So, you have finally decided to renovate your house. But you might be wondering where to start, right? Just know that you are not alone. The renovation process is quite exciting; however, it can be quite complicated as well. Without preparation, the home renovation process can turn into a mishap. There can be unforeseen expenses and issues that can lead to disappointments and can make the process complex.
So, before starting on the journey of home renovation, here are a few things that you should keep in mind before jumping into it.
- Invest into a key lockbox.
It is a good idea to invest in a key lock box before starting the renovation process. If there are large projects on your list, for which you will need to hire a contractor. Unless you want to drive in morning rush hour traffic to let workers inside, it is always a good idea to attach a lockbox or install smart door hardware that will allow the workers and contractor to enter the house with a code.
- Spend time in the space.
It is important to hold off some decisions surrounding paint colors, carpet, light fixtures, etc. All the answers to the questions related to such decisions depend on other aspects of renovation like choosing paint colors. You should consider spending a little more time upfront considering how everything works together in the room that you have chosen to remodel, this way you can save yourself several back-to-the-drawing-board moments.
- Be realistic about your timeline.
The excitement around the renovation of your house is understandable. However, expect that renovation might take longer than your expectations. For instance, you might think that replacing a whirlpool tub will be quick. However, you should know that removing old fixtures can actually take a few hours, and locating a new tub might even take several weeks. This is why it is important to keep your expectations and timeline realistic.
- Be ready for unexpected
No matter how long you have been living in your house, your house still might be holding secrets, in the wall, under the floors, and elsewhere. A renovation can bring those secrets out in open. For instance, your contractor might discover that your floors are uneven due to shifted center joist while measuring your highly anticipated new hardwood floors. This is why you should always expect the unexpected by planning extra time in your renovation process. These secrets might also add extra money in your renovation budget.
- Interview multiple contractors.
it is always recommended to interview multiple contractors and compare bids. For example, if you want to remove your hot water heater, and install a new one in your garage. You should inquire about the cost and charges from multiple plumbers. If you do not interview multiple contractors, you might risk paying too much, and not getting what you want. The homework of talking to several experts will pay off well.
- Renovate the kitchen first.
You should always give priority to the kitchen during renovation. Renovating the kitchen first will add major value to your home. You will want to remodel the kitchen first because that work will create the most dust and debris.