Renovating a home is a grand endeavor – both physically and financially. There are a number of reasons why homeowners choose to renovate their spaces: they want to personalize the home to represent their style, they plan to sell soon and want to increase its overall value, or they simply want something new and different. Regardless of the reason, you need to be prepared for a time-consuming and costly process.
To make the most out of your home renovation, consider these 14 remodeling tips to help you get started.
Tips for planning and organizing your home renovation
For first-time home remodelers, follow these top remodeling tips to organize a successful renovation with minimal stress.
1. Determine your budget
Your first step should always be to determine your budget. There are several expenses to account for, such as permits, contractors and labor, materials, accommodations, and an emergency fund in the event that something goes wrong. While contractors practice the highest standards of safety, construction and home renovation always come with inherent risks. It helps to be proactive by anticipating additional costs.
2. Set an end date, and plan your schedule based on that
It’s never a guarantee that a schedule will go according to plan, especially if you’re at the mercy of the weather for exterior renovations, but planning a tentative schedule is nonetheless crucial. Select the date you would like all renovations to be completed by. Then, based on that end date, schedule the remodels accordingly. Longer renovations should always take precedence, but you should also account for the weather or any other interruptions. If you have to open the doors or stay outside of the home, you don’t want to do so in poor weather.
3. Ask friends for advice and references
Ask your friends, neighbors, and social media contacts for remodeling tips and recommendations, especially if they’ve recently undergone the process in your area. They may suggest specific contractors or supply stores that best suit your needs.
4. Know which renovations you can perform on your own
Not every renovation requires a licensed professional. DIY renovations include but are not limited to repainting walls and doors, applying removable wallpaper, refreshing the bathroom floors, repainting the cabinets, replacing bathroom hardware, and increasing storage space.
5. Pack up and declutter before you start
No one wants to work in cluttered spaces, much less risk damaging their possessions. Before you begin any project, safely pack and store away all of your belongings that may get in the way. The space should be open and clean, ready to be worked on. For example, if you’re renovating a kitchen cabinet or counter, empty out the cabinets and remove objects from all surfaces.
6. Plan for water outages
You may experience water outages if you plan on renovating the bathroom or kitchen. This means no running water whatsoever. Plan ahead by booking a brief stay at a hotel, staying with a friend or relative, and keeping clean drinking water on hand.
7. Keep the construction zones safe for children and pets
Safety should always be your primary concern. Entrust your young children and pets to a babysitter, close friend, or family member while construction is underway. It’s also a good idea to tape off the area and keep dangerous tools out of reach.
8. Receive all necessary permits
Some renovations will require permits from the local government. Make sure you research your city’s ordinances and laws regarding renovations and acquire the necessary permits before you begin any work. You don’t want to be charged any sort of penalty or fee.
9. Book a contractor
Once you’ve done all your research and know what you want to do, book a contractor. You should always do so well in advance in case the contractor is fully booked.
Tips for saving money on your renovation project
There are numerous ways to save money on the overall renovation project. It pays to be smart about your remodeling decisions.
1. Buy recycled fixtures and building materials
Instead of buying brand new fixtures and materials, consider buying recycled or reused options. These items have been specifically refurbished for reuse and will be much cheaper than brand new versions. Recycling these materials and fixtures is great for the environment as well.
2. Collect a tax credit for donating your trash
You can collect a tax credit by donating resources to organizations like the Dallas Habitat for Humanity. These donations are all tax deductible and will save you money in the long run.
3. Do your own demolition
If your home renovation project requires demolition, consider doing it on your own. As long as you practice standard safety procedures, you’ll save tons of money tearing down your own walls and uprooting furniture. You may even solicit help from a friend or relative.
4. Ask your contractor if they have any leftover materials they may be willing to part with
You don’t necessarily need a contractor for every project, so when your contractor is done with what you hired them for, ask if they have any leftover materials you can keep. These materials can be helpful in the rest of your renovations.
5. Pick up materials yourself to avoid delivery costs
One of the best ways to save money is to avoid delivery costs. When you place an order for tools and materials, make sure to choose the pick-up option if possible. You’ll save hundreds of dollars just by picking up the materials from the store instead of having them delivered.
Getting started
The best way to get started is to team up with a real estate agent specializing in the region. These experienced agents have a far-reaching network of professionals and contractors that will prove essential to your home renovation.
For the best counsel in the Dallas area, reach out to The Bellm | Corley Group. This top-tier team of experts has an extensive network of contractors and other remodeling professionals to help you reach all your goals and provide exceptional remodeling tips that are sure to get results. Get started by contacting them today!
*Header Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
*Header Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
