You’ve talked about it, saved pictures, and maybe even created some design boards. Now you’re ready to take the leap on the long awaited renovations in your home, but want to be as prepared as you can. Careless mistakes in renovations can become costly quickly, or leave you with a space with compromised functionality. Here are some questions you should be asking before you commit fully to a home renovation.
The first simple step to renovating a home is deciding what areas and features you want to focus on. If you are just doing a walk through of the property, you can take notes on what improvements you would like to make. However, you gain a different perspective once you are actually living in the house. What rooms do you find you are using the most? Do you have enough outlets in each room? How much natural light does each room get? Are any of the rooms cold?
If it can be managed, living in the house for even a couple weeks can give you a better understanding of how you will use the space and any updates you should make. It may push the renovation further down the road, but it will potentially save you from making decisions you will later regret.
When it comes to any project, a budget is one of the first things you need to decide. Here are some things you should consider as you set your home renovation budget.
Communicating to your contractors, architects, and designer on how you will use the room can really help guide the renovation into something that is in harmony with your everyday life. For example, if you have young children, are the paint finishes you are choosing going to hold up to the wear and tear of indoor play? If you have dogs and plan to bathe them at home, is the tub you are choosing adequate? If you enjoy playing chef, is there adequate storage in your kitchen for all of the appliances you like to use? Are there any details that could make your home more functional?
One decision that may be difficult to change down the road is flooring. For any flooring you plan on replacing, get a sample and test the environment it will be used in. If you are using it in the bathroom, does water leave marks? For high-traffic areas, will it scratch easily? If you spill something on it, how easy is it to clean?
Familiarize yourself with your city’s and state’s laws regarding construction and what documentation you will need. Your nearest permit office should be able to tell you the details. Generally, minor renovations such as painting a room will not require a permit, but altering the footprint of your home may require more paperwork.
How extensive will the renovations be? Will you still have access to necessary areas like bathrooms, or will you need to make other accommodations while they are being completed?
You should loop in your insurance agents sooner in the renovation process rather than later. You may need to update your homeowner’s insurance. If it is a larger project, you may need builder’s risk insurance, a special type of property insurance.
Whether you want to make your home more accessible for someone in your family, or are thinking ahead to making it more comfortable as you age, accessible home remodels are worth considering. Bathrooms are one particular room to focus on, since they are both frequently used and a likely area for falls. Focusing on making the shower or tub walk-in friendly could be a worthwhile investment, depending on how your family plans to use your home.
Knowing what your design style can help to guide your designer and contractors. It can also put the brakes on you making impulsive purchases on décor or furnishings that ultimately won’t fit with the end result you are hoping for.
Check that your contractor has adequate insurance coverage.
When it comes to renovations, you have to think about storage in two phases: during the construction, and after the construction. If you are already living in the home, what items and furniture will you need to move for renovations? Where will you store it?
Think about how you will use the room after. Will you have enough storage, or will shelving, cabinets, and other storage solutions need to be added? Consider donating items you no longer need or use to get a better picture of what your true space requirements are.
When you set a monetary budget for renovations, it’s always a wise idea to set aside some for unexpected expenses. The same is true with time. Whether you are looking to move into a new home by an expected date, or need renovations completed for another reason, be prepared for timelines to get potentially pushed back when the unexpected issues arise.
The age of the home you are renovating is an important factor. For example, homes built prior to 1945 were built much differently than today’s modern homes, resulting in higher expenses to rebuild or replace materials. Along with materials typically being more expensive, the craftsmen who install the materials tend to cost more due to the expertise needed to replace or repair your historic home.
If you are renovating an older home, you may have to plan in your budget for more contingency for things like structural repairs and electric.
Certain renovations, such as installing solar panels, may actually make you eligible to claim a tax credit for a percentage of the cost. The tax code can change from year to year, so consult with a professional to see what renovations may be worth installing.
Don’t let expensive renovations turn into regret down the road. Talk to neighbors and friends who have done similar remodels about what they like and don’t like about their remodel. For example, dark flooring may look stunning in photos, but how much maintenance does it need to keep it clean? Is the material you want for your kitchen countertop going to be practical in the long run? Some materials like raw wood or natural stone may need to be sealed multiple times per year. If you have pets, consider how much they shed and the colors of the floors and furnishings you are choosing.
Once your remodel is complete, don’t forget to contact your insurance agent. Confirm if you need to adjust the limits on your homeowner’s policy.
It may also be a good idea to start keeping a maintenance schedule. Ask your contractor what steps they would take to maintain your home
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