Home remodeling is a huge undertaking that requires a significant investment of time and money. Whether you're renovating your home to sell or you're just building the dream home you always wanted, residential construction can be a lengthy, involved process that requires a lot of preparation. If you're hoping to take on this type of project, now is the time to get started.
Maybe you have quite a few projects you'd like to get underway, so prioritizing is the first step. Make up a list of goals and projected outcomes to help you decide which of these projects should be taken on first, and which must be saved for later.
As a homeowner, consider which remodeling projects will give you the greatest return on your investment--especially if you're thinking of selling in the near future.
For example, MSN reports that homeowners who embark on kitchen remodeling projects can make back over 70% of their investment in the sale of their home. Replacing your old, energy inefficient windows with low emissivity glass and insulated wooden trim are another way that you can increase the value of your home. By doing this you can expect to recoup as much as 69% of the cost of this remodel at the time of sale, according to MSN.
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.
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.
Most important for your remodeling project is finding the right contractor for the job. Referrals may turn up some good leads. Ask friends and family who have recently completed their own renovation projects to pass on the names and numbers of their contractors.
Ask each candidate for references and pictures of previous jobs. Ideally, the contractor's previous experience should be relevant to your remodel, so always ask how his or her experience will impact the work to be done in your renovation. Meet with several contractors and get a quote from each one. This will give you a sense of how much you can expect to spend on your remodel, but remember not to be fooled by an initial low project bid. Without evaluating the project in detail, no experienced contractor can provide a truly accurate estimate.
In addition to pricing insight, you'll find that contractors may have differing ideas about the best way to conduct your remodel. After talking with multiple professionals, you may even change some of your initial ideas, but this exploration is key to determining who’s processes and experience are the best match for your project.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For home remodeling in Connecticut, it's important to work with a licensed professional who will ensure that the work is permitted and meets state and local standards. The Litchfield Builders team has over 20 years of residential construction experience and have the team and skill to help bring your project to life.
If you are considering planning a residential remodel, be sure to download our free checklist "3 Phases to Planning a Home Remodel" to be sure every detail is accounted for before you begin construction.