Spring is just around the corner and for many that means it’s time to start planning your next remodel. Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, a bathroom remodel or you’re thinking about doing a larger project like lower level or even an addition, these tips will help make the process go smoothly.
Planning Your Next Remodel
Why Remodel?
Before you begin it’s good to know why you’re doing the remodel or renovation. Are you selling the home and want to add value to the home? Or are you hoping to sell it faster? If you’re staying in the house you may be remodeling to update the home and make it more livable, or you may be preparing the home for your later years for aging in place. There are no limit to the reasons for remodeling, it’s just good to understand why it you might do so. Balancing out the cost versus the value is important for everyone.
Budget
Now it’s time to set the budget for your project. Decide first home much you are willing to spend on the renovation and then start figuring out how to make the project work. Remember to factor in some wiggle room in the event that things do go exactly as planned – they never do. You can’t budget for the unknown like finding out you have asbestos or lead paint and now you need to hire professionals to remove it. You can’t know if there’s mold in the walls until you start ripping into it. You will find some of these unexpected expenses in every remodeling project so be sure to budget for them.
Stick to the Budget
It’s really easy to inflate the budget to double and triple the original cost when you’re constantly changing your mind. Nothing adds to the budget faster than change orders so to keep costs down don’t change your mind after plans have been finalized. You’ll save yourself a ton of cash and headaches too.
Meet with a Professional
We all want to save money, but choosing someone who is not licensed, bonded and insured is a great way to increase the cost of the project and possibly never have it completed. You want to work with professionals who know what they are doing, do what they say and can keep to a schedule and budget. Handyman Jim might not be able to do that for you. You’ll save yourself all kinds of money and frustration by hiring a professional remodeler or builder to manage your project.
Double Check your Insurance
Now is a great time to talk to your insurance company to go over your policy and make any changes necessary.
If you need help planning a remodeling project in Salt Lake City, be sure to download our free planning guide, or give us a call.