A residential remodel can be so exciting that many homeowners want to jump right in and get started. Before a contractor can break ground on a home addition or tear down walls, you'll need to prepare yourself and your home for the coming changes.
1. Establish a Budget
Before you can hire a contractor or pick out fixtures or do anything to formalize your plans for a remodel, you'll need to establish a budget. Knowing how much money you have to work with will shape the choices you make as you move forward.
2. Do Your Research
Find out how much you can expect a remodel of your type to cost and what choices can be made to ensure that your remodel boosts your property values. Doing this type of research will help you avoid overspending.
3. Hire a Contractor
Meet with reputable contractors in your area. Look at their portfolios, ask them how they would proceed with your remodel, read reviews online and check references if necessary. Hire the person who makes you feel the most comfortable and who can answer questions about your remodel to your complete satisfaction.
4. Go Over All Contracts Carefully
Before signing a contract with your contractor, read every word. This will help you stay informed about the ways that you're spending your money, and will help you avoid costly mistakes.
5. Talk About Your Budget
Your contractor needs to understand your budget in order to keep your remodel at a price point that you can afford. If you're clear about your budgetary constraints, your contractor can also suggest ways that you can control costs and still get the results you want from your remodel.
6. Create a Timeline
Talk to your contractor about the tentative timeline for completion of your project. Ask your contractor when to expect each part of the remodel to be completed.
7. Protect Your Valuables
Renovations can produce a lot of dust and even vibrations that can break valuables and knock pictures off the walls. Ask your contractor what items could be put at risk by your remodeling activities, then put those items somewhere safe.
8. Make Plans for Alternative Facilities
If you're remodeling your kitchen, you may need to set up a temporary kitchen in your garage. If your bathroom is being remodeled and you have no other bathroom to use, you may need to stay in a hotel one or two nights, depending on the type of work your contractor will be doing and what your desired comfort level is. Find out from your contractor what kind of accommodations will be necessary.
9. Choose Fixtures and Materials
Give yourself adequate time to choose the fixtures and materials that suit your needs. Finding these items ahead of time will help prevent delays when the remodel gets started.
10. Communicate with Your Contractor
Before work gets started, go over your plans with your contractor one more time. Make sure everything is in writing so you'll both have a point of reference as the project takes shape.
Want to know more about getting started with a remodel? Contact Litchfield Builders. We'll be happy to guide you through the remodeling process.
