|
Just thinking about where to start with a home renovation can be overwhelming. Between deciding what to renovate, finding financing, interviewing contractors, it's hard to know where to begin. First, relax and take a deep breath. Then take a close look at what you want - and need - from your home renovation. Here's what to consider:
-
Your Goals
Why do you want to remodel? Has your family outgrown your current floor plan? Have you always wanted a gourmet kitchen? Do you plan to sell soon and want to get the most resale value possible? Establish what your overall goal is with the remodel.
-
Your Needs
Determine what you need to do to your home to meet your goal. Now is the time to prioritize projects - a new plumbing and heating and electrical system may be more important than replacing your home's flooring.
-
Your Budget
Write down everything that you dream about doing for your home renovation. Then, make another list of all the things that must be renovated or updated. Consider how much more a month you could put toward a home improvement loan or how much money you have saved for the project. Pick up the phone and call architects and contractors to get an estimate of how much your renovation will cost. Compare the cost estimate with your preliminary budget, and decide what you can reasonably afford to do. Plan to pad your budget 20% or so to account for unexpected cost overruns.
-
Your Timeframe
Does your home renovation need to be completed by a certain time or event? Are you planning to move out of town or are you having a baby and need the extra room? Renovations can take longer than expected, so only plan to tackle what can be accomplished within your timeframe.
-
Your Skills
Can any projects on your list become do-it-yourself projects? Do you have the skills - much less the time - to tackle such a project? Most people think they can easily retile a bathroom, install new hardwood flooring or build a new room addition only to find these projects still remain half-finished years later. Be realistic about what you can and cannot accomplish.
Links and Resources:
1. Before you choose a contractor we recommend that you go to our choosing a contractor page.
2. Once you have the answers to the above questions, you're ready to dive into the details. You'll need to secure financing, locate an experienced contractor and then be prepared to enjoy your beautiful, newly renovated home.
3. You can pick topics from the menu bar at the top of the page.
We hope you find the site helpful please support IntelRemodeling.com and visit our advertisers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
