Top 6 Things You Should Do Before Starting a Home Improvement Project

Home remodeling projects are an exciting way to transform your living space and increase the value of your property. However, before diving head first, there are a few important considerations. Here are the top things you should do BEFORE starting any home improvement.

1. Define your goals

What do you want to achieve with your renovation...looking to add more space to your home, improve its functionality, or simply update its appearance? By defining your goals, you can create a clear vision for you and everyone involved in your project. This will ensure the outcome meets your needs and expectations.

2. Consider functionality and design

When planning your renovations, be sure to consider how the space will be used and how it can be optimized for maximum functionality. In addition, consider the overall design of the space and how it can be updated to reflect your personal style and preferences. To help convey your desires to everyone involved, it’s always best to collect as much information including visuals that reflect your interests.

3. Research and plan

Once you’ve defined your goal and ideal functionality, it's important to have a basic understanding of everything involved and the many decisions you’ll need to make. The selection of materials, fixtures, finishes, styles, designs and colors can be very overwhelming and stressful, especially if they’re being decided as the project is underway. Knowing what you want in the very beginning will not only reduce your chances of production delays and stress, it will help you to have a better idea of what things cost, leading to the fourth step in the process.

4. Set a realistic budget

Honestly, establishing a budget was the first thing you did. Most people have a rough idea of how much they have to spend on a home improvement. The real question becomes...do you have enough budgeted to achieve everything you want to accomplish? Material, design, labor and permit costs can add-up quickly, which is why your research phase is so important in considering all of the costs involved and establishing a realistic budget. It's also important to prepare for the unexpected when budgeting for a home remodeling project. Despite careful planning and preparation, issues can arise, such as hidden damage or unforeseen structural issues. By setting aside a contingency fund and working with experienced contractors, you can minimize the impact of these unexpected issues.

5. Assess your timeline and the daily impact to your lifestyle.

Having already established the goal of your project in step #1, are you able to allow a realistic amount of time to plan, execute and complete that project in the time available? Many projects are time sensitive due to upcoming events, sale of home, or family member being moved in. After factoring in time, consider day-to-day impact to you and your family. You may need to consider additional costs if food and lodging need to be taken into consideration for your family as well as pets. Many pets can coexist on a project, but those that are sensitive to strangers and/or loud noises should be handled with special care.

6. Find the right Contractor

Locating a licensed and insured home improvement contractor is the easy part, finding the right one, not so much. Selecting the individuals you are going to work with is just as important, if not more than the decisions you make on your project. You will want to make sure that their experience aligns well with the particular type of project that you are undertaking. Other things to consider will be your comfort level with how they work including clear communication and setting expectations. Are they helpful in the planning process, always keeping your goals the priority? And lastly, will they be on the job everyday and/or do you know who will be coming in and out of your home. Costs will always be different from one contractor to another and will include differences in service as well as skill needed for completion.

In conclusion, a home remodeling project can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor, but it requires careful planning and preparation. By doing your homework, and gaining a better understanding of your project, you will greatly increase your chances of a successful renovation and memorable experience.