Things You Might Not Know About Home Renovations
“In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we want our homes to serve as sanctuaries of peace and refuge. As Christian homemakers, we understand the significance of creating a space where love, faith, and family thrive. Home renovations can be a transformative journey, a testament to creativity, and an investment in your living space. Whether you're considering a small update or a complete overhaul, there are some important facts, tips, and tricks to be aware of. In this blog post, Erin Reynolds from DIY MAMA will shed light on the lesser-known aspects of home renovations that can make a world of difference in your project's success. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-time renovator, prepare to be inspired and informed. Let's dive in!”
Sadie Jean
In home remodeling, every nail, every paint stroke, and every design choice holds the potential to redefine the way you experience your living space. But behind the scenes of every home remodel lies an intricate process and many surprises. In this blog post, we will be discussing the complexities and unknown facts of home remodeling.
Most Contractors Use Apps for Quoting
The best contractors have caught up with the digital age and are no longer using just pen, paper, and manual measurements to guesswork price. Instead, most contractors, including skilled service people such as electricians, use software and apps to create quotes and manage projects. By using electrical contractor software, they get things done on time and send invoices accurately. Another piece of software your contractor probably uses is CRM. Customer relationship management programs can help them keep up with your needs, even after you move.
A Home Warranty can Help Protect Your Investment
While your contractor should offer a warranty and guarantee on their work, there are many components of most renovations that are left with zero protection. Your HVAC unit is one example. While Allstate explains that your insurance will cover things like hail and other impact damage, it won’t cover the unit breakdown, even if it’s in a new addition to your home. After a renovation is a great time to invest in a home warranty, which may cover this along with your plumbing and electrical systems and some appliances.
Dual-Purpose Spaces are In
There are many great reasons to invest in dual-purpose spaces, such as a home office/guest room combination or playroom/home theater. If you go with the former, you can typically get out inexpensively by simply purchasing furniture, like a sofa bed and storage cabinets. Creating these spaces can provide great ROI, especially if you are finishing a basement in the process.
You might also consider adding a large mirror to increase natural light and using a Murphey desk, which Foter Mag online asserts is a great space-saving addition to a home office. A budget-friendly home theater/playroom can be as simple as a projector facing a bright white wall and lots of storage furniture for toys.
Be Sure to Have the Right Permits
Permit requirements vary from state to state. But if you try to sell a home that has had renovations that aren’t up to code and that wasn’t permitted and inspected, that could have a negative impact on your ability to sell. Talk with your contractor to ensure they are pulling the proper permits, and get it in writing.
A Key Lock Box will Save You Time
A key lock box is a great investment when you schedule home renovation that will take place over multiple days or weeks. It will keep you from having to meet your contractor to lock up every time they need to come in and out of the home.
Save Money by DIYing Smaller Projects
While there are definitely some home improvement projects you should leave to the professionals, you can cut out some of your cost by identifying smaller projects that you can manage yourself. For instance, with the right tools and some patience, most people can do a nice paint job on their home’s interior.
You can also install your own security system without relying on contractors or expensive security companies. Just pick up a few of the networkable cameras and follow online instructions to get them paired and functioning smoothly.
Understand You’ll Probably Go Over Budget
According to RenoFi, approximately one-third of all home renovations go over budget. This number is often higher when renovating the kitchen or the bathroom, as each of these areas is complex and has many different components that must be tackled. You not only have sinks and hardware, cabinets, flooring, faucets, paints, and, potentially, drywall and trim work as well.
To avoid budget excesses, and for a high-quality renovation experience, it’s best to work with well-experienced contractors. They’ll ensure that only the best tradespeople are hired to complete the job.
If You Decide to Sell
If your home is currently a bit outdated, giving it a facelift is a great way to help it stand out as the market returns power to buyers. Obviously, you can spread the word via social media, but you might also want to try selling your house by incorporating some more personal touches, like putting together a brochure that includes lists of your home’s features complemented by impressive, high-quality photos.
Get Prepared for Your Renovation Project
Knowledge is power. Before you get started, make sure you fully understand what you’re getting yourself into, which means accepting that you’ll go over budget and the fact that your home insurance won’t cover issues with some parts of your remodeling project. Your best bet is to look for a contractor that utilizes digital tools, like electrical quoting software, so you get the most accurate and competitive pricing available in your market.
If you’re looking for more articles about making your house a home, explore the other blog posts here on Homemaker’s University!