Your home should be the most comforting place for you and your family. Maybe the floor plans are outdated, or you need upgrades here and there. You don’t have to make a big move – so you’ve decided to take on a remodel.
A big project like this can easily become overwhelming. That’s why you need to take it step by step. Here are 4 of the most important things to consider when you’re remodeling your home.
1) When Will You Need a Professional?
Whether or not you need a professional for your project depends on the scale of your project and your skill level. First-timers should definitely not take on a new renovation or remodel project alone. In most cases, it is safest to hire a professional with the correct licensing and amount of experience to do the job properly.
General contractors like AllDry will help you figure out the best plan for the remodel, so you’re not waiting for the job to be completed all year.
2) How Much Work Needs to be Done?
You should be able to talk to your general contractor about the work that’s essential, and what can be saved for later. If your kitchen needs attention, focus only on that area, and start thinking about your bathroom next. Remodeling multiple parts of the house will require more time and money, and this is the easiest way to overwhelm yourself and tighten your budget.
Keep in mind: some projects can wait. Sometimes it’s not possible to get everything done in the time frame you want or the budget you have. That’s why you should decide your wants vs. your needs in this kind of project.
3) What is Your Budget?
You should always have a budget in mind before you start a project. Unless you build things yourself, you probably don’t know the true cost of labor and materials. You should research accordingly to better gauge what you’re going to spend.
Real budgets aren’t the same as the ones you see on home improvement channels, either. Discussing your project with a general contractor can help you determine if your budget is realistic for the work you want to do. If it’s not, your contractor can help you scale it back or gather cheaper materials.
4) Are You Prepared to Live in the House During the Process?
The unfortunate reality is that a complete remodel could take weeks or even months to complete. At that time, you’ll still have to live your daily life. No matter how good your contractor is, you can expect the house to be dirty and dusty. If you’re doing work on the kitchen, you may not be able to cook at home for a long time!
To combat this, many people take a vacation as an excuse to leave the house. If you really can’t afford it during your renovation, staying with family or friends is another option. If it comes down to it – hotels and Airbnb are easily available for those willing to rent a place in their town!
In Conclusion
Remodeling your house is by no means a simple endeavor. You will have to devote a lot of time, money, and energy. But if you prepare the best you can before you start, you can cut back on a lot of this stress.
The most important thing is to stay positive about the process. Even if there are setbacks or delays, it’s not the end of the world. Contractors and other professionals are there to fix problems and make adjustments.
Have an open mind, and you’ll be happy with the end result no matter what.