6 Things to Consider When Remodeling Your Home

Remodeling your home is an exciting and adventurous task. There are many elements to consider, from your personal style to your budget. However, it can also become quite a headache if all of your bases haven’t been covered before commencing renovations. As part of the process, you’ll also need to decide whether you wish to complete the works yourself, or engage professional help. If you live in New Mexico, for instance, sites like home remodeling Albuquerque can guide you through the process, and provide expert advice.

Here are six things you need to consider when remodeling your home with companies like AM General Contractors NY, before you even buy your first gallon of paint.

1. Identify Your Main Goals

You may already have an idea of how to make your home more visually appealing, or more functional. However, do you know what improvements are going to give you the best return, in regards to both time and money?

First, determine whether your main goal is to increase the value of your home for when you’re ready to sell, or to make it more livable for your family. It’s wise to do a little bit of research on which remodeling projects typically give the largest return on investment, too, even if selling is a distant consideration. For instance, swapping out old, stained carpet for fresh floorboards can give a tired space a modern look without blowing your budget.

2. Decide Which Elements Take Priority

Another thing to consider before remodeling your home is which design elements are most important to you. For example, let’s say you are going to remodel your kitchen. This could involve many different factors.

You’ll likely be replacing your cabinets, countertops and appliances, but there is so much more you could do. Have you considered removing walls? Or perhaps you’ve always dreamt of adding a large island bench to the middle of the kitchen. It all depends on how far you’re willing to open your wallet? Decide which elements take priority in the design you are creating, and which would be nice to add if you have money left over.

The key part of this scenario is determining what is actually worth doing. If you wish to add a laundry room upstairs, but have no plumbing in the space where you wish to add it, you may want to reconsider whether it’s worth the trouble. Consulting with a professional may help in these situations.

3. Calculate A Dollar Amount

Most homeowners go into renovations knowing exactly how much money they have to spend on their projects. However, it’s not always easy to avoid going over budget unless the renovation is carefully planned. Before getting attached to specific features , it’s wise to stroll through your local design center or browse online to price out materials and determine what you afford.

In addition to this, experts suggest leaving extra room in your budget for unexpected circumstances. For example, if you have budgeted $10,000, only plan to spend around $8,000 so the excess can be used if an unwanted expense pops up. Bathrooms are one part of the house which can typically cost more than anticipated—particularly if there are existing plumbing problems. In these circumstances, it may be best to consult a professional. For those living in New Mexico, there are many reputable companies who can help with your bathroom remodel Albuquerque.

4. Contemplate Your Design And Color Palette

While you’re visiting your local design center, be sure to pick up as many paint and flooring samples as you can get your hands on. You may think you’ve decided on certain colors or materials, but if you take them home and place them where you intend to use them, you’ll be more certain of your choice. You may also like to consult a designer for advice on the best interior choices and color palettes for your space.

To test out paint colors, try several by painting pieces of cardboard and sticking them to your wall. This way,  you’ll get a good idea if it’s the right color or not. Keep in mind that the color you’ve chosen will look darker and lighter as the day progresses. Doing this will save you from making a mistake with the wrong shade.

5. Weigh the Options of DIY VS. Going Professional

Are you or your loved one extremely handy? Excellent. Doing the remodel yourself will save you from paying a professional to do the job. Luckily, there are great resources available online to help you learn how to do almost any type of home renovation.

However, if you’re embarking on a renovation job that’s over your head and you need a professional, be certain to do due diligence. Research contractors, and always ask to see their license, certificate of insurance, bond number, and certification. Insisting on an airtight contract is also highly recommended, particularly for large-scale projects.

6. Timing is Everything

It’s not unusual for renovation projects to take longer than expected, so it’s wise to anticipate delays. Harsh weather can cause issues, people can get sick, and materials can be on backorder. These factors are unavoidable, but it’s best to over-prepare and allow additional time.

When planning to remodel your home, be sure to take a good look at your calendar and ensure you don’t have any big events coming up. For example, if you know that your renovation is going to take about a month and you have guests coming to stay with you, it may be better to reschedule your project for another time.

Conclusion

Remodeling your home is an exciting process, but it’s important you consider all elements of the project, from its scope to the design and timeline, prior to commencing. Otherwise, you risk losing time and money to a renovation that may not yield the desired results, or secure a higher offer when it comes time to sell.