Home renovations can be an exciting time for homeowners. Home renovations give you the space that is perfect for you and your family, they increase your home’s value and curb appeal, and they provide a great return on investment when it comes time to sell.
Home renovations come in many sizes, from sprucing up the bathroom to ripping up the carpets, to adding on an additional level or rooms. The first place to start is finding a home renovation contractor.
Hiring an experienced and knowledgeable home renovation contractor will help you stay as close to your budget as possible, and as on schedule as possible. Every city has its own codes that homes must meet. Before the reconstruction begins, plans must be drawn, blueprints must be approved, and all the appropriate paperwork must be signed and filed.
Costs such as design consulting, interior decorating, labor, materials, and permit fees all add up quickly. A home renovation contractor will be able to guide you through the process so that there are no unpleasant surprises when the bills come. Having a realistic budget for what you want will help you choose the right kind of materials, so you know what you are getting.
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It’s no secret that most construction projects are over budget and behind schedule. Home improvement TV shows that show a house being transformed in 24 minutes do not help when it comes to setting unrealistic expectations. Remember that TV show budgets and movie magic are the opposite of reality. Your house will not be transformed within a weekend, a week, or even a month. Renovations take time, patience, and money. Your home renovation contractor will know roughly how long a project will take, based on their proven experience.
Some renovations, especially major ones that involve changes to the home’s structure, or installation of plumbing, electrical, and new appliances can take months, or even a year. Before any major changes start, discuss with your home renovation contractor how long they will take, and whether you need to temporarily move out of your home as they are happening.
Always choose a home renovation contractor that has a solid and positive reputation and has a history of quality craftsmanship and working with professionals who only use quality materials. Make sure that they have their licensing, liability insurance, and any other credentials that they should have. Ask to see their portfolio; if you do not like what work they have previously done, they are not the right contractor for you and your renovation project.
Go into every meeting with your potential home renovation contractor with honesty and transparency. You want them to honest with you about how much time and money will be needed for your dream home to become a reality. They need you to be honest so that they can give you what you want.
Nothing is ever perfect, and projects sometimes don’t go as planned. Unexpected problems could arise at any moment. Older homes especially might need more work done than expected. Depending on the age of the wiring and plumbing, water damage, mold and mildew, unsafe materials, or structural problems could all be possibilities.
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If your home is older, it could have unsafe materials like asbestos or lead paint, which need to be disposed of properly and safely. Old, damaged wiring and plumbing cannot be ignored. Even if the renovation is for cosmetic reasons, such as a new kitchen, everything must be up to code. Be prepared to deal with the cost of new electrical and plumbing systems needed to be put in place for the safety of you and your family.
