A home is a product of change and reinvention. Home maintenance is a given, plus work done to preserve or spruce up the place. Some people think so too; they love their homes and prefer to renovate than buy a new one.
As you may have experienced, any home renovation project costs money, energy, and time. It’s a venture that can be exacting but also fulfilling once done. It’s only natural then to look into useful tips for achieving success in your home makeover project.
Identify the Need to Renovate
Yes, you want your home to be saleable, liveable, and presentable. But why are you upgrading your house? Is it to add a bathroom in the basement, maximize storage in the kitchen, etc.? Stick to what you want or need, and work out the details from there.
Prioritize
The home renovation project can be broken down into many subprojects or tasks. You can start with those that will add functionality at a lower cost. For your basement bathroom, keep it simple and cozy with sink, lighting, and cabinetry. The centerpiece can be a macerating toilet for your basement bathroom. It requires less work and cost but does the job of a reliable toilet system.
Do It Yourself, and Seek Help from Professionals
You can do the planning, budgeting, and designing, working with the architect and contractor who will carry out the specialized tasks. Don’t skip getting permits to keep you out of hefty fines and, more importantly, to ensure your property is safe and structurally sound per building codes.
Work On an Old Property
If your property is a few years old, consult with a professional or an expert who can look into the possibility of home improvements and their feasibility. There may be structural damages hiding in plain sight and whose costs can add to your renovation budget or bring the work to a halt as you have to address those issues first.
Keep an Eye on the Budget
Everything rests on the budget, the labor, the material, and unexpected costs. Ideally, you want to stick to what’s on paper to avoid going over budget. To keep unseen expenses at the minimum, leave the expert work to the professionals, and break down the project in every step. You will likely face the dilemma of appearance versus practicality, so always revisit your budget and goals.
Communicate, Communicate
Collaboration is critical in the success of the project, and so is communication. Ask for daily updates, including issues and concerns so you can resolve them right away. You should be on top of everything, especially anything that has to do with the budget and timeline.
Factor In Your Family
Home projects look better in the glossy pages of a magazine or on TV, but they are not as perfect in real-life settings, especially if you have kids or pets. It’s a different matter if they are around during worktime. You may want to haul them to the babysitter or wherever they are safe from dust, mold, and fumes.
Longevity and Sustainability Rule
In redesigning or redecorating your home, find the balance between what’s trendy and what looks good in the long run. For appliances and materials, consider their useful life more than their appearance.
Motivation for Renovation
Homeowners have many reasons for renovating other for the upkeep and maintenance. Take these for example:
- It is cost-effective. In the US, for instance, it’s cheaper to spend money on regular updates to the home than to spend money on the down payment on a new house and start all over. Don’t forget the moving costs that come with that decision.
- It can boost the value of your property. Renovations refer to cosmetic changes to a home, such as painting the walls, landscaping, and improving indoor air quality. These changes can make your home more appealing, translating into a potentially higher bid for the property.
- It can make your home more eco-friendly. Consider the use of sustainable and durable materials and fixtures such as LED or even natural lighting, or use upcycled furniture to save on bills and lessen the impact on the environment.
For sure, you have your reasons for renovating your house. That is, coincidentally, number one on the list of tips to accomplish your mission in flying colors.
Careful planning and hard work spell success for any home makeover project. Don’t spread yourself thinly, but don’t cut corners if it’s not necessary.
Got tips? Share your best home DIY projects to date in the comments section.