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 Sites such as freshome.com offer tips for remodeling that will
answer many questions you might have. Knowing what you want is
important.
Before you start your project you should have a clear goal and a
plan for achieving it. This will avoid the chaos of an endless and
overly expensive project. A consultation with your general
contractor beforehand can help you see how the project will affect
your whole house.
The web.com contractor services site says, "during remodeling it is
not uncommon to discover something extra that needs to be done (a
problem with the wiring or dry rot, for example), but don’t add new
ideas just on a whim. For the sanity of all involved make sure you
have the parameters of the project clearly defined."
Before you begin, do your research so you know the specifics as far
as costs and length of time it will take. The Freshome site says you
need to do your homework beforehand to make sure you are up for the
entire job before you start. The up-front planning will also make
you more likely to stick with a budget.
Knowing cost estimates before you begin is helpful for figuring out
the budget. The remodeling expense website lists costs for many
areas of remodeling from roofing to flooring to countertops.
You should also research the cost of materials[and] labor. If you
hire a contractor, find out the time it will take, and what
preparations will need to take place for this renovation to reach
fruition.
The size and scope of the project is another consideration. Pegasus
Design to Build owners Geoff Shafer and Jane Torchiana-Shafer say
you should "start by matching the project scope to your priorities
for your newly renovated home. Working with your remodeling
contractor, establish basic pricing guidelines that match each
priority and adjust the project scope from there. Scope is the
biggest factor in establishing and controlling your remodeling
project budget."
While it is important for the project size to match the budget, the
freshome site suggests having "a budget for going over budget" and
"Never assume that your budget won’t go over your estimation."
The freshome site says even if you "have done your homework on how
much your materials, labor, and miscellaneous remodeling components
will cost," you should plan for "unforeseen circumstances that will
not be conveyed until the project starts." For instance, "Opening up
walls can often lead to electrical, structural or plumbing
surprises. Remodeling older homes can often unveil mold, pipes
leaking or rotting and deteriorating wood. Keeping this in mind,
create a lower budget than you think you will need, just in case."
Local electrical contractor Dave Blankenship says one problem is
that many people do not plan for these unforeseen circumstances.
Liz Crystal in her article "Avoiding the Money Pit" suggests you
"set aside 20% of the overall budget to handle the unexpected."
When figuring out your budget and plans, do not be oversold by
spending so much on your renovation that you will not get your
money's worth if you sell the home in the next few years.
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While you should not overspend as you consider the scope of the
renovation and look for materials, it may be worth it to splurge on
some items.
Melanie Pinola in her blog on where to splurge and where to save
when you remodel says, "Very few, if any, remodeling projects will
return 100% of your investment, so the decision to remodel should be
more about your enjoyment of your home and getting more out of it.
For any space, think about your family's lifestyle, and spend more
on the areas that support those priorities."
Two places Pinola says you might want to splurge are on kitchen and
bathroom remodels. Pinola says, "If you're a gourmet cook, a
professional range would likely be worth the investment to you. For
busy families, a large kitchen island/breakfast nook might be more
important."
In bathrooms, consider how much they are used. For instance, Pinola
says, "In a high-traffic powder room, a high-quality low-flow toilet
might be most important, whereas in the master bath you might focus
more on a double sink vanity."
Knowing when to assert yourself in the project is also important.
You need to tell the contractor what you want to be done and
communicate about your expectations. When you see a problem or see
them doing something such as using a different paint color than you
requested, speak up.
In an article about kitchen remodeling trends Katie Marks says,
"Don't be afraid to assert yourself with your remodeling
professionals to make sure their tastes don't override your own.
You're the one who has to live with the result, not them!"
These are just some tips for keeping within your budget. Having some
specific plans will likely make your project go more smoothly, cause
less stress, and make your renovation more successful.
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