As summer approaches, many homeowners start considering renovations. Summer is the most popular time for remodeling because the temperatures are typically comfortable, there’s little rain, and you have hours of daylight to work in. We know it’s tempting to grab a hammer and start swinging as soon as temperatures rise, but jumping into a big home project without the proper preparation is never a good idea. Follow this list of do’s and don’ts to make sure your next house remodeling project goes as smoothly as possible.
Do Select Renovations That Improve Home Value
One of the first things you should do before starting is ask, “What adds value to a home?” The best things to renovate are often things which are affordable but greatly increase the value of a home to future buyers. Minor kitchen remodels, fresh paint, bathroom add-ons, deck additions, and energy-efficient remodels can all greatly improve the value of a home.
Other options like in-ground swimming pools, gourmet kitchens, whirlpool tubs, and sunrooms are typically pricey without raising value, so you might want to avoid them. Keep in mind these tips are just as important if you plan on selling your home soon. If you are going to be living in a house for years and really want a renovation that will improve your quality of life, it might be worth it even if you don’t get your money back when you sell your home.
Don’t Rush Through the Planning Stage
It’s easy to get caught up in all the activity, but the planning and designing stage of a remodel is also important. Getting everything perfect before you start will keep you from having to make costly changes. A good place to start is often establishing your main goals and budget. Look through home remodeling ideas and figure out a general idea of what you want to do.
You may also want to talk with a design firm that can help you use software to help finalize your desired layout and materials. Next, plan your timeline, giving yourself as much extra time as possible because rushed renovations can go poorly.
Do Vet Your Home Contractors Thoroughly
A home renovation is only as good as the people who work on the project. Just being licensed is not enough to ensure you will end up with remodeling contractors who actually do a good job. So, it’s important to take the time to research people before you hire them. The internet can be helpful, but in-person reviews will often provide a lot more insight. Be sure to talk to the home remodeling contractors about their timeline, the type of people they hire, and their length of experience. Check for online reviews or ask the contractor if they can provide phone numbers to give them references. It can also be helpful to see if the contractor has done similar jobs in the past and look at before-and-after images for these projects.
Don’t Forget About Your Belongings
A major mistake made by many homeowners is forgetting about all the belongings in a room scheduled to be renovated. This can lead to major hassles when you have a crew coming over to rip out all your cabinets but your pots and pans are still stored in their usual spots. The best way to handle this sort of situation is making plans for storing your items as soon as you start your renovation plans. This will give you plenty of time to find the best storage unit.
Start by figuring out exactly what needs to go into storage so you can find the right size. Next, consider whether you need climate control to protect delicate belongings. Finally, think about whether you will need to access these items during renovations since you should look for units with a drive-up approach for easy entrance.
Do Follow Permitting and Safety Regulation Procedures
A lot of home renovation rules are there for a reason, so it is a good idea to follow them. Check with your local and state government to learn if your project needs any permits. Filing these in advance ensures you can stick to your house renovation timeline and keeps everything in your home up to code. During the renovation itself, continue to follow regulations. Doing things like making sure everyone wears goggles, turning off fuses, and providing proper ventilation will keep you, your home, and the workers safe from any problems.
Don’t DIY Unless You Are Qualified
With all the tutorials on YouTube and house-flipping shows, you might think you can save a little money by doing things yourself. The problem with this is you can end up making mistakes that require even more time and money to fix. Little things like painting are often a doable DIY project, but there are certain things you should never mess with unless you are trained and qualified. Typically, plumbing, electrical, and any structural work should be left to the professionals. In addition to saving you time and money, they also help you avoid stress and worry during your project.
When you’re ready for your next home remodeling project, we are here to help! Our convenient locations give you access to a variety of self storage units you can reserve for affordable prices on a month-by-month basis. Check out our storage unit types to find the right style for you, or give our storage experts a call to learn more about our options.