Remodeling your home is no small feat, and there are a few things you should know before you dive in and decide to go for it. Before you get started, read on for what you should know so you can achieve the best results imaginable.
It’ll Probably Take More Time Than You Think
Be very realistic about your timeline, as remodeling your home will take much more time than you think. Optimism can be a valuable trait, but when remodeling or renovating, you should be more realistic about your timeline. Don’t rush!
Invest In A Key Lockbox
Investing in a key lockbox will be one of the smartest things you do. This will help you to avoid painful early morning wake ups so your contractors can start work! It can also be beneficial for times when you need a safe space to hide a key later on down the line. These lockboxes are often inexpensive and can be extremely useful.
Expect The Unexpected
You should expect the unexpected when you remodel or renovate. Nine times out of ten, something unexpected will come your way and this is why you need to plan for extra time, and also more budget than you think you’ll probably need. If you have an excess of time and some extra money, you’ll avoid any last-minute panics that could throw you off course.
Don’t Settle – Interview Multiple Contractors
Make sure you don’t settle when it comes to hiring the team that is going to help you take on your remodel or renovation. Speak to multiple electricians, builders, and other professionals to make sure you work with the people who are best for the job. Not only should they have insurance and plenty of experience, but they should also be people you feel you could build a rapport with. You don’t need to be best friends, but you do need to be able to communicate effectively for everything to go smoothly. Looking at third party reviews is also recommended and will give you peace of mind.
The Difference between Remodeling and Renovating
Knowing the difference between renovating and remodeling should also help – the two are not the same. They are often used interchangeably but this isn’t usually right. Renovation refers to restoring something to what it was like before – so if you buy a Victorian house, you might renovate it to bring it back to its former glory. Remodeling is creating something new. Make sure you know what sort of work you’re looking for in your own project.
Carefully Consider The Future and Your Environmental Footprint
If there’s one thing all homeowners should be considering when they remodel, it’s their environmental footprint. Are there steps you can take now to reduce this and ensure your home is eco-friendly enough for the future? Could you install solar panels, a smart meter, or insulate? There are many simple steps you could take now and more complex steps you could plan to take later on. However, if you can do some of the tough parts now, you’ll save more money and have peace of mind.
Think About Adding Smart Features To Futureproof The Home
Smart features make your home more modern and functional, and although they may seem strange, having a connected home can be amazing. You could see who is knocking on your door when you’re not even there, control the window dressings when you’re on vacation to make it look like your home, and so much more. A full smart system will ensure your home is all set for the future. It’ll also make the home far more desirable if you ever come to sell it later on down the line.
Put An Emphasis On Storage And Natural Lighting
If there are two things you should put a big focus on when you remodel, it’s your storage and natural lighting. Why? Because these two things can make even the smallest house seem bigger. Storage that has actually been thought over carefully can keep your home clutter-free and help you to utilize the space, and natural light is essential for health and can brighten up a home. How will you emphasize these two things in your own remodel?
Now you know what you need to know to remodel your home, you can begin to plan effectively. What are you planning on doing in your own home remodel to make it a more beautiful, functional place for you and your family to live? Let us know in the comments below – thanks for reading!
