Renovating your home can be a huge undertaking, both in terms of time and money. And even if you're just making a few small changes, it's important to understand the process before you get started. Realtor Gino Tozzi shares what to know before renovating your home.
Types of Home Renovations
There are two main types of home renovations: cosmetic and structural. Cosmetic renovations are changes that don't require any alteration to the structure of your home, like painting, installing new floors, or updating fixtures. Structural renovations are changes that do alter the structure of your home, like adding an addition, finishing a basement, or renovating a kitchen.
A Home Office Addition
Renovating your home to include a home office can be a great way to increase the efficiency of your work. But before you start, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, determine exactly what you need space-wise. You'll also want to ensure the space you choose has plenty of natural light, or if that's not possible, plan to install some good quality artificial light fixtures. Upgrading your wiring is also likely to be on the agenda, so bear this in mind when it comes to planning for outlets and fixtures.
Connect With the Right Contractors
A crucial aspect of any home renovation is finding capable, trustworthy contractors. Get recommendations from friends or family members who have recently renovated their homes. Once you've compiled a list of potential contractors, be sure to check their references and credentials carefully.
Be Clear in Communication
Once you find a contractor you're comfortable working with, it's important to clearly communicate your ideas. The last thing you want is for your contractor to misunderstand your vision and end up with a finished product that doesn't meet your expectations. So be sure to explain your ideas in as much detail as possible and ask lots of questions along the way.
Set a Timeline
Before work begins on your home renovation, establish a timeline and schedule. This will help the work get done in a timely manner and helps everyone involved know what to expect. If possible, try to build some flexibility into the schedule in case there are any unforeseen delays.
Budget Accordingly
Budgeting for a home renovation can be tricky because there are so many variables involved. In addition to the cost of materials and labor, you also need to factor in the cost of permits, inspections, and other incidentals. To get an accurate estimate of costs, consult with multiple contractors and get itemized estimates for all the work that needs to be done.
Progress on your home renovation will likely be tracked using some type of app or software program. This allows everyone involved, including yourself, to see how things are progressing and stay up-to-date on the latest information. To learn more about what goes into estimating software, research a few online platforms so you get a sense of how they work and how your contractor will use this type of tool.
Renovating your home can be a risky business, but understanding the process can help reduce some of those risks. By taking the time to learn about different types of renovations, gathering multiple estimates, communicating effectively with your contractor, establishing a clear timeline, getting adequate insurance, and budgeting carefully, you can increase your chances of having a successful experience.
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