In the US, the home remodeling industry generated $369 billion in 2021. The enthusiasm is viable. Adding new and better features elevates your living conditions. The cost and fuss are worth seeing your vision come to life.
But how do you ensure you get your desired result? Here are helpful tips to help set you on a smooth-sailing home upgrade project and get the best of your money’s worth.
Know Your Why
So why are you renovating your house? Starting with a clear objective focuses your attention on a specific goal. At the very least, know what outcome you’d like to see and how much time and money you’re willing to spend. Winging it without ironing out important planning details is a stressful and costly disaster waiting to happen.
Set Up a Contingency Fund
Establishing a budget limits your expenditures and keeps you from overspending. However, if you hammer down a wall, you may discover extensive damage or encounter incidents that require you to spend more money. Allocate a 10% to 20% contingency fund for unexpected costs so you can proceed with enough resources until the project’s completion.
Increase your home value
Home improvements are the ideal investment to raise your property’s resale value while enhancing your quality of life. According to the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, the top home remodeling projects with the highest cost recouped are garage door replacement (93.8%) and minor kitchen renovations (72.2%).
Source Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Look for low-cost alternatives whenever possible. For example, opt for composite decking instead of using wood. It’s a cheaper choice and will save you tons on future maintenance. You can also do inexpensive DIY activities like repurposing broken furniture and repainting old fixtures instead of buying new ones.
However, you can also invest in pieces that may be a bit costly now but will bring you the best value in the long run. These include quality upholstery, energy-saving appliances, and ambiance lighting. If you want a gallery wall, switch to custom canvas prints instead of photo prints and conventional frames.
Call the Pros
It’s important to consult and hire people who can do the job right. They can provide you with a clear plan for project execution as well as advice on budgeting, sourcing, and other topics that will yield the best results. They can also inspect your property for maintenance issues and underlying damage, as well as ensure that structural and safety regulations are followed.
Have a Renovation-Free Zone
Think about how much the ongoing construction will affect your routine. Besides the noise and mess, it’s also dangerous for kids and pets to wander in the construction area. The fumes from paint and metal welding are also health hazards. Designate a safe and renovation-free zone where you can relax, do work, and continue with your daily activities with minimal interruptions.
No Place Like Home
Every square inch of your home is worth the energy and investment of making it a special space to love and live in. Here are insights to help you kick off any home upgrade task on the right foot.
