So You Want to Renovate Your Home?
Renovating your home can be a daunting task. For many, the idea of a newly renovated space lures them in, but it’s important to understand everything that is involved before you commit your home and your life to a renovation project. The rewards can be great, but you have to endure a lot of noise, dust, and disruption to get there. Today, Billy.com shares some important tips and resources to consider before starting your next home renovation project.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into a home renovation project, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it's important to know what kind of renovation you want to do. Are you looking for a cosmetic update? A functional update? Or something in between? Once you've decided on the scope of your project, you'll need to start thinking about things like timeline and budget. It's also important to find a reliable contractor who can help bring your vision to life, communicate well, and work within your schedule and budget constraints.
Make sure that you have a good strategy for keeping all relevant information during the remodel. Not only will your home be a minor disaster zone during the renovation, you will want to keep every document (including permits, estimates, and receipts) on hand for quick and easy reference. Digitize these documents right away and then use a merge tool to combine files; try this to merge a PDF if you’re looking for a tool you can use for free. That way, you can group together all information for a given project – for example, your kitchen remodel – and know exactly where to store and find these documents when you need them.
Types of Home Renovations
There are two main types of home renovations: cosmetic and functional. Cosmetic renovations are mostly aesthetic and don't necessarily impact the function of your home. For example, painting the walls or updating the light fixtures would fall under this category. Functional updates, on the other hand, are changes that improve the function of your home—think of adding a room or renovating the kitchen. These kinds of renovations often require more time and money, but they can also have a big impact on your quality of life.
Whether you plan to sell in the near or the distant future, your renovation should definitely factor the ROI into your choices. You don’t want to pour a lot of money into an update that no one is willing to pay for – that’s just poor money management. Kitchens are usually a key factor in a potential buyer’s interests, so they’re usually a safe place to start. Keep your budget in mind, but don’t skimp on flooring by simply covering up the old stuff. And don’t just replace the countertops when the entire cabinetry is outdated and in need of replacing.
Considering a Home Office?
If you're now working from home full-time (or even just part-time), you might be considering adding or renovating a dedicated space for your office. When it comes to creating an efficient and effective home office, there are a few things to keep in mind.
For starters, you'll want to make sure there's enough natural light available, so you don't have to strain your eyes when working. If possible, set up your office near a window where you can get some sunshine throughout the day. Good ventilation is also important—no one likes working in stuffy spaces!
And finally, think about acoustics. If you live in a noisy household or apartment building, for instance, soundproofing might be something to consider (or at least investing in some noise-canceling headphones).
Other Tips for Renovating Your Home
Once you've settled on your vision for the renovation and found a good contractor, it's time to start thinking about the schedule and budget. When it comes down to it, most home renovations will take longer than expected and cost more than anticipated. That's just the nature of the beast!
To avoid any major surprises (and stick to your budget), it's important to communicate regularly with your contractor throughout the process. They should be able to provide regular updates on timelines and costs so that there are no surprises along the way. It's also important to set realistic expectations for yourself and anyone else involved in the renovation process. Remember that things will probably get messy before they get better!
You should also take advantage of online resources if you run into any technology issues. After all, it’s possible that you can fix them yourself, which can save you a lot of time, money, and hassle. And last but not least, once everything is said and done, make sure you get a home warranty for peace of mind in case anything goes wrong down the road.
Decide if a Reno is in Your Future
If you’re on the fence about home renovation, know that it can be a great way to add value to your home whether you’re upgrading your bathroom, kitchen, or office. However, you have to be ready for the mess, cost, and the unknown. Do your research to ensure your ROI and your stress will be worth the effort, and then dive in. You’ll love the results once everything is done!
Billy.com is here to help you find the best professionals for your next big project. Let us know if you have any questions!
