5 Steps to Prepare for a Remodel

One of the most important aspects of remodeling a home is planning. The more preparation that is made before beginning the project, the easier it will be to manage. You might think changing an indoor ceiling fan or your outdoor lighting will go smoothly but often critical items are overlooked. Before purchasing supplies or beginning any work, it is critical to research the scope of the project to thoroughly understand the cost and time involved. The homeowner may need to familiarize themselves with the construction of the house to assure the project is feasible. If it involves tearing down walls or otherwise changing the home structurally, it is crucial that electrical wiring and plumbing are not breached. They should also take into consideration if the remodeling project is a good return on their investment. An evaluation of comparable home values in the area may provide information with respect to what extent the improvement will contribute to the home’s value. 

Budgets

The next step is to set a budget for the remodeling project. The homeowner should decide how much they are comfortable spending on the project. The budget should include everything needed including products, services and incidentals. When consulting a contractor, it’s important that they know what those limits are. It will help them to better select materials when providing an estimate. Professionals usually possess the knowledge to offer advice concerning alternative material selections that may help meet budget constraints or save money.

Assess Your Abilities

Depending on the scale of the project, a contractor may be required. The project should be assessed to determine how much of the work the homeowner is capable of doing themselves. The homeowner should discuss their plans with the contractors to ensure the work they intend to do themselves does not interfere with the contractor’s. An interior decorator may be consulted if help is needed coordinating paint, flooring and fabrics. If assistance is needed with spatial coordination, building codes or safety, an interior designer may be helpful. An architect may be required for projects that involve structural reconfiguration of the home. The homeowner should decide in advance which professionals will be needed to complete the project. Only licensed, bonded and insured contractors should be hired. It may be beneficial to hire a contractor who has established relationships with other professionals that are needed. Often, they have worked together previously, and will continue to perform well as a team.

All work performed by a contractor should be outlined in a contract. The homeowner should read over the contracts carefully, and ask questions about items they’re not clear about. Any statements regarding change orders, responsibilities and expected date of completion should be noted. If the contract mentions additional fees that were not discussed previously, the homeowner should request a detailed explanation prior to signing the contract.

Do Research on Your Home

Prior to beginning any project that involves electrical, plumbing or structural work; a permit must be obtained from the city. Either the contractor or the homeowner may obtain the necessary permits, but the homeowner is responsible. In addition, all work must be performed to meet the current building codes. Many older homes may not meet the current building codes. A remodeling project provides a good opportunity to update outdated breaker boxes or wiring that may be a fire hazard. Replacing older windows and appliances with more energy efficient ones will also help save on utility bills.

Plan and Design the Project

The design of the area being remodeled should also be determined before beginning the project. The homeowner should determine which aspects of the current arrangement they dislike and seek solutions to correct them. There are a number of websites and magazines available that may be used to help generate ideas. It is important to keep in mind the intended use of the area, and make the best use of space. The homeowner should effectively communicate their design preferences to any professionals that are involved with the project.

Find the Materials         

Choosing materials in advance can save both time and money. Although it may seem as though it would be one of the least cumbersome tasks, deciding which products and materials to use can be time consuming. There are so many options available. Indecisiveness is the primary cause for delays and extended completion dates. Products should be chosen on the basis of quality, price and style. Making the selections in advance will enable them to be included in the contract. This will help ensure that the project stays within the budget.

Remodeling any part of your home can be a hugely rewarding experience. Be sure to plan ahead with these five steps to ensure that your project is completed on time and on budget. Failing to prepare will lead to headaches and problems down the road.

Spencer Frandsen is a content writer and Marketing professional writing on behalf of lighting and ceiling fan marketplace, Farrey’s Lighting and Bath