The main motivation behind a home renovation is to make your house look more beautiful, functional and comfortable.
Home remodeling is a special project that needs tons of planning and sometimes a lot of money. And because you may not have the expertise to plan everything from scratch, you usually need the help of professionals.
But did you know that it’s possible to make your remodeling project a success without spending a fortune?
For example, proper planning and making the right decisions at the right time will reduce your budget significantly without jeopardizing the quality of your renovations.
Simply put, the key to making your remodeling more efficient is to have a clear-cut plan beforehand.
Here are five ways to renovate your house beautifully and efficiently.
1. Divide Your Renovation into Small Units
Efficient remodeling requires you to focus on both the smaller picture and the bigger picture. After all, the entire project’s success depends on how well you execute every step of the renovation.
So, divide the project into small units; then renovate every unit as if it were an independent project, except that you know that it is part of a bigger project.
This strategy makes it easier to brainstorm your requirements with your architect. You’ll be able to supervise the project without requiring the help of a professional.
2. Plan Backward, from the End
Before pumping thousands of dollars into the remodeling project, consider its potential return on investment and be sure of what you want to achieve.
For example, it would be inefficient to renovate a house today and then, due to a miscalculation, end up selling it in a couple of years with little or no profit. Considering your result and its significance five or 10 years down the road is important.
With the result in mind, it is time to consider your financing options:
- Will you finance the remodel from your pocket or will you do it on credit?
- Have you saved up enough for the remodel?
- If you will rely on bank credit, are the interest rates at your bank reasonable or do you need to check out another bank?
- How friendly is the bank’s repayment plan?
- Is it possible to pull out some equity from this remodel?
Getting these answers will save you the headaches that come with unclear and hasty financing choices.
For the actual remodel, decide whether you want a modern or postmodern home. With kitchen renovations, for example, you have to decide whether you want a kitchen that will look current even after a decade or a kitchen that will look okay today and outdated tomorrow.
Deciding on the renovated room’s look will help you choose the right appliances and renovation materials.
3. Do Some of the Work
Although it’s best to leave your remodeling project to professionals, sometimes it’s economical to handle simple tasks on your own.
You don’t need, for example, to pay a pro to paint your walls, or to tackle demolition or cleanup work. If you can order the renovation supplies yourself, why pay someone to do it?
Doing some of the work instead of paying other people to do it could save you a small fortune.
4. Hire the Right Remodelers
A good remodeler is a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and has a reputation for honesty, integrity and quality work.
A good record with the Better Business Bureau is also a huge plus.
Search for customer reviews before hiring a remodeler, so you have additional information to make a decision.
5. Do Your Homework
You have more options than you think, but you cannot discover them unless you do your due diligence.
You don’t have to buy your supplies or furniture from high-end stores; there is always a cheaper option out there. You don’t have to buy the furniture locally; there may be a better value online or in another area.
Take your time to discover your best options.
If you’re considering a new remodeling or renovation project, follow the five tips we’ve discussed in mind.
A lot of planning, preparing and research are needed for a successful and efficient remodel, but in the end, you’ll see that they’re worth it.
Monica Gibson is an architect and freelance writer.
Comments are closed.