You’ve likely done some renovations before, especially with the home renovation boom over the last few years. But as much experience as you might have with renovations, every time is different and brings its own set of lessons learned.
Preparation is key to a successful renovation and is the best way to avoid obscene excess expenses or huge problems that tend to arise.
Before you get started on your next renovation project, read our guide of what you need to know before you start, so you can prevent the renovation headache before it starts.
Talk to Your Real Estate Agent
Many people take on renovations before selling their homes to increase the value and get a better sale price. While you know your home best, you probably don’t have the most objective view of it. How you look at your house is colored by your life and experience living in it.
Real estate agents are experts at understanding the market they work in and what local buyers want in a home. They might have some good advice on where your renovation budget should go and what projects will bring the most value to your home.
They might even stop you from making unnecessary investments in areas where you won’t get a high return on your investment. When renovating before listing your house, be sure to consult with real estate experts at Shawn Lepp Group or other reputable experts.
Be Realistic about the Process
Without fail, issues always seem to pop up during renovations. They often take longer than expected, and even when you think you have a firm timeline, things are often delayed, especially now when supply chains have had to deal with so much in the past few years.
These issues can be frustrating, but far less so when you’re prepared for them. Imagining that things will happen exactly as expected is setting yourself up for disaster.
Understand Your Budget
With the plethora of home makeover and design shows on TV, homeowners often overestimate how far their budget will get them. But renovations are expensive, so get your quotes from local companies and contractors to be sure of what you can afford. Also, make sure you get an official estimate for work, not verbal or via text, but a written estimate.
And if you have to leave your home temporarily while renovations are being completed, flooring is being done make sure to factor in the cost of your temporary housing into your budget, in addition to extra money spent on take-out and restaurants. Extra cash spent on meals also applies if you’re still staying in your home but losing access to your kitchen.
Renovations are always frustrating and challenging, but how you approach them can equal a vast difference between a minor headache and a complete disaster. Do your research, plan ahead, and make sure to expect the unexpected.
