Last Updated on June 27, 2022 by Kravelv
With home prices soaring to all-time highs in the past year, there’s no better time to consider putting a little cash into the property you already own. Whether you’re planning on sprucing it up to take advantage of the fiery seller’s market or want to enhance the space for you and your family, undergoing a home renovation is a great way to improve the quality of your life and boost your property value. But a big home project can be seriously overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before. We’re here to help you get started on the right foot so there are fewer hiccups, delays and budget overages as possible.
Here are a few of our favorite tips to consider when planning a big home reno. From finding the right kitchen appliances to measuring the space accurately, these handy hacks will help your project move smoothly.
1. Use Digital Mockup Tools
If you’re the kind of person who needs to see mockups before committing to a big change, you’re in luck. There are tons of helpful space sketching software options out there that will help you build a 3D rendering of your space before you even pull up a single tile. Digital floor plans are perfect for creating precise measurement displays you can supply to contractors — more on that below — but they’re also useful for helping you identify what finishes look good in your space.
2. Measure Your Space Like a Pro
Whether you’re simply swapping refrigerators or are knocking down walls and transforming your space, getting the measurements right will prevent costly, time-consuming returns and repairs. You’ll need this information to supply to your carpenter or cabinet supplier, flooring supplier, electrician, plumber or contractor. You need to measure (and re-measure) the wall length, windows, ceiling height, countertop height, etc. and make note of any plumbing, electrical hookups, light fixtures or anything else that could get in the way. To visualize your space and perfect your measurements, plug them into floorplan software to get a quality visual you can use to provide dimensions with contractors and suppliers.
3. Get at Least Three Quotes
With the exploding housing market and an ongoing contractor shortage, it may feel like you have few options when it comes to selecting a company to do the work. But if you have a bit of time to spare, getting a handful of quotes — we’d recommend at least three — will ensure that you get a fair price on labor. Getting multiple quotes will also ensure that you find a contractor who understands your vision, so you get exactly what you want. If your budget is tight, partner with a contractor who doesn’t force you to use their suppliers. This way, you can search around and price match things like flooring, countertops and appliances.
4. Shop Around for Bundled Deals
Remodeling your kitchen? The best retailers will happily offer appliance package deals that help you save time, money and effort when replacing multiple large appliances. Many stores will bundle kitchen ranges with refrigerators, dishwashers, wine coolers and microwaves. This is a great move because it can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars while streamlining the ordering and shipping process with only a single delivery.
5. Leverage the Internet
The best thing about modern remodeling is that you have access to virtually every single style of finish you can imagine, thanks to the world wide web. If you see an ornate tile you adore on Pinterest or Instagram — which, by the way, are two of the best places to look for inspo — you don’t have to worry about not having access due to geographical limitations. You should also use the internet to price track and make sure you’re getting the lowest prices on every item.
6. Expect Delays
If you’ve ever watched any remodeling shows, you know that delays are virtually guaranteed. Make sure you build in extra time so your project doesn’t go too far off your timeline. Ask your contractor to be realistic with you about timing. If you’re moving out of the house, be sure that your temporary residence can accommodate you for a week or more even after the project’s deadline.
7. Take The DIY Route
Fancy yourself a little bit handy? You can save thousands of dollars by doing some of the labor on your own. These days, there are plenty of DIY-friendly remodeling options that make sprucing up your space a breeze. For example, try interlocking laminate or engineered hardwood floors that are designed for easy installation. You may also consider enlisting a few friends and doing some portion of the demo yourself. Taking a sledgehammer to the wall can be fun, but make sure you wear the proper safety gear while you do it!
8. Consider Seasonal Concerns
When planning the timeline of your project, make sure to take the season into consideration. If your project requires knocking down exterior walls or opening ceilings, you may want to consider doing this during a more mild, dry time of year. Scheduling your remodel at the right time of year may help you get your project done faster and more economically too. You may want to consider scheduling it in the off-season — for most areas, that’s anytime but summer — to avoid peak prices and competitive scheduling.
9. Get Creative with Financing
While it’s important that your remodeling project stays within your means and budget, remember that there are more ways to pay for it besides cash or credit. Consider working with a bank on a home improvement loan or taking advantage of low interest rates and doing a refinance and cash out on your home. You may also qualify for certain government funded rehabilitation and repair loans, so be sure to investigate every option available.
Renovating your home can be overwhelming, but it will likely pay off in the long run. Every homeowner has their own way of doing things, but the above tips are great to keep in mind to prevent any unnecessary hiccups along the way.