Home Remodeling Basics

Home remodeling is the process of modifying the interior of your house to suit your preferences and lifestyle. This can be done by hiring professionals or attempting the project on your own.

Before construction business you start tearing down walls or purchasing construction materials, draw up a list of do-it-yourself projects and those you want to hire professionals for. Doing some research online can give you an idea of costs and help with budgeting.

Design

The home remodeling process can be initiated for a variety of reasons. Maybe you’re tired of avocado green and harvest gold, or your home just feels dated. It could be that your family has outgrown the existing space or that you’re considering selling your home.

Remodeling your home can improve its aesthetic, functionality and value. Adding new windows or doors, refinishing hardwood floors, replacing outdated fixtures and cabinets, repainting the interior and exterior of your home are examples of remodels that can add both function and style to your house.

If you’re considering a whole home remodel, it’s important to work with a contractor who sees the project through from start to finish. This includes reviewing safety and property protection measures as well as nailing down a production schedule. They’ll also help you plan for the disruptions and hiccups that are inevitable during a whole-home renovation. Many homeowners find a project manager helpful in this stage of the process.

Budget

Whether you have the money to pay for home renovations in cash or need to borrow funds, you must create a budget that includes the cost of materials, labor and other project-related costs. If you will need to live somewhere else while your house is under construction, add those expenses to the overall project cost as well.

It is common for unforeseen issues to pop up during a home renovation, which can drive up costs. For example, a plumbing or electrical problem could be discovered that requires immediate attention or you might discover asbestos during the demolition phase. According to Zillow, you should set aside 10 to 20 percent of your budget for unforeseen circumstances during home remodeling.

Taking an honest look at the return on investment for different upgrades can help you make smart choices about your renovation projects. For example, a garage door replacement or a roof repair might net you a 75 to 98 percent ROI whereas an expensive kitchen remodel might only return about 50 percent.

Scope of Work

The scope of work is a crucial part of the renovation process. It defines the specific tasks that need to be completed and outlines any special requirements or considerations. The scope of work is used by architects, interior designers, construction and design professionals, project managers, and other key individuals involved in the renovation of building structures such as kitchens, bathrooms, houses, garages, and porches.

Using a detailed home renovation scope of work ensures that the entire project is completed correctly. It also allows for clear communication and delegation between the contractor and homeowner. It also aims at fundamental renovation goals and objectives, heightens success rates, and helps in the management of the primary tasks and activities involved in the process.

Occasionally, your general contractor will tell you that something in your renovation scope of work can’t be done. It could be for structural reasons or strict national or local building codes. In this case, always ask why, as you may be surprised to find out that there is a creative solution.

Timeline

There’s a lot of buzz about the fact that renovating homes often takes longer than people expect. The truth is, the time frame for completing home renovation projects depends on a variety of factors.

One of the biggest factors is the scope of the project. A full remodel, such as a major kitchen overhaul, can take six months to a year or more to complete. These types of projects are more complicated and require a substantial amount of planning, drawing creation, and meetings.

Other factors include whether the homeowners need a building permit (this can add weeks or months to the timeline) and the financing method. For example, homeowners who use a HELOC rather than a home equity loan will have the flexibility to borrow against the line of credit as needed, which can help reduce stress and delays if unexpected issues come up during construction.