Homes always seem to have something that needs repairing or replacing. After a while, it’s time to redecorate or do some major upgrades.
Renovating your home can be a daunting task, so it’s important to cover all the bases before you begin. In this article, we’ll discuss 6 important factors that you should take into account when renovating your home.
Who Should Do The Work
You may have the time, energy, and inclination to do some (or all) of the work yourself. You can save a lot of money by doing your own demolition, painting, tiling, etc. However, there are some jobs that are best left to the professionals (like electrical work and plumbing) for safety reasons. You also need to think about whether you have the skills to do a good job. Otherwise, you may end up having to pay someone to fix your mistakes, which will cost you more in the long run.
If you decide to hire a professional to do the work, get several quotes first. Seek recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues and check for online reviews. Get everything in writing before any work starts, so there will be no surprises later on. The internet can explain about using an independent contractor vs self employed one, and what are the different insurance requirements. You can also learn about the tax considerations for both, and find out more about contractor insurance.
Getting Professional Advice
Unless you’re a professional contractor yourself, it’s always best to consult with someone who knows more about construction and renovation than you do. This will ensure that your project turns out the way you want it and that any potential problems are avoided. Here are some people you could consult:
- An architect. They can help you design your renovation, and make sure that it meets any building code requirements.
- A designer. They can help you create a home space that’s both practical and stylish.
- A contractor. They’ll be able to give you an estimate of the cost of your project and oversee the construction process.
- A landscaper. If you’re planning on doing any work to your yard, they’ll be able to help you choose the right plants, and design a space that compliments your home.
Your Budget
You need to ensure that you have enough money to cover all the costs of materials, labor, and any unexpected expenses that may come up. Once you’ve decided on a budget, stick to it as closely as possible. This will help you avoid overspending or ending up in debt.
You need to be realistic about what you can accomplish with the budget you have. If you’re planning a large renovation, it’s likely that you’ll need to break it up into smaller projects and complete them over time.
The Legal Aspects
Check with your municipality to see if there are any zoning bylaws that could restrict or prohibit the work you want to have done. You’ll likely need some sort of permit from your local government in order to do any substantial work on your home. These permits exist to protect both you and your neighbors, by ensuring that the work being done meets certain safety standards. Depending on the scope of your project, you may need more than one type of permit (and you have to pay for them).
Make sure that your home insurance policy is up to date and that it will cover any damage that might be caused by the work. Many policies have clauses that exclude coverage for certain types of work (such as demolition) so it’s important to read the fine print carefully. You may also want to consider taking out a separate contractor’s insurance policy to protect yourself from any potential liability.
Adding Value To Your Property
Making cosmetic changes like painting walls or updating light fixtures will be unlikely to increase your home’s resale value. On the other hand, making major changes (such as extensions) can generally be considered a good investment that will increase the value of your house. It’s important to consult with a real estate agent or another expert before making any major changes, to ensure that you’re making a wise investment. Some other changes that could improve the worth of your home include:
- Updating the kitchen or bathroom
- Adding a bathroom or bedroom
- Finishing the basement
- Converting an attic into a bedroom
- Building a deck or patio
- Installing an outdoor swimming pool
These changes will make your home more appealing to potential buyers, so they’re worth considering if you’re planning on reselling your home in the near future. If you’re not planning to move anytime soon, however, you may prefer to focus on changes that’ll improve your quality of life instead.
Your Family Needs
Before you start any type of home renovation, it’s important to sit down with your family and discuss what everyone’s needs are. This will help ensure that the finished work meets everyone’s requirements and expectations. If you have a growing family, you may need to add an extra bedroom or bathroom or expand the kitchen area. Perhaps you have elderly parents who’ll be moving in, in which case you’ll need to make sure the home is accessible for them.
You should also think about how much disruption a renovation is going to cause. If you have young children at home, it may be better to wait until they’re a bit older and can deal with the disruption better. If you work from home, you may need to consider temporarily relocating while the work is being done. Finally, think about whether you plan on entertaining guests indoors and out, and how your home can fully match your lifestyles.
Now that you’ve read these 6 important factors, you’ll be better able to plan your renovation work. Do some more research, speak to the professionals and choose wisely. In return for your time and effort, you may have added to the functionality and comfort of your home, and increased its resale price in the process.
