You may have long been dreaming of a home renovation but afraid to get started. However, your inexperience should not be a stumbling block in fulfilling your dream project. While not all home improvement projects are created equal, there are certain steps that you can follow to help planning less painful while staying within your budget and schedule.
Create a plan for your home improvement project
Begin with your endpoint in mind. Envision how you would like the outcome of your project to look like. What features would you like the project to have?
Develop a project plan which will include the design inspiration and an outline of what needs to be done. You also need to check and make sure that your design meets local zoning regulations and if you need to secure an appropriate permit for your project.
Set a budget for the project
You then need to set a budget and needed financing for your home renovation project, including the costs for securing permits, procuring building materials, and the cost of labor, as well as embellishments and aesthetic touches. Don’t forget to set aside an extra 10 to 20 percent for any unexpected costs.
Tip: You may request cost estimates from two or more contractors to determine the best option for you.
Contact an insurance agent
Contacting an insurance agent may be a good idea to make sure that you have an ample amount of coverage for your home renovation project. Home insurance can be taken out against any existing structures within the house, or against just the portion to be renovated. If something happens and a part of your home gets damaged, you’ll be glad you had insurance.
Hire a contractor
The next important step is to hire a construction team who will work on your project. Research on qualified contractors to interview, like a framing contractor, and ask for project cost estimates.
However, cost estimates should not be your sole criteria in selecting the best contractor for the job. Consider their work experience, as well, and make sure that you are dealing with licensed professionals. You may also request for references who will attest to their credibility and quality of their work.
See to it as well that you sign contracts that will clearly define the scope of responsibilities and the steps to take to resolve any issue arising from the performance of their work.
Create a timeline
You can now create a timeline for your project. Determine your start date and the amount of time needed to complete the tasks involved in the project, as well as the order in which these tasks should be completed.
Also, make sure that you take into account any holidays as well as shipping and material delivery times. Then confirm with your team whether they agree with your timeline or further changes are needed.
Lastly, expect the unexpected. While your plan may look perfect on paper, things can still go awry. So make sure you have some wiggle room on both your budget and timeline for those unexpected extra expenditures and project delays.
