Home remodeling is a major undertaking. Most projects take up an incredible amount of time, can be a lot of hassle and mess, and cost major bucks. Fortunately, with the right amount of forethought and preparation, you can decide to take on a remodel at the right time, at the right price, and feel really great about your decision. What are the best ways to prepare for a major remodel so that the project can be peaceful and manageable?
There are tons of ways to prepare your house and its occupants for an overhaul but a lot depends on the project itself and what needs to be done. These are the conversations you should have with yourself, your significant other or roommate, and your contractor(s) if you have them:
Questions to ask before a big remodel:
What’s my budget?
Money dictates everything about a remodeling project, whether we like it or not. The fact is, many people get halfway through a big re-up before they realize the cash train has derailed. This is usually a product of failure to plan BUT even the most careful penny-pinchers can end up with sticker shock at the particulars of major renovations. The best way to think about budget is to round UP when estimating costs, talk to a professional (or a few!) you really trust to get the facts straight, and make sure you’re not spending every last dime you’ve got to make miracles.
What are my goals?
Are you trying to make your home prettier, more spacious, more modern, or more sellable? Whether you’ve just bought an old home and want to make it new or you want to change your home to fit the changes to your family or lifestyle, there are renovations and remodeling projects that can meet your goals. However, having a hazy idea of what you want will only lead to a big, fat disconnect. If you want to make aesthetic changes to fit your style, what are they? Draw out plans, make inspiration boards, and know what suits your #1 answer: budget. If you want this remodel to make you major bucks when you sell, do your research and determine the best bets for your investment before you cut into budget that could be saved for your next down payment!
How will this remodel affect my lifestyle?
Remodeling your home can really detour your usual routine. Consider this: If you want to relocate your kitchen, there may be a period of time where you aren’t really able to throw dishes in the dishwasher or cut veggies for dinner. If you plan on knocking down walls or demo-ing major parts of the house, there may be days (or weeks!) where you need to take the kiddos and stay somewhere else while work gets done. Whatever the plan is, it is important to take into consideration that work, sleep, and day to day tasks could be affected and plan accordingly before you pull the trigger on a new project. Are you ready?
Can I DIY?
Doing certain parts of the work for your new renovation can be a great way to save money. If you feel equipped to paint, tear out carpet, or install hardware into your home – great! If not, and in any case, there are certain types of projects you simply should not DIY. For example, if you need new electrical put into your home or a new HVAC system, it is best that you rely on the pros for a safe and reliable end result.
Who will I trust to do the work?
For those projects you just CAN’T do on your own, it’s important to find contractors who are affordable yet reliable and timely, but not rushed. With a Goldilocks paradox of looking for Mr. or Mrs. Right, it can sometimes feel like no one will ever make the cut. We recommend using services like Angie’s List, Thumbtack, and Yelp to find out what your friends and neighbors thought of contractors they used in the past, and make decisions based on reviews, information from their websites, and conversations you have with the laborers themselves. No question should go unanswered before you let someone do work on your home – security is just TOO important for something this big!
Before you enter into a time-consuming, mess-making, budget-busting reno project, consider the questions above and make sure your answers match up with your needs, your budget, and the expectations of others in your family. If you do your work upfront, this project will be smooth sailing!
If you live in the Bloomingdale or Western Chicago area and your renovation includes a new HVAC system, upgrade, or maintenance on your existing system, call the experts at Bartlett Heating & Air Conditioning to bypass the mess and get the job done on time and under budget. Contact us today!
