Everything about your home is perfect. Or at least it was, before your family grew. Despite the central location, excellent neighbors and top-ranking school district, there’s just that one thing keeping your house from becoming your dream home. When moving isn’t an option, an addition to your home or an interior renovation provides a much-needed upgrade for your new lifestyle.
Plan
Before you even think about starting a remodel or addition, have a plan in place. This takes more than a few Pinterest boards of your favorite home designs. Residential renovation requires a hefty financial commitment. Avoid wasting money by outlining every single detail. Jot down specific brand names, styles and materials to outline expectations. Consider these important components in your plans.
Design: What look and feel are you going for? The design you want will determine the materials and styles used for the remodel. For example, a farmhouse-chic kitchen wouldn’t be complete without a farmhouse sink and subway tile back splash. A modern contemporary bathroom might encompass a floating sink and functional, minimalist shelving.
Lighting: Once you’ve selected the design, choose the lighting that reflects the design’s ambiance. Ceiling lights are not only functional but also create visual interest in a room. In a large bathroom, create a luxurious feel with a stunning chandelier from Wayfair.com. In the kitchen, pendant lighting turns this functional space into a gathering hub. Offices benefit from task lighting like desk or floor lamps that serve a specific purpose while adding a touch of moodiness.
Flooring: Like lighting, flooring sets the stage for the look and feel of each room. Flooring lays the foundation of your homes design. Today’s options offer a wide range of materials to suit any style. Bamboo, cork and reclaimed wood offer sustainable options for green homes. Unique tile and wood laminates can create flooring works of art in a detail-oriented house.
Budget
Remodeling your home comes with its share of ups and downs. It’s an exciting, yet stressful undertaking that can put a strain in your financial well-being. Come up with a budget and stick to it. Juggling contractor expenses and materials costs make it easy to lose track of your carefully crafted budget. Using apps like the Pro Project Planner you can track contractor quotes and project details. Manage every penny spent by inserting quotes from contractors and building your shopping lists. Create an itemized list of project costs and materials and cross off tasks as the renovation nears completion. Open communication is key to a successful renovation. The app also enables you to import contractor names and phone numbers for one-click calling and messaging.
Recruit
Word of mouth is a great way to recruit prospects. Trusted neighbors, friends and family members can give you an honest evaluation of their experience. Before you go with the first referral given to you, make sure you ask the right questions. Always interview at least two contractors to make sure their work ethic and vision matches your expectations. When a referral comes your way, Angie’s List suggests asking the following questions :
- What kind of work did the contractor do for you?
- Did they show up on time?
- Did your job come in according to budget?
- Did you check the contractor’s credentials?
- Would you hire this contractor again?
