Someone recently asked me what I would love to blog about if I had no limitations of money. I would love to blog about remodeling my home. and show the before and after remodeling photos. I think it is absolutely amazing the difference small changes can make. Furthermore, I would love to document the process with photos and let others know what to expect from different projects. In the meantime, I am working on this home remodeling checklist with what to do before starting a home remodeling project.
Home Remodeling Checklist To Complete Before You Start A Project
Home remodeling plans should not be impulsive or rushed. Before starting a home remodeling project, be sure to sketch out your ideas; figure out whether you will do it yourself or hire a contractor; plan your budget and funding; consider building code requirements and other issues; think of your home value; choose your construction materials wisely; have a list of options where you will purchase your materials; consider your home’s total efficiency; set up special rules; and think how you can make use of your old home materials. Here is a home remodeling checklist of 10 things to do before you get started.
Sketch out your ideas
To fully materialize your desired outcome, you need to sort out your ideas in drawing and in writing. You can either draw your planned layout yourself, hire a professional, or use a computer software to help you out. List your detailed plans and special instructions to make remodeling smooth-flowing. List down questions you might need to ask your contractor when planning to hire one, or questions to ask some experts if you decide to do the project yourself.
Figure out whether you will do it yourself or hire a contractor
Ask yourself if the project is manageable enough to do yourself or are you going to need a contractor? Smaller renovations can be done by yourself and some helpers. It can help you save on costs of labor, but may take longer time to finish, not unless you work full-time on it or you are not in a hurry. Make sure you have had experience on smaller home projects before you decide to work on a more critical home project. Do not forget to ask advice from experts, too. Bigger and more complicated home remodeling projects are usually better done with contractors than yourself and some helpers. There just might be some details that need the hands of experts to be properly completed. Just make sure you find a reputable contractor, considering the costs you need to spend for them.
Plan your budget and funding
Another important consideration before you take on remodeling your home is to plan for your budget and your funding. You need to be aware that there might be some unexpected increases in the price of construction materials, as well as other unexpected expenditures you might have overlooked. Give allowance for possible problems and cost-related concerns. Think of the materials you are going to use and possible equally great alternatives. You can also research on ways to save on home remodeling costs.
Think of your home value
When you are planning to sell the house after the renovation, it is important that you evaluate the current home value and the potential home value once the project will be completed. You need to see if your planned layout, planned additions, and planned materials are attractive to buyers. For example, you can ask yourself if your room addition is taking too much yard space. A swimming pool, too may not be very attractive for buyers due to costly maintenance. These considerations, however, depend on your area and target market and they need to be considered before starting a home remodeling project. You may want to ask yourself what the return on investment will be for your planned home renovations. The graphic below provided by Superior Stone & Cabinet shows the detailed type of information you will want to research about your home remodeling project.
Consider building code requirements and other issues
Before starting a home remodeling project, you need make sure that your renovation plan meets the building code requirements in your area. You can ask your architect or your contractor about this or inquire from your local building authority. You also need to consider other issues, such as complying with zoning issues and submitting building permits before you can go about your home renovation.
Choose your construction materials wisely
Efficiency and beauty are the words. You have to choose the right construction materials, such as tiles, flooring, ceiling, and roofing materials, among others, that answer to your specific needs. Before starting a home remodeling project, choose materials that look great with your current theme, as well as those that are easy to maintain, long-lasting, energy-efficient, and cost-saving.
Have a list of options where you will purchase your materials
As with any shopping, you need to canvas the best place to purchase your construction materials. List down shops in your area and ask for recommendations. Do not hesitate to go over customer reviews and the inquire from Better Business Bureau to ensure good performance. Look for shops that offer free deliveries and warranties.
Consider your home’s total efficiency
Not only do you need to make sure of the materials’ efficiency, but also the layout and other details of your newly renovated house. Before starting a home remodeling project, see to it that spaces are well-utilized, rooms are well-ventilated and well-lit, and room sizes are proportionate. Check also if electrical wiring will not be difficult to install.
Set up special rules
To avoid accidents and lessen possible problems, you need to set special rules with your helpers or your contractor, especially when undergoing a bigger project. Inform your people about parking their equipment, how to deal with delays, equipment problems, supply shortages, and other problems that may come up during the renovation. Contractors may have their own rules to follow, but do not hesitate to include yours for more convenience.
Think how you can make use of your old home materials
Finally, and often forgotten, before starting a home remodeling project, you have to think how to properly dispose of your old home materials. For example, you can donate your old wooden materials to furniture-makers or landscapers. You can also make use of your broken bricks and stones during your construction or offer it for other construction projects.
I hope this home remodeling checklist serves you well in your preparations. Remodeling your home may not be that easy, but it helps a lot to be prepared. You must be well-conditioned for the work done at home and be comfortable with workers in your house. There may be small problems and glitches along the way, but it will be very rewarding for you in the end. Your time, money, and effort will all be well-spent.
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