Congratulations on your new home! We bought our first home in 2021 and had a lot of ideas for renovations. If you’re like most homeowners, you’re probably eager to start your home renovation project too! But with so many options and decisions to make, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. To help you get started, here are the top 10 tips for beginning your home renovation project:
1. Set a Realistic Budget: Before starting any renovation, you should have a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend. Consider the overall cost of the renovation, including materials and labor, and make sure to allocate extra funds for unexpected expenses. When renovating my bathroom I discovered another layer of tiles under the existing tiles! Pro tip! Always include 15% of your budget as contingency. If you think a project will cost $500, your budget should be $575! While quick internet searches are a great resource to get started, you can also call a contractor in your area to get some budget numbers. You will be surprised by how helpful contractors are to new homeowners.
2. Plan Ahead: Take the time to plan your renovation project, including a detailed timeline, materials, and design. This will help you stay on track and avoid any surprises or unexpected costs. One way to think about any project approach is to understand how your project A is going to affect the space and a potential project you would like to do in the future. It is important to also understand that your projects might not all happen at the same time and that you can plan ahead for a project that is to take place later in the year.
3. Hire a Reputable Contractor: Unless you have experience with home renovation projects, it’s best to hire a professional to help with the design and construction process. Look for a reputable contractor with experience in the type of renovation you are planning. Always get multiple quotes! If you are new to the renovation process and don’t quite have an idea of the scope of work, you can call the first contractor and get a quote and use that quote and ideas from the meeting to develop and refine your scope of work to send it to other contractors.
4. Obtain the Necessary Permits: Depending on the scope of the renovation project, you may need to obtain permits from your local government. Make sure to research and obtain any necessary permits before beginning the renovation process. You can ask a contractor or call your local government body for this information. Some towns even have review boards for exterior upgrades, make sure you call them beforehand!
5. Focus on Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Consider upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, windows, and insulation. This can help you save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Investing in good appliances and windows not only provides utility bill savings but also provide a better quality of life. Good appliances don’t necessarily have to mean the top-of-the-line and most expensive, there are great options in every price range, do the research. My favorite method of research is online reviews and YouTube videos. The same goes for insulation, focus on upgrading insulation where necessary! We decided to add soundproofing insulation to a small bedroom and converted it into a home office!
6. Prioritize the Essential Renovations: Focus on essential renovations such as plumbing, electrical work, and structural repairs. This will ensure the safety and functionality of your home. You will not be touching these behind-the-wall systems for many years to come, it is better to upgrade these systems if your renovation scope will expose them. For example, if you are installing a new vanity and sink in the bathroom, you should upgrade the exposed piping under the sink.
7. Keep Resale Value in Mind: While you may be renovating your home for your own enjoyment, it’s important to keep resale value in mind. Focus on renovations that will add value to your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
8. Maximize Storage Space: Plan for storage space during your renovation project. This can include built-in closets, shelves, and cabinets to keep your home organized and clutter-free. Depending on the type of construction, you may be able to remove the built-in storage closet and opt for a storage cabinet. This can maximize the space lost by the walls and offer a better storage option.
9. Communicate with Your Contractor: If you are working with a contractor, communication is the key. Make sure you are clear about your expectations and ask questions throughout the process to ensure everything is going smoothly. You should always ask for a schedule and keep track!
10. Be Patient: Home renovation projects can take longer than expected, so it’s important to be patient throughout the process. Keep in mind that the end result will be worth the wait.
If you are a homeowner who loves to keep updating your home like us, you will always have projects to work on. One way to keep renovation exciting is to list all projects you would like to do in the year. I know I am building a bench and renovating my three seasons room this year! What’s yours going to be? Let me know in the comments below!
