When most people hear the word renovation, they panic. Remodeling has never been an easy task for most people. So many things can go wrong from overspending to physical disasters. It is a task that can bring upon stress and anxiety. But with everything in life, having a plan of action set in place beforehand can avoid a lot of unnecessary pain in the long run.
What are things to know before starting a renovation project?
Be realistic. Because renovations take a lot of time, it is important to make sure that the renovations are not only necessary, but also worth the effort. You and your family are going to be displayed. Depending on the project, adding new flooring such as tile or hardwood it may take between a few days or doing a complete remodel of a room will take a few months to complete. Before even starting this endeavor, apply your vision to paper. Some go to Pinterest for ideas and inspiration. Other individuals hire professional designers that have an eye for what can actually be done architecturally to draft up a plan. This is definitely helpful with renovation ideas that require tearing down a wall or beam that may very well be necessary for the structural integrity of your home. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your home.
Have the budget for it and then some. In addition to your budget, you need to have contingency funds. It is normal to start rapidly burning through your initial financial budget at least halfway through the projects completion. Various emergencies may come up unexpectedly. A pipe might accidentally burst and cause serious water damage. There may be a natural disaster that takes place during the course of your renovation that could put your plans on hold. To avoid the biggest fear of having to live in a home torn apart until you save for the next portion of the renovation, contingency money needs to be your safeguard.
Hire the right contractor. There are many DIY projects that don’t need an outside hire. However, be very mindful of the difference between simple renovations and those that require a professional. With a reliable contractor, you should anticipate paying for an individual that has the knowledge base to tackle any issues, permits and delays that may come your way. However, just like renovations can encounter a few hiccups, it is possible to end up with the wrong contractor for the job. Do your research to determine your rights as a consumer, as well as expectations that the contractor needs to be held accountable for.
Make temporary sleeping accommodations. Depending on the size of the project, it may not be ideal for you and your family to stay in the home. There’s a possibility that massive amounts of dust flying around could be hazardous to your health. If you have children in the home, the dangers of them getting into mischief is high. Not only will you have to pay attention to unsafe tools laying around, but you will want to make sure that you are comfortable with the contractors, as well as their subcontractors.