choose to sell your property. After you did your research and considered all the details, it’s time for some serious window-shopping and cost comparisons. Keep in mind that there are a lot of budget-friendly alternatives to some costly techniques and materials. Mindful cost cutting, while keeping an eye on the quality can help you stay within budget and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Professional Property Assessment
Whether your renovation is large or small, it always helps to hire a professional who can assess your property from top to bottom, test your heating and air conditioning systems, inspect your plumbing and electrical panels and alert you to any issues, like basement leaks or dampness. The results of such inspection will help you evaluate your project’s true needs and accurately assess the work to be done.
Get Advice
Even if you get a professional property assessment, don’t forget to talk to your friends and family who have gone through the renovation experience and will likely alert you to anything you may still be missing. People who know you best, can remind you while you are remodeling in the first place and help you keep the right perspective before and during the project.
Find the right contractor
You should get quotes from several contractors before you decide on one. Don’t just assume your contractor is licensed. When meeting with contractors, you can ask to see their license and make sure they carry a liability insurance, in case of any accidents. If your project is substantial, you can also check the contractor’s criminal, legal and financial background, customer reviews and trade references. It is also important that you and your contractor have the right kind of “chemistry.” After all, when someone and their crew will be spending a lot of time on your property, it may as well be someone you can get along with easily.
Warn your neighbors
It’s always a good idea to pacify your neighbors by giving them ample warning about your upcoming renovation. Share your plans with them, especially if your project is going to affect their property, even temporarily, and make sure to give them contact info for any emergencies. Try to do everything that will keep your neighbors (or your superintendent) happy while you are remodeling. After all, if you were the one being affected by someone else’s renovation, you’d appreciate the courtesy of an advanced notice and project updates. By sharing your plans, you may even get some helpful tips or advice.
Still feeling overwhelmed and in need of assistance? If you are planning a renovation, your timing could not be better! Builderdome Consulting Services can help you with your project without charging you a dime! As we are preparing to release a Private Beta of our digital platform that will revolutionize the way construction projects are initiated and executed, we are offering free consulting services to homeowners looking to renovate.
We are seasoned construction professionals and we can assist you with all the steps in planning and carrying out your renovation. We can help you go through the numerous materials’ options available on the market and choose what suits your needs and weather conditions. We can also help you create a detailed job scope for accurate pricing and review proposals to make sure they match it. We can help you choose the perfect vetted contractor, provide budgeting assistance, quality control and make sure your project is delivered on time. Get in touch with us and let us help you have a home of your dreams!