5 Things To Think About Before Renovating

By HBC Editor April 26, 2016 Housing No Comments

Whether you’re about to tackle a do-it-yourself project or are enlisting the support of professionals to carry out the job, there’s a lot to consider before embarking on a home renovation.

#1. Budget

Talk to a friend who has been through a similar renovation process, and do as much window shopping and cost-comparisons as you can to help you develop an appropriate budget. This is important so that you know what you’re getting into and don’t get stuck halfway in, or run into debt.

#2. Find the Right Contractor

A usual recommendation is that the best contractors can be found through word of mouth. Your friends and other people you know may be able to refer you to someone great that they trust. But if you can’t find any good referrals, you could try looking for great contractors on the internet. Make sure you get several referrals before you sign any agreements.

#3. Be realistic

Dreaming is the start of any good renovation, but to have a good experience, you have to be realistic about what you can accomplish based on your budget, resources and the state of your home. So many people tend to spend above their means just to have that gorgeous gourmet kitchen or marble bathroom.

If you are absolutely committed to the dream of something that you can’t afford all at once, try to break the goal down into smaller steps and work on it in stages.

#4. Determine goals and inspirations.

It’s really important before you embark on the renovation process that you have a clear understanding of what to expect. Talk to friends who have renovated as well as other real estate and renovation experts. You will need to have a general idea of how you want the space to look and feel. If you feel overwhelmed, find a designer who can help you lead the way.

#5. Everything is in the details

Having a big picture is good, but we know that details are what can make or break a renovation. Make sure you have a list (or multiple lists for each room), and make sure that you confirm and reconfirm that everything has been ordered and delivered.