Useful advice from past renovating homeowners, including contractors, budget, and timelines.
You want to start planning your home remodel but don’t know where to start, right?
Well, you’re not alone.
Credit: Anthony Masterson
Many homeowners dive into renovating a house with no clue of what to expect.
It’s only after they suffer throughrenovation mishapsthat they regret not having a plan.
There can be unforeseen expenses and issues that make the process complex.
Credit: Brie Williams
It can save you countless hours, gallons of fuel, and painful, early morning wake-up calls.
For example, the choices can be overwhelming if you want toreplace dated carpet.
Dense or loose fibers?
Credit: Annie Schlechter
Striated or no pattern?
What exact shade of gray?
The answers depend on the other aspects of the renovation, like choosing paint colors.
Credit: James Nathan Schroder
If you select paint palettes before the renovation starts, you still need to see them on walls.
Your decisions about colors could change as you spend time in the house.
For example, you might think thatreplacing a whirlpool tuband outdated double vanity in a bathroom will be quick.
Credit: Anthony Masterson
It can be another two weeks before they’re delivered.
An expectation of using your newhall bathwithin a week can turn into a six-week waiting period.
Prevent renovation delays by ordering materials in advance and making sure they are on site before demolition begins.
Credit: Nathan Kirkman
Expect the Unexpected
All homes hold secretsin the walls, under the floors, and elsewhere.
A renovation can bring those to light.
Interview Multiple Contractors
It pays to interview multiple contractors and compare bids.
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Suppose you want your water heater removed from an upstairs closet and a new one installed in the garage.
The second plumber may find it’s too much work for his schedule.
Renovate Your Kitchen First
Homeowners often want to know in what order they should be renovating a house.
It’s best tostart with the kitchenbecause these remodels add significant value to your home.
It’s always a good idea to isolate any demolition mess by putting plastic over doorways or pass-throughs.
Be Specific About Design Ideas
You’ll want to narrow your design preferences before meeting with an interior designer.
Get inspiration from browsing home decorating magazines, interior decorating websites, and design shows.
Also, keep your designer strictly on yourdesign budget.
Don’t allow them to purchase expensive materials and charge you for them later.
If you venture to stay within a specific time frame, your costs will remain low, too.
