Congratulations on your new house! Looking back on your journey, though, you could tell that purchasing a home is no easy task. It requires serious commitment and dedication.
Sad to say, however, that buying the house is not the end of the line.
If you, as the home buyer, decide to remodel after purchasing the house, you will need to determine what and how much to spend on the renovation. Remodeling projects can be as simple as replacing lighting or faucets, or as complex as building room additions or remodeling a roof.
Being a first-time homeowner, you may easily get caught up in all the excitement. But some first-time homeowners make mistakes that can sabotage all they have accomplished. A few practical steps taken early in the process can save homeowners time, money, and effort in the future.
So, feel free to apply the following home remodeling tips that could be valuable for first-time homeowners:
1. Set Goals
You need to determine your goals to know the extent of your renovation project. Do you plan to sell your house soon, or will you stay in your place for the long haul?
You should assess your neighborhood’s condition before beginning any renovations and know which upgrades will add value. Most of all, you must consider your family’s needs.
Do you need more bedrooms, or do you need a more spacious kitchen?
Knowing what you want to achieve will make it easy for you to plan and fund your renovation project.
2. Hire Qualified And Reliable Contractors
Do not try to save money by maintaining or repairing your home in ways that you are not trained or skilled in. You might think a DIY renovation will save you hefty amounts of money.
Although this notion is true for handy and skilled people, this might not be the case for you. Both your home and your investment are one and the same. Care and attention should be given to it the same way you would any other item you value highly.
Preparing your new room design and layout with the help of professionals is an excellent decision.
The best way to keep your home in top condition and prevent home accidents is to hire professionals to do the renovation work. You will also need to ask the local building authority for any permits necessary to finish the job.
But before signing up with a contractor, make sure to do the following first:
- Make Multiple Requests For Bids – Your colleague or friend’s contractor may do a terrific deal on a paint job, but are they the right choice for your remodeling job? Consider factors such as the contractor’s experience, availability, length of the project, and price of their services. Make sure you understand the cost breakdown of the materials, labor, and any other miscellaneous expenses.
- Check Their Insurance – Your contractor must have risk insurance and worker’s compensation insurance for their laborers who will work on your house. When the project is expensive or lengthy, homeowners should consider adding insurance to increase protection in the event of a claim.
- Find Reviews From Previous Clients – Do not simply believe what a contractor says. Verify that the review is authentic by contacting previous clients yourself.
- Request For A Written Contract – Each step should be listed in a remodeling contract, a payment schedule, and details regarding supplies, labor, and other costs included. A project shouldn’t come with any surprises or hidden fees.
3. Do Intensive Research
Talk to your neighbors, family, and friends about what they have done with their home and the challenges they have encountered.
You could always learn a thing or two from their renovation experiences. You may be able to find valuable information in the planning process from homeowners who have been in your shoes.
As soon as you start your research, you’ll be surprised by how many options you have.
When renovating your house on a budget, always know that you can acquire materials at an affordable price if you are patient enough to search for better deals. See what you can get by shopping online, visiting thrift shops, or going to second-hand stores.
4. Stick To Your Budget
Everybody agrees that it’s a good idea to set a budget and to stick to it. However, you should also set some extra cash in case of emergencies, or in case you decide to purchase extra furniture and fixtures
It is possible to accumulate a significant expense if you’re not attentive. Remodeling and plumbing for existing aging fixtures that require replacement sooner rather than later are some of the most common reasons for increased renovation costs.
5. Don’t Rush
The renovation process could be slowed debilitatingly if any alterations are made, and the cost of the renovation may also increase.
Your interior design will affect your life for many years to come, so make sure you carefully consider everything all together. Do not fall for a cheap renovation package without exploring the details.
As soon as you receive your floor plan, you should begin planning your renovation. Don’t wait until you receive your house keys to start the project.
Having more time on hand will allow you to ask around, compare deals, and meet different interior designers. Your first home renovation project will probably cost you a significant amount of money, so best not to rush it!
6. Prioritize Function Over Aesthetics
Your house will be very attractive when it has a natural marble wall and a fancy kitchen backsplash.
However, one ought to ask if the costs are justified.
It is not recommended to spend more on showy home features if you’re renovating on a budget because your funds may be better spent elsewhere where quality can improve your daily life.
You can also use alternatives if you want a particular finish without spending a lot of money on it.
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