6 Home Improvement Tips for Your Next Renovation

Planning your next upgrade to your space can be a thrill. It also requires careful planning to keep things within your budget and maximize project success. Taking the right preparatory steps will ensure that everything goes smoothly, allowing you to enjoy your upgraded home as quickly as possible. With that in mind, this article covers six tips for preparing for your next renovation.

1. Define clear goals and a budget

Start by defining what you want to achieve with your renovation. That could be upgrading your existing space, adding an extra room, or even boosting your home’s value to sell—but get detailed and think about the ultimate end of the project. No matter your goal, knowing it ahead of time helps with every subsequent step, from budgeting to contractor selection. You’ll also need to set your budget. This will guide your purchasing and hiring decisions and keep project costs in check. Review your current savings and explore whether you need financing, such as a home improvement loan, to cover gaps. Factor the loan repayment into your monthly budget to afford the renovation comfortably.

2. Consider potential return on investment (ROI)

Return on investment is how much your property could appreciate relative to the amount you spend on the renovation. This is useful to consider even if your main goal is not to sell, because it impacts your home equity and your assets. So, consider the potential costs of each renovation relative to the potential increase in home value. For instance, kitchen and bathroom renovations often provide a positive ROI since modern versions of these may be sought after.

Energy-efficient upgrades are another renovation to explore. Buyers tend to find these attractive, but they also offer potential ROI through lower utility bills. If you plan on living in your home for a long time, these savings may outweigh the costs.

3. Get the proper permits

Starting your renovation without permitting may seem easier, but it can cost you in fines, penalties, legal issues, and even require you to undo the work. Permitting also helps ensure your desired renovation does not create hazards, protecting your family’s safety during and after the renovation. Permitting requirements vary by local area. Some renovations that generally require permits in many areas include:

• Adding rooms or storage sheds
• Electrical or plumbing work
• HVAC system renovations
• Major structural changes (like new load-bearing walls)

Check with your local government’s relevant department to see what permits you need for your desired renovations. Permitting offices are designed to help residents and often offer the ability to schedule appointments online.

4. Hire contractors (and research them thoroughly)

Hiring licensed, insured, professional contractors is essentially mandatory for most renovations beyond the simplest, like repainting a room. For the best results, research contractors thoroughly. Investing more time and money in a reputable contractor pays off in the form of higher quality work and a pleasant overall experience.

You can start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors in your area. Local community groups, online forums, and your real estate agent (if you have one) are also good starting points.

Some other ways to find and vet good contractors include:

• Online reviews and ratings: An updated online presence with positive reviews and ratings is a good sign.
• Website and portfolio: Good contractors display the real work they’ve performed for clients. Look for samples, particularly those that match your desired renovation.
• Research licensing/insurance: Verify that any contractor you consider has all proper licensing, bonding, and insurance. This protects you and increases your chance of finding a good contractor.
• Interview contractors: Speak with a few of your top finds to get a feel for their specialty, experience, timelines, and what it’s like to work with them.
• References: Get contact information for some of the contractor’s past clients. Ask those clients for their experience with the contractor.
• Estimates: Ask contractors for detailed estimates breaking down costs, materials, and project timelines to compare. Don’t shop purely on cost, either since it may indicate lower-quality work.

The more contractors you interview, the more you’ll learn about what you want in a contractor and what is fair.

5. Clean, declutter, and protect your space

Clean and declutter the area to be renovated, making sure the walkways to it are clear. This means removing any furniture, personal possessions, and other moveable items from the room. Once you have cleared the area, take steps to protect it as well. Place tarps or plastic sheets on floors to guard against debris and damage that the renovation work may cause. Taking these steps helps contractors work more smoothly and protects your possessions.

6. Prepare for disruption

Renovations inevitably cause some disruption, although the amount varies by renovation type. For instance, a kitchen remodel may require finding alternative ways to eat, such as getting takeout or asking neighbors for help. Meanwhile, adding a room may cause less disruption, especially if it’s out of the way of higher traffic areas. Regardless, consider and plan for how your renovation could disrupt your life so you can minimize their impacts.

Plan and start your next renovation

A home renovation isn’t just limited to the remodeling work itself. Preparation is the most important part. Define your goals and budget, considering potential ROI. Then, get the proper permits and research and hire your contractors. Clean and declutter the area while preparing for disruptions when the start date approaches. The hardest part of the renovation is often the planning. Putting effort in on the front end will help your project stay on track and on budget so you can bring your vision for your home to life.

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