Home renovations can be a huge task for anyone. Before taking on such a big project, it is important to do your research and understand all of the factors involved in successful home renovations. From determining a budget to managing material costs and labor, knowing what goes into home renovations is essential to creating the outcome you desire.
Here’s everything you need to know about renovating your home.
Popular Renovations
You have many options when it comes to which type of renovation project you want to tackle. Family Handyman notes that some of the most popular choices include bathroom remodeling, and adding new floors or carpeting. A kitchen remodel is another top choice, particularly when an owner is getting their home ready to sell. Keep in mind that there are pros and cons of this sort of undertaking, and you’ll need to budget, plan a timeline, and avoid common kitchen renovation mistakes like investing in expensive countertops while leaving old cabinets in place.
Of course, there are many other types of renovations that homeowners may choose from, depending on their specific needs and budget. A home office/guest room renovation is a great option for homeowners looking to add extra living space. This renovation can free up valuable square footage while providing an area that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The key to success is to plan carefully and take the time to make sure each room serves its purpose. With thoughtful planning, you can create an environment that welcomes visitors or lets you work in comfort with plenty of storage and style.
You Need a Home Improvement Timeline
One thing that many people forget when undertaking a major renovation project is setting expectations for timeline completion dates and creating a budget upfront before construction begins. Working with reputable contractors will ensure that timelines are met, but setting expectations ahead of time will also prevent costly delays down the line due to miscommunication or the lack thereof.
Funding Your Renovation
If you don’t have enough cash on hand for your renovation project, applying for a home improvement loan might be the right option for you. Home improvement loans usually come with lower interest rates than personal loans and credit cards and can be used for any type of renovation project — from replacing old windows or countertops to installing an HVAC system or energy-efficient appliances. Be sure to shop around for the best terms before making decisions about financing your renovation project.
Get the Help You Need
The Better Business Bureau points out that it’s important to do research before hiring contractors for your renovation project. Make sure that they have plenty of experience in the type of work you need done, and ask for references from past clients who were satisfied with their workmanship. Hiring reputable contractors will ensure that your project goes smoothly without any major headaches down the line, like shoddy workmanship or delays in completion times.
Tools of the Trade
These days, there is plenty of software available designed specifically for contractors undertaking major renovation projects such as yours. This software allows contractors to not only save time by automating much of the estimating process but also have access to up-to-date pricing information. This way, they create more accurate estimates of materials costs. Whether it’s HVAC, general, or electrical contractor software, these apps ensure project bids are on point. Knowing what your contractors are likely to use will help you better understand the process of designing a bid.
Protect Your Investment
Once your renovation is complete, investing in a home warranty will give you peace of mind knowing that if anything goes wrong during the first year after completion, it will be covered under warranty. When shopping around for a home warranty, carefully assess annual costs versus deductibles and read the fine print so you know exactly what’s covered.
A major home renovation is a lot to take on, especially if it’s something you’ve never done before. But understanding the basics involved will demystify the process, so you know what to expect. From knowing what types of renovations are popular to working with reputable contractors, all these guarantee success in any kind of major home renovation.
Keith Munsell 
