How To Start a Remodeling Project
Initiating a home improvement project isn’t as irksome or frightening as you might think.
One question we’re often asked stems from our clients in the Chicago area watching a home improvement show like Windy City Rehab. Seeing those dream remodels unfold on the screen, they wonder to themselves, ‘Can I do that to my home?’ or, ‘How do I begin a project like that?’
Planning a home improvement project can seem daunting, but there are some simple steps you can take to get your project under way.
Give me one good reason
First, decide why you’d like to remodel. There are several good reasons to renovate. Your home may no longer reflect your tastes or your lifestyle. Your family dynamics may have changed. Maybe you’d like to make your home more environmentally friendly. You may even be planning a move in the future and you’d like to invest in your home to make it more marketable.
Whatever the reason, identify it. If there’s more than one, that’s even better! The point is that in order for you to be thrilled at the end of the project, you need to first understand why you want the change.
Kitchen Remodels
Homeowners plan to go big in 2019, according to an NAHBR (National Association of Home Builders Remodelers) List survey of more than 1,000 highly rated remodeling professionals.
Make a list of necessary home improvements
The next step is to make a list of every upgrade you’d like to get out of the remodel. Divide the items on that list into 3 categories:
- Must-have items
- Would-like-to-have items
- Dream items
Building this list will help you and your remodeling contractor prioritize during the project. This list will tell you which items to cut if you can’t afford everything and which items to add if some upgrades aren’t as expensive as estimated.
Millions of Americans are expected to remodel their homes this year as the home selling market rebounds.
Bathroom Remodels
Setting a budget for your remodeling project
Once your list is complete, think about your budget — but don’t overthink it! Too many people get hung up on this and never even begin their projects.
You must begin to formulate what you’ll be comfortable investing in your home, but remember: Until you talk with an experienced remodeling contractor, you won’t be able to take into account all of the methods that are available to help you get more out of your budget. A home improvement professional is experienced and up to date with the latest tax credits, rebates, alternative building materials, and cost saving methods that can make many of your dream items possible!
What Should Be in a Remodeling Contract?
Don’t sign a remodeling contract until you and the home improvement contractor agree on every term.
What’s the next step toward that dream remodel?
Once you’ve created your list of remodeling projects and considered your budget, it’s time to get a professional remodeling contractor working with you to develop a plan to make your project a reality. Hire a professional, check references, and go see their work. Here is a great place to start: NAHB
When dealing with something as important as your home, you don’t want to settle for just anyone. Selecting an unqualified individual or low quality renovation crew can cost you dearly in the end. Don’t trust something this important to the unqualified, inexperienced, uninsured, or anyone promising you something that you know is too good to be true. You owe it to yourself and your home to begin with speaking to a trusted professional.
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Best,
Michael
