There can be numerous reasons for starting a home improvement project. It may either be because some parts of your house are getting too old (quality and design-wise), or perhaps to increase your house’s selling value. Regardless of the reason, there are certain things you have to consider before jumping into a massive and expensive project.
If this is your first time handling a big project, you have to be aware that you have to adjust to several conditions—this includes not being able to use a specific area for a long time until it’s fully completed. You may even have to get used to living with construction noises in the background for a while.
If you’re ready to invest your time, effort, and money into home improvements, here are some things to consider before commencing the project.
- Careful Planning
Initially, most homeowners perceive a home improvement project as something that can be easily and quickly accomplished. However, you need to plan everything carefully before making any rash decisions. Ask yourself about your goal for this home project. If your goal is to increase the house’s value for reselling, it would be ideal to refrain from spending too much on the improvements, especially if you’re unsure whether you can regain the cost.
Another thing you must include in the planning is the timeline. Home projects can take weeks or even months, especially if the renovation covers a big part of your house. Not only will the project itself need time, but also procuring the necessary permits and conducting inspections. Thus, you have to include these tasks in your timeline.
While you can’t identify the exact time the entire project has to be completed, having an estimate can help you figure out when you should start. Make sure your planned timeline is not too restricted to the point of rushing your contractors, thus compromising the quality of their work.
- The Right Contractor
The next important thing to consider is finding the right contractor. If you have never been in touch with a contractor before, you can ask your family or friends who have previously done home renovations as they can recommend a few names. You can also go to this site for the complete list of pre-screened contractors. You can review the list and see which of them is within your proximity and which ones pass your qualifications.
You can also check their company websites and see if they have positive customer reviews. Once you’re in contact with some of your chosen contractors, you can ask them several questions, such as the kinds of projects they specialize in. Be aware that not all contractors provide insurance nor warranty, so remember to look into that aspect as well.
- Budget
Your allocated budget for home improvement is one of the major things you must never forget to consider. This helps determine the scope of your project and find out whether it’s cost-effective. Otherwise, you may have to seek other options that are more suitable for your target budget.
Aside from planning out the budget, you also need to plan how you’ll finance the project. It can either be through your personal funds or a loan, such as a home equity loan. It’s best to have everything laid out ahead to avoid going over your set budget.
Don’t forget to include the cost of materials, labor, and inspections in creating your budget plan. Some expenses are not even related to your home construction. For instance, if you’re planning to have a complete kitchen renovation, you might need to eat outside frequently since you don’t have the space to prepare your meals. Thus, you have to prepare a budget for when you’re eating out.
- Materials
Once you’ve figured out how much you’re willing to spend for your home improvements, it’s time to plan out the project’s materials. While some materials are best left decided by professional contractors, there are certain aspects that require your decision. Some of these include the color of the house paint, the type of wood to be used, among others. If you’re planning a roof renovation, you’ll also have to decide what kind of roofing material you want them to use. Keep in mind that in planning the materials, you must always consider the quality.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to start a home improvement project, you must outline all the things you have to consider before starting it. Luckily, four aspects are already enumerated and discussed in this article. You have to know what kind of repairs, renovations, or remodeling you want to have so that everything goes smoothly once the project begins. Aside from trusting yourself with the decision-making process, you need the assistance of a reliable contractor as well.
