Depending on the amount of work required, remodeling your home can be an eye-watering experience if you’re not adequately prepared. Before getting started, what you’ll want to do is jot down everything that needs to get done and work out a cost for the remodeling project.
According to HomeAdvisor’s 2017 True Cost Survey, homeowners are spending more on their home projects. For instance, the average homeowner forked over close to 60% more on work in their home over the past year than in the year before. The survey added that there was a 7% boost in total U.S.-wide home improvement spending, and many homeowners focused on more expensive projects such as bathroom and kitchen remodeling. The survey cited the National Kitchen & Bath Association as saying that more than one in 10 homeowners in America completed a bath or kitchen remodeling project in 2016. With close to 50% of them paying in the range of $20,000 to $49,000 for a full kitchen remodeling job and 50% of homeowners paying in the field of $10,000 to $29,999 for a complete bathroom remodeling job. HomeSelfe, meanwhile, noted that bathroom remodels can cost between $2,500 and over $22,500.
If you’re planning a remodeling project of your own, what can you do to keep your cool under stressful conditions? What follows are seven rules to stay sane when remodeling your home.
Plan Ahead
You’ve no doubt heard the saying that those who fail to plan, plan to fail. Planning means putting together a complete list of what the remodeling project will entail. Getting accurate measurements to ensure that you get the right materials, and working out a realistic budget to ensure that you know going into the project what it’s going to cost you. When you consider that the average cost of replacing a roof is $20,664 and the average price of a deck addition can run you $17,249, you can appreciate the importance of planning to avoid surprises.
Get it Done Right
For best results, hire a contractor. Be sure that you select one who has an excellent rating with the Better Business Bureau, has relevant experience, and positive customer references that you can verify. Provide you with a detailed contract that clearly shows material costs and how long it will take.
Consider Safety and Electricity
If you have children or pets, be sure that they are in an area of the house where no remodeling work is being done. Another thing to consider is that many remodeling projects require installing new electrical outlets. To do this safely, hire an electrician.
Obtain Necessary Permits
Depending on the type of work you need to get done, you may require a permit. For future reference, you’ll need to get a permit for new construction, additions, major renovation jobs, structural changes, and electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. The average owner has to pay between $454 and $2,053 on the permit required for a remodeling project.
Construction Work Best Practices
While not necessary, some construction work etiquette can go a long way towards making the project run more smoothly. You can, for instance, offer coffee and water, permit your contractor to use your guest bathroom, and allow your contractor to take occasional smoke breaks.
Green Is The Way To Go
When planning for your remodeling project, be sure to think green. By so doing, you can reduce your carbon footprint, reduce your energy consumption, and even boost your home’s value. How can you go green? Use sustainable materials for your remodeling project and invest in things like solar power.
Communication
Miscommunication can end up costing you. So, make sure that the line of communication between you and your contractor remains open. And don’t be timid about asking questions.
When you remodel your home, you can stay sane by keeping in mind these seven tips. While it’s not necessarily possible to plan for all scenarios, proper planning will help you to get through even the most complex projects relatively unscathed successfully.
