Planning a home renovation carefully allows you to enjoy the process and avoid costly mistakes. Without a plan in place, you could end up being stressed out and overspending. It’s important to map out the project before you start. The planning stage should include a focus on cost factors, timelines, your budget, and the contractors to handle the complete the project. Lake Norman NC real estate agent Maureen Roberge can help you with design changes if you are doing the renovation as a preparation for selling it. Here is a guide to help you plan a home renovation:
Identify Your Renovation Goals
You should first clarify what your goals are for renovating your home. Do you want to transform your house into a forever home or renovate it before selling it? Also, you should evaluate your needs and wants when it comes to design changes. Pay attention to what’s most important versus what you can set aside for later projects.
Depending on your family’s size, every member has different needs and preferences. Write a huge list and narrow each change you want to make. Make sure to balance the needs and wants, so you can organize them within your budget and desired timelines.
Do Your Homework
Whether your renovation project is planned to cover just remodeling certain rooms like the kitchen or bathroom, you will face different challenges while you make the final decisions. To turn your house into an aesthetically pleasing and functional house, every aspect should be well thought out.
To ensure you won’t regret your decisions later on, educate yourself. Before you purchase materials or hire contractors, explore design inspirations, tips to save money, and advice on project management.
Plan Permissions and Regulations
Home renovations should be code-compliant. Ensure your proposed changes comply with local regulations and laws. This way, you won’t face issues later on when an inspection from local authorities needs to be done. Additionally, you will be sure that all enhancements are safe and dependable.
But permits are not required for all redesigning projects. First, you need to discuss your project with the local building authority. The government agency will give the available guidelines and detailed information.
Set Up a Budget
When you think about organizing a home remodel, it’s important to establish a comprehensive budget. This way, you can set a limit to how much you should spend, prioritize your spending, and build a precise plan. When you plan your renovation, asses your financial options first. Then, evaluate the availability of financial resources. Do you have enough personal savings to cover the cost of the renovation or need to apply for a loan?
Set Timelines
Various factors can impact your project timelines. The main variables are the size of your construction team and the renovation scope. Also, you should think about whether you want to achieve an updated home appearance or increased functionality. Renovating a bathroom with new fixtures and cabinets may take three weeks. However, getting a new tile or heated floor may take a few months to complete.
Ensure to be prepared for potential delays. These can include waiting for inspection reports, subcontractor postponements, and material delivery problems. Additionally, the weather may impact outdoor projects. Unexpected issues may take place during the renovation process. When you set your timelines, make sure to include the start date and plan for what happens in the next weeks. To have a well-scheduled timeline, consult with a contractor and discuss the components and details of your project. You need to ensure your renovation project is worth your money, effort, and time. Consult with agents, architects, and interior designers to make the right decisions.