At some point in a homeowner’s life, they need home renovations. Knowing you want home renovations done is the easy part. The hard part is wondering how you’re going to do so. DIY is out of the question since you’re not exactly handy, and the project scope is big. So, what do you need to get things in motion? Don’t you fret! Consider this home renovation 101 for the inexperienced homeowner. See what you need to do to get started here!
Setting a Budget
Starting your home renovation is fun. In the initial phase, you’re thinking of how you would want to lay out the space and find inspiration from Pinterest boards on how to decorate it. It’s great to have the vision to start with when planning a renovation. However, it would help if you were mindful of being realistic. Practicality is important during home renovations. That’s why one of the first things you must do is set a budget.
Making a budget generally can feel tedious. But, creating a budget gives you a good foundation for how much you intend to spend on your home renovation project. There are elements you need to consider, so you don’t spend too much. Some homeowners had been put in a bad financial position when they realized they ran out of money in the middle of the project. You can avoid this from occurring by having an idea of the costs.
You want to break down your budget based on what jobs should the prioritized, what types of materials you want to use, and the cost of a contractor. Research how much these factors can potentially cost you, so you can have a good idea of what you can afford based on your budget
Research on Contractors
You don’t want to choose anyone to get the job done for your first home renovation. As much as it would be nice to choose a contractor that’s the least expensive, you don’t want to risk the possibility of getting shoddy work done. There is a reason why low prices and low quality go hand-in-hand – you get what you pay for essentially. In which case, how can you find a good contractor?
Like with budgeting, you will need to do some more research. The research required would mainly involve looking for contractors in your area. You don’t want to find a contractor too far away since some companies can charge you based on how far you live. So, do keep that in mind during your search. As you scope the web and find nearby contractors, you will want to see what each of them brings for services and portfolio work. By visiting their website or social media, you can get an idea of the type of work they do and if it suits you.
Another thing to consider is checking online reviews. As much as it’s nice to read testimonials, they come from a place of bias. After all, they’re meant to portray them in a more positive light. In which case, you want to check online reviews to see if those testimonials align with what’s been written by former clients. You don’t want to unwittingly hire a contractor and find out they’re loaded with bad reviews. So, do give online reviews merit in your search.
Lastly, if someone you trust makes a referral, you should consider reaching out to that contractor. Referrals are commonly a great way to find the perfect contractor!
Know Your Contractor
You might think researching was enough preparation for home renovation. There is much more you need to consider – especially when you’re new to doing so. That comes from equipping yourself with the right knowledge about home renovations and knowing what questions to ask your contractor. In doing so, you can see first-hand how your contractor handles such questions. You want one who can answer competently and with transparency. One that gives you vague answers is a red flag, which can be detrimental to your renovation project. Beyond vetting any bad apples, doing so also sets a good baseline of communication with your contractor. Having one that keeps you updated on the project and helps you construct a timeline is a contractor you can trust.
Getting home renovations for the first time can be fun and confusing. Hopefully, this gave some insight on what you can do, so you’re prepared to tackle your first ever home renovation project!