It’s no secret that a renovation to your home is a big undertaking, regardless of if it’s a single room or a whole home gut renovation. That’s why it’s crucial to have a firm grasp on what you want to do and how you will get it done, with little room for uncertainties and surprises. It’s an investment, and you want to be sure all the time and effort you are investing into your home will last for years to come. Here are 5 questions you’ll want to sort out before diving headfirst into your home renovation.
What rooms will I be renovating? The most obvious question, but also the most important. The answer to this question will outline your plan for all the following intricacies of your renovation. Things like budget and timeline are reliant upon which rooms you will be renovation, and how many. A kitchen renovation is far more costly than, say, a bedroom remodel. You’ll also want to consider the rest of the home in relation to what you are renovating. For example, if you are renovating your kitchen, will your dining room look inconsistent and outdated next to it? Will you be expanding rooms and knocking down walls, which will turn multiple rooms into a single room? Once you can say with certainty what you want to renovate in your home, you can begin to outline the specifics that follow.
What is my budget? The question that perhaps provides the most dread for homeowners, what is the budget you would like to stay within for your remodeling project? Now, you’ve likely already thought about the costs for labor and supplies, but there are a number of other costs that aren’t always top of mind. For one, you should never forget about tax, as it can sometimes add thousands of dollars to an already costly budget. Depending on the type of renovation work being done, you might need to get permits for things like electrical rewiring and plumbing. These can also be costly, sometimes in the thousands range. Be sure you and your contractor have done your research to ensure you will know exactly what permits are necessary. If you are doing a full gut renovation, will you and your family need to reside elsewhere during the process? The cost of temporarily moving into a new space will also need to be taken into account.
What is my timeline to complete this project? Renovation projects often have sizable timelines, spanning months at least. You’ll want to map out what your ideal timeline is, with room for unexpected problems that may arise. Some factors that may contribute to how fast or slow your project is completed is how hands on you are with it. Do you want constant updates, do you want to have a hand in making the multitude of decisions, or do you want to pass along most of the work to your designer and contractor? Think about what you want your process to be like with them. You’ll also have to take the weather into consideration, especially if you are renovating anything outdoors, because the temperature and conditions can greatly affect the ability to do construction. Take note of the delivery times for pieces that are going into your renovation, and how long it will take for materials to arrive. This can often extend your timeline by weeks or months, so schedule accordingly. Lastly, do you have the time for this renovation, or should you wait for a time that is more opportune for you and your family? Think about what you want out of your home renovation.
What will the renovated space be used for? Chances are, you’re renovating your space for a reason, and not solely because you could use some new decor. Maybe you’ve found that you need more space and it is feeling too cluttered, or you would like a place more functional. You’ll have to come up with a concept designed around your specific needs, and ensure that they are met by the end of the renovation process. If you love to entertain but are lacking the proper space to do so, don’t forget to tell your designer and contractor your reasoning, so they can keep this in mind in the design. A full renovation that does not meet your needs is a waste of money and resources. If you are just looking to update your space, you’d likely only need a designer or decorator, so it’s important to understand what you need out of the space and why that requires you to get a contractor.
Do I have the proper permits? Many cities have specific permits unique to them, that invalidate your renovation if they are not possessed. Without them, the city can put a stop to your renovation altogether. Because of this, time has to be invested in ensuring you’ve obtained all the required documentation and approval for your renovation. Go over it with your contractor so that nothing is missed.