What to Expect When You're Renovating: A Homeowner's Guide

By Katie Conroy kconroy@advicemine.com

Home renovations can seem like an impossible task, but with a little bit of planning and research, they can be a breeze! Whether you’re planning on tackling the project yourself or hiring a contractor, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of home renovations. Here, The Reasonable Realtor covers everything from types of home renovations to budgeting to getting permits. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be an expert on all things home renovation!

Different Types of Home Renovations

There are two main types of home renovations: cosmetic and structural. Cosmetic renovations are changes that improve the appearance of your home but don’t necessarily change the way it functions. For example, painting the walls or installing new floors would be considered cosmetic renovations. Structural renovations are changes that alter the way your home is laid out or how it functions. Adding an addition to your home or knocking down a wall would be considered structural renovations.

How to Find Trustworthy Contractors

If you’re planning on hiring a contractor to help with your renovation, it’s important to do your research! Make sure to ask for referrals from friends or family who have had similar work done. Once you’ve compiled a list of potential contractors, be sure to schedule consultations with each one. This is your chance to ask questions about their experience, get a feel for their personality, and determine if they’re someone you can trust. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or proof of insurance, either.

Budgeting and Anticipating Final Costs

One of the most important aspects of any renovation is budgeting. Before you start tearing down walls or shopping for new appliances, sit down and figure out how much money you’re willing to spend. Once you have a number in mind, start gathering estimates from contractors. If you’re doing the work yourself, research the cost of materials beforehand, so there are no surprises later on.

Setting a Timeline

Once you have a budget in place, it’s time to start thinking about the timeline and schedule. If you’re working with a contractor, they should be able to give you an estimated completion date for the project. If you’re doing the work yourself, it’s important to be realistic about how long it will take and build in some wiggle room for unexpected delays. In either case, it’s important to establish regular check-ins with your contractor (or yourself!) so that everyone is on the same page and no one feels like they’re in the dark about the project’s status.

Technology Your Contractor May Use

When planning a home renovation, it is important to consider what styles of apps and software your contractor may use. Some common apps and software used by contractors include project management apps, estimating apps, and design apps. Each of these types of apps can help to make your renovation project run more smoothly. Project management apps can help your contractor to keep track of progress, deadlines, and budget. Estimating apps can help to quickly generate accurate estimates for materials and labor costs. Design apps can be used to create 3D models of your renovation plans, allowing you to visualize the finished product before work even begins. By using software for general contractors, you’ll get more accurate estimates and designs, making for a happier experience.

Getting All Necessary Permits

Depending on the scope of your renovation, you may need to obtain permits from your city or town before starting work. The last thing you want is to get halfway through your project only to find out that you didn’t have the proper permits in place! Be sure to check with your local building department before starting any demolition or construction work.

Adding a Home Office to the Plan

As more and more people begin to work from home, having a dedicated space for an at-home office is becoming increasingly important! If you’re planning on adding a home office as part of your renovation, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, make sure that there is enough space in your floor plan for a dedicated office area. Second, consider adding built-in storage solutions like cabinets or shelves so that your office stays organized and tidy. And lastly, don’t forget about things like lighting and ventilation — after all, you want your office to be comfortable as well as functional!

No matter what type of renovation you’re planning on undertaking — cosmetic or structural, big or small — it’s important to do your research ahead of time so that everything goes smoothly! By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you’ll be well on your way to having the home you desire in no time!

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