Taking on your first home remodel can be an exciting time. You’re likely excited to see the finished product and are anxious to get started. Before you dive in, however, you should do your homework to ensure the process goes smoothly and efficiently. Without a plan, some remodels could prove disastrous and costly, so follow these tips to help you get started.
Plan Ahead
It doesn’t matter if you’re tackling the project yourself or if you’re hiring a professional, you should always plan ahead before you get started. Even though professionals come with a lot of experience, you shouldn’t rely solely on them to execute your vision. The process can go much smoother if you have a solid plan in place for them to follow because they can spot potential problems you may have overlooked, and if you’re doing the remodel yourself, it can give you guidance on what needs to be done. Without a plan, your project may end up taking longer than you anticipated and cost you money you hadn’t initially planned to spend.
Plan for Surprises
Even the most well-planned out remodel has unexpected expenses come up, so you shouldn’t expect yours to be any different. Include a buffer in your remodel to account for any unplanned surprises that may come up during the project so you can afford to pay for them and it doesn’t delay the timeline of completion. A good rule of thumb is to add in an extra 10-15% to your overall budget, which should cover most incidents that come up.
Don’t Always DIY
There are smaller remodel projects that you can probably take on yourself. However, larger-scale projects, such as kitchen and bathroom remodels or additions, should be handled by professionals. You should choose professional installation whenever you don’t have the tools or manpower to handle a job yourself or are taking on a job that requires gutting a room or rearranging electrical or plumbing components. When you look for a professional, be sure that they’re licensed and have references to back up their experience. You should also get an estimate before you hire them and sign a contract or statement of work.
Clear up Space
It can be difficult to manage a remodeling project when you’re working around other household furniture, children, or pets. Plan to keep the space where the remodel is taking place clear by packing up furniture and other household objects and storing them away until the project is completed. If you’re taking on a larger remodel, you may want to consider boarding your pets or staying at a different location to give yourself or your contractors space to work without distraction. Not only does it help the project run smoother, but it’s also safer for everyone involved if there are no potential hazards in the way.
Be Flexible
As with many home renovation projects, unforeseen circumstances often arise, such as hidden issues that need to be addressed or delays in getting materials. While it can be frustrating to have issues arise that can cause delays in the process, it’s important to remember that it’s better to have a project done right and a little behind schedule than to keep moving ahead without everything you need or addressing other, more serious issues.
Avoid Changing Course
Once you get started with a project, you may change your mind about the outcome once you start to see things coming together. While it’s fine to change your mind on smaller things that can easily be swapped out, it can seriously affect the project’s timeline, and your budget, if you constantly change your mind. Try to avoid this by doing plenty of research ahead of time so you know exactly what you want before you begin.
You can’t always plan for every possible scenario when you’re taking on a home remodeling project, so it’s important to have patience and keep the big picture in mind. However, if you use these tips, your next home remodeling project should go smoothly.