Home remodeling is a great way to increase the value of your home and make it more comfortable for you. But renovations aren’t always inexpensive and can be time-consuming, so it is important to plan accordingly.
Choosing the Right Remodeling Contractor
The most important factor when renovating is hiring a qualified and experienced professional to help you manage the project. This person will be in charge of securing permits, lining up the trades, and managing the construction process. You’ll need to spend some time researching the potential candidates in your area, as well as checking references and reviewing their work.
Defining Your Style and Lifestyle
The first step to a successful home remodel is to have a clear vision of what you want it to look like. Gather photos of homes or remodeling projects that you like and create a prioritized list of your needs and wants. This will help you avoid making any mistakes or decisions that won’t end up being what you want.
Creating a Budget
Before you start your remodel, it is vital to determine the maximum amount of money that you will be willing to spend. Having an accurate and realistic budget will help you to keep track of expenses throughout the entire renovation and help to prevent any unexpected costs.
Having an exact and complete budget is important for several reasons, but one of the most critical is that it will give you a benchmark to compare against when planning out the design of your home. It will also allow you to make adjustments to your plans if unforeseen issues arise during the construction process.
Knowing the cost of the material you are planning to use will allow you to know what your final price will be. If you are unsure of the cost of a particular item, it is a good idea to get a quote from a professional before making any financial decisions.
Another important part of a remodeling budget is the labor cost. Whether you are hiring a St. Petersburg home remodeling contractor or doing the work yourself, you should estimate the labor cost of the project before you start. This will save you time and money by ensuring that you don’t have to hire extra help during the construction phase of the remodel.
If you are a do-it-yourselfer, consider using local building supply auctions to save on your materials. You can often find pallets of concrete block, wood flooring and prehung exterior doors for around $10.
Don’t overlook plumbing, which can be a large expense during a remodel. It is often the case that you’ll have to replace a toilet in a remodeling project, which can add hundreds of dollars to the overall cost. A better approach to this expense is to upgrade the pipes instead.
Understanding the Difference Between a Remodel and a Renovation
While both remodeling and renovations involve changing the layout of an existing room, the differences between the two are quite significant. Usually, a remodel is more comprehensive in terms of updating the space, while a renovation typically involves repairs and minor updates.