5 Tips for a Successful Home Remodeling Project
Undertaking a home remodeling project, whether it be painting, re-flooring, installing new cabinets/appliances, or anything else, is a massive undertaking! These types of projects should not be started on a whim because they require a certain amount of planning. A remodeling project can be expensive, time-consuming, difficult, and even dangerous, especially if you do not take the proper steps.
Today we will go over a few helpful tips for how to make your home remodeling project a success! We will cover the whole planning process, from budgeting to deciding whether to hire contractors. If you’re a little unsure about the importance of home inspections, what to look for in new appliances, or whether the project will require plumbing work, keep reading. We’ve got all the answers you need.
1) Make a Budget for Your Project
Budgeting is tough, no matter what it’s for! But the benefits of having a rigid budget for your project are countless. Decisions on what to buy and what not to buy are easy to make when you have monetary restraints set! Sticking to a budget also guarantees you will be able to get everything you need. If you write down what equipment, appliances, and other items you need (and how much you are willing to spend on them), you will have clear guidelines throughout your entire project!
2) Decide if Your Remodel Will Require Changes to Wiring or Plumbing
Surface level home remodeling projects are straightforward, even simple sometimes; a fresh coat of paint, revitalized hardwood, a new countertop, etc. But as soon as you start messing with stuff inside walls, the difficulty ramps up! Electrical wiring and plumbing are both dangerous in different ways. Messing with wires can get you electrocuted if you don’t follow the proper safety precautions. Fooling with pipes, stainless ball valves, and other plumbing components could cause serious water damage that multiplies the cost of your project.
You should decide from the beginning whether the project will involve wiring or plumbing work. If you can’t do this type of work yourself, hiring a plumber or electrician can be pricey, but they will typically get the job done quickly and effectively. Regardless of whether you do it yourself or hire outside help, you should make up your mind ahead of time, as it is necessary for properly budgeting!
3) Consider Purchasing New Fixtures and Appliances
What’s the most fun part of a home improvement project? If you said, “new appliances,” you were right! The fixtures and appliances are fun and can help a space functionally. Who doesn’t like new gadgets? But before you splurge on that filtering faucet or a huge new showerhead, ask yourself the most important question: do I need this? Luckily, buying new fixtures and appliances can be easily justified.
You may need new appliances because old ones don’t fit the new mood of the room. Another reason for upgrading would be physical, mechanical incompatibility with any new additions to the space. The best (and most reasonable) reason to upgrade is that the old appliance or fixture is broken. Maybe the ice maker never works on the old fridge, or maybe the bathroom faucet has a broken handle. Either way, they need to be replaced. Out with the old, and in with the new!
4) Get Your Home Inspected
Before you start spending money on a remodel, it’s worthwhile to get your home inspected. If you get the whole way through a project and then realize there’s something else wrong, you may not be able to afford getting the new problem fixed. It’s best to get a full view of your property before you do work on it. Inspections are thorough, and if you get the right inspector, they won’t miss a thing!
Home inspections are especially important if you are getting ready to sell your house. If you are remodeling before selling, you’re probably trying to sell for the highest price possible. Getting your home inspected before selling can give you peace of mind and give you a list of things to fix before putting your house on the market! Compared to the money you’ll make from a spotless home, dishing out some cash for a house inspection is nothing!
5) Call (or Don’t Call) a Professional to Finish Remodel
The last tip we have is this: never be too proud to ask for help! Doing something all by yourself may give you a sense of satisfaction, but if you make a costly mistake, your whole budget could be ruined. Sometimes, it’s best not to slam the hammer into the wall immediately. Sometimes, loosening a pipe because the water “is probably off” isn’t a good decision. Sometimes, you may just need professional help.
The hardest part is knowing when to hire someone. You need to know your strengths when going into a remodel. If you’re good at painting but bad at carpentry, you may want to hire someone else to build your new kitchen cabinets. You can still paint them! Even if you think you’re competent enough to do the entire project yourself, another perspective never hurts. Even many professionals get support from colleagues from time to time!
Now take these tips and use them to your advantage! You have all the info you need to plan a successful remodeling project. Keeping a budget for your project will allow you to make all the correct choices throughout your project, so its importance cannot be overstated!
Marco loves to share her ideas and tips with others. He loves finding new ways to make your house more beautiful, large or safe. He also enjoys writing about home improvement topics such as kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling and easy garden ideas for beginners.
