Even if you’ve done renovations before, each project is different. Here are a few pointers that homeowners wish they had known or done before commencing their remodeling project.
You know you want to renovate your house, but you don’t know where to start, do you? Well, you are not alone. Many homeowners jump into the remodeling process not knowing what to expect. It’s only after they suffer renovation setbacks that they regret not having a plan.
Without preparation, the home remodeling process can be fraught with disappointment because, unlike building a new home, you don’t start with a blank slate. There may be unforeseen expenses and problems that complicate the process. So before you follow the twists and turns of the renovation road, here are a few things to know before you start remodeling.
1. Invest in a lock-box
If you’re renovating your home before you move in and you live far away, consider investing in a lock-box. You’ll need to employ a contractor if you have any significant jobs on your to-do list that you can’t complete on your own.
Remember that contractors start early, so unless you want to drive in morning rush hour traffic to let workers in, plan to put in a lock-box or install smart gate hardware that allows you to provide entry to guests with a code.
2. Spend time in space
As obvious as it sounds, it’s important to put off some decisions — like paint colors, carpeting, and lighting fixtures — until you’ve spent time in the space you’re renovating. For example, if you want to replace an outdated carpet, the options can be overwhelming. Dense or loose fibers? Striated or Un patterned? What exact shade of grey?
The answers depend on the other aspects of the renovation, such as the choice of paint colors. The paint palettes selected before the renovation began should be seen on the walls and could change as time goes on in the house.
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Freshly painted walls and new carpet can reveal that some light fittings just don’t light up the space as you thought. If you spend a little more time considering how everything works together in the room you’re remodeling, you can save yourself from going back to the drawing board again.
3. Be realistic about your timeline
Your remodeling may take longer than expected, so be prepared and make arrangements to avoid frustration. For example, you might think that replacing a whirlpool tub and outdated double vanity in a bathroom would be quick.
Removing old fixtures can take a few hours, but locating a new tub and vanity you like can take several weeks. It may take another two weeks before they are delivered.
The expectation of using your new bathroom within a week can turn into a six-week waiting period. Be realistic about the renovation process and timeline and select your new upgrades before existing materials are removed.
4. Expect the unexpected
All houses keep secrets in the walls, under the floors, and elsewhere. A renovation can bring them to light. Like when your contractor tells you your floors are uneven due to a displaced center joist.
Now you need to repair the floor joist before anything can be done with the new material. This is just one example of how you should expect the unexpected by planning extra time in your renovation schedule and extra money in your renovation budget to allow for unforeseen mishaps down the road.
5. Interview multiple contractors
It pays to interview several contractors and compare offers. Without interviewing multiple contractors, you risk paying too much and not getting what you want. Before making a final selection, conduct your research and speak with a few specialists.
6. Renew your kitchen first
Homeowners often want to know in what order they should renovate a home. It’s best to start with the kitchen because these remodels add great value to your home.
Also, if you have an outdated kitchen, updating the worn space will allow you to better enjoy the space while at home. Practically speaking, you’ll want to do the kitchen remodel first because that job will create the most dust and debris, which you don’t want to get into new paint or finished jobs.
It is always a good idea to isolate any demolition mess by placing plastic over doorways or walkways. Since a large kitchen remodels typically takes several months to complete, you’ll want to install a temporary kitchen in the dining room, family room, or other adjoining areas in your home.
7. Be specific with design ideas
You’ll want to narrow down your design preferences before meeting with an interior designer. Get inspiration by browsing home décor magazines, interior decorating websites, and design shows.
It will help you avoid being sold on a designer’s personal ideas, which might be different from your vision for the renovation.
Also, keep your designer strictly within your budget. Don’t let them buy expensive materials and then charge you for it. If you try to stay within a specific time frame, your costs will also stay low.
8. Study
Talk to friends who have remodeled. Look in stores and online for those pieces you can’t live without so you can get the best prices.
When you meet with an interior designer or your contractor, you should have concrete ideas of what you want to achieve. This is where you may make use of those clippings or photographs from your Pinterest board.
The professionals you’ve hired can’t figure out what you want. You have to let them know.
With a little planning and forethought, home renovations don’t have to be a headache. If you’ve done your homework and planned financially, watching projects unfold can be exciting and valuable.
9. Keep communication open
Very often people start to get irritated, but don’t say anything or stop asking the questions that bother them. This can create a lot of unnecessary worry about work and cause stress and anxiety.
If something really bothers you, just ask, before you get mad. It’s better to ask about something when you’re calm and just curious than when you’re really upset and about to blow up.
10. Order products before construction begins
It is helpful to order products such as plumbing fixtures, appliances, lighting, and finishing products before construction begins or at the beginning of the project.
If the project spans many months, you may have some space, but with single-room remodels, these items need to be ordered right away.
11.Obtaining permits
Make sure your contractor is applying for and receiving the necessary permits to make home improvements.
This requires you to double-check his paperwork to find out if he has applied for the permits. A good contractor will provide you with a record of his actions without even having to ask.
If you have selected good people to work with, you will be involved in a unique learning experience that will enrich your life and open your eyes. Whether it’s interacting with workers, learning about construction techniques, or just watching your dream come true, a remodeling project can be a fun and exciting experience!
Home renovation by Done Right Home Remodeling Los Angeles will enable you to start living more comfortably. Whether your project is large or small, we at Done Right Home Remodeling are ready to tackle the job.
