You’ve finally decided not to postpone your home remodeling? You’ll save money and time if you follow our advice on remodeling. Proper planning is key to a successful remodeling project, but other important steps should also not be neglected.
Know your home
What is the overall condition of your house? Was is remodeled in the past? How much was the house worth and how much is left to pay up the mortgage? Responding to these questions will help you create a first idea of what can be done in your home.
Inspect each room of the house and analyze every element, not just the rooms you wish to remodel. Think what effect will the remodeling have on general – based systems (such as wiring, plumbing and heating) and what possible problems might occur, especially in terms of compatibility.
Finally, if you have a major project in minds, such as remodeling the basement, the kitchen or the bathroom, it’s recommended to take measurements in all areas involved. Knowing how much space you have available will make it easier to select items that will be located in the spaces you intend to remodel.
Do your homework
After you have determined the strengths and weaknesses of the house, inform yourself, read articles, books and specialized blogs. If you have questions, do not hesitate to call in a specialist, or even friends or relatives who made remodeling projects. It’s also quite possible that your remodeling project requires an exact strategy, in which case you should consult a qualified contractor.
Make a visit to various shops and compare different types of wallpaper, flooring, doors and windows. Don’t just look at the price, but also at the quality and durability, so you can make the best decision.
The plan
Make a drawing of the rooms to be remodeled, enlists the help of an expert to realize it. If you ask for the help of an expert, take the opportunity and ask what should and what should not be changed in the house. Have an expert opinion before chaos during construction begins, it can help to predict possible costly mistakes.
Make a list of works to be obtained putting in order of importance. For example, repair the roof first and then deal with flooring renovations. At this stage, it would be good to make your plans to be available in the long term because it is possible that you change them in the future, according to your needs. Maybe in a few years you want to turn the basement into a leisure room or fitness room; if all requires installations are in place at an upcoming remodeling, it will be much easier and will cost less.
Before you hire a contractor, visited the offices of several companies, explain them exactly what you want to do, and compare the offers. At the price they tell you, add 10-15% for unforeseen costs.
Calculate costs for a temporary move
If this is a major remodeling, or if any family members have asthma or other health problems, it is recommended to move temporarily. Otherwise, at least make sure you isolate the construction area from the rest of the house with painting tarps or polyethylene foil. You’ll be less exposed to dust and noise and you will have more privacy in the rooms you use.
Prepare the construction site
Remove all the furniture and all personal belongings from the area where work is to be made. Make sure you determine which areas and facilities workers can use (bathroom, water, parking, etc.).
Monitor progress
It is important to watch closely how the work evolves. If you do not like how something is done, discuss immediately with the contractor, so that they may explain clearly why they acted that way. Be careful though that the job is properly done, and if in doubt, you can stop the remodeling project at any time.
Also, remember that you may want or need to change the remodeling project over time; for example, you may face a problem that you have not thought of during planning. Discuss this aspect with the contractor and together try to find a solution. Don’t forget that you have to change the contract so as to contain a detailed description of possible changes and their approximate costs.
After remodeling
Once the home remodeling is complete, make sure the work was performed under the contract. Before signing the certificate of completion, make sure that any issues are solved. Finally, wait for the completion of the home remodeling to make the final payment.
Supervision
Are you worried that your home remodeling is not done properly? Use the services of a qualified supervisor. This expert can check the contract before you sign it and can also supervise the home remodeling itself.
Good Deal Remodeling is specialized in various home remodeling projects, especially kitchen remodel and bathroom remodeling. Don’t hesitate to request a free estimate and we’ll offer you the best solutions for your home remodeling project.