10 Helpful Things to Do before Starting a Successful Home Remodeling Project

Someone recently asked me what I would love to blog about if I had no limitations of money. I would love to blog about remodeling my home. I like to see before and after shots. I think it is absolutely amazing the difference small changes can make. I would love to document the process with photos and let others know what to expect from different projects! Maybe someday...

This guest post is written by Vicki M. Thompson of Delaware remodeling contractors. She shares some good tips.

Before you start you start your remodeling project, be sure to sketch out your ideas; figure out whether you will do it yourself or hire a contractor; plan your budget and funding; consider building code requirements and other issues; think of your home value; choose your construction materials wisely; have a list of options where you will purchase your materials; consider your home’s total efficiency; set up special rules; and think how you can make use of your old home materials.

Sketch out your ideas

To fully materialize your desired outcome, you need to sort out your ideas in drawing and in writing. You can either draw your planned layout yourself, hire a professional, or use a computer software to help you out. List your detailed plans and special instructions to make remodeling smooth-flowing. List down questions you might need to ask your contractor when planning to hire one, or questions to ask some experts if you decide to do the project yourself.

Figure out whether you will do it yourself or hire a contractor

Ask yourself if the project is manageable enough to do yourself or are you going to need a contractor? Smaller renovations can be done by yourself and some helpers. It can help you save on costs of labor, but may take longer time to finish, not unless you work full-time on it or you are not in a hurry. Make sure you have had experience on smaller home projects before you decide to work on a more critical home project. Do not forget to ask advice from experts, too. Bigger and more complicated home remodeling projects are usually better done with contractors than yourself and some helpers. There just might be some details that need the hands of experts to be properly completed. Just make sure you find a reputable contractor, considering the costs you need to spend for them.

Plan your budget and funding

Another important consideration before you take on remodeling your home is to plan for your budget and your funding. You need to be aware that there might be some unexpected increases in the price of construction materials, as well as other unexpected expenditures you might have overlooked. Give allowance for possible problems and cost-related concerns. Think of the materials you are going to use and possible equally great alternatives. You can also research on ways to save on home remodeling costs.

Consider building code requirements and other issues

You need make sure that your renovation plan meets the building code requirements in your area. You can ask your architect or your contractor about this or inquire from your local building authority. You also need to consider other issues , such as complying with zoning issues and submitting building permits before you can go about your home renovation.

Think of your home value

When you are planning to sell the house after the renovation, it is important that you evaluate its home value first by the time the project will be completed. You need to see if your planned layout, planned additions, and planned materials are attractive to buyers. For example, you can ask yourself if your room addition is taking too much yard space. A swimming pool, too may not be very attractive for buyers due to costly maintenance. These considerations, however, depend on your area and target market.

Choose your construction materials wisely

Efficiency and beauty are the words. You have to choose the right construction materials, such as tiles, flooring, ceiling, and roofing materials, among others, that answer to your specific needs. Choose materials that look great with your current theme, as well as those that are easy to maintain, long-lasting, energy-efficient, and cost-saving.

Have a list of options where you will purchase your materials

As with any shopping, you need to canvas the best place to purchase your construction materials. List down shops in your area and ask for recommendations. Do not hesitate to go over customer reviews and the inquire from Better Business Bureau to ensure good performance. Look for shops that offer free deliveries and warranties.

Consider your home’s total efficiency

Not only do you need to make sure of the materials’ efficiency, but also the layout and other details of your newly renovated house. See to it that spaces are well-utilized, rooms are well-ventilated and well-lit, and room sizes are proportionate. Check also if electrical wiring will not be difficult to install.

Set up special rules

To avoid accidents and lessen possible problems, you need to set special rules with your helpers or your contractor, especially when undergoing a bigger project. Inform your people about parking their equipment, how to deal with delays, equipment problems, supply shortages, and other problems that may come up during the renovation. Contractors may have their own rules to follow, but do not hesitate to include yours for more convenience.

Think how you can make use of your old home materials

Finally, and often forgotten, you have to think how to properly dispose of your old home materials. For example, you can donate your old wooden materials to furniture-makers or landscapers. You can also make use of your broken bricks and stones during your construction or offer it for other construction projects.

Remodeling your home may not be that easy, but it helps a lot to be prepared. You must be well-conditioned for the work done at home and be comfortable with workers in your house. There may be small problems and glitches along the way, but it will be very rewarding for you in the end. Your time, money, and effort will all be well-spent.

You may also want to take a quick peek at my Wordless Wednesday: Proud Mama post to see some of my son's artwork that would make you want to remodel too!