Important Steps to Take Before Renovating

Whether you need an extra bedroom for your growing family or much-needed counter space in your kitchen, there’s a lot to consider before embarking on a renovation project. If you’re new to renovating or have had a bad experience in the past, the thought of renovating can be a daunting task. Before jumping into your project, follow these steps to help reduce your worry, avoid getting in over your head and increase your long-term satisfaction with your renovation.

Do Your Research

Have a renovation idea but don’t know how much the project will cost or what to expect? Research your project on sites such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) to get an idea of the cost and return on your investment.

Look Ahead

The question, “where do you see yourself in five to ten years,” applies as much to home renovating as it does to your career. How long do you plan on living in your home? Will the size of your family change in that period of time? Answering these types of questions will help you decide if your project will still match your lifestyle in the years ahead.

Budget

Set a realistic budget that includes all labor and materials, plus a little extra for unforeseen costs. It’s best to choose all of the fixtures, materials and finishes down to the hardware before the project begins. This will give you a more accurate idea of how much the project will cost. If you’ll be using an architect, interior designer, or adding new furnishings, you’ll need to factor these costs into the budget as well.

Share your budget with your remodeler—professionals will let you know if your bottom line for the entire renovation is a feasible number.

Contractor Compatibility

Spend time on your contractor search. Choosing the right remodeler for the job is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Ask friends and family for referrals. Have a detailed list of questions ready when you meet with prospective contractors. Ask about their background, training and experience, previous jobs, and any special skills that make them particularly suited to your project. Make sure they’re licensed and insured and that you have copies of all documentation.

Don’t Ignore the Fine Print

Get everything in writing--from fees to timeline to responsibilities and a detailed list of all materials (color, model, size and brand names) to be used. Before signing the contract, read it word-by-word.

The End Result

After all the decision making and time spent on your renovation project, the final result should be exactly what you envisioned. Before renovations get underway, clearly express what you like and don't like about the space, and what you'd like to change. For inspiration, search design magazines and websites for current trends as well as various styles that meet your design tastes. Use images as examples to show your contractor.

Know Your Materials

When choosing materials, you need to consider quality, style and cost. In addition, you’ll need to factor in how durable and practical the materials are in relation to the room you’ll be using them. You might like the look of marble countertops in your kitchen, for example, but should know that marble is a porous stone that tends to stain. This might not be the best choice if you’re raising young children.

Be Patient and Flexible

It goes without saying, but it’s important to understand that even the best laid plans are not perfect and surprises can occur. Unforeseeable circumstances such as inclement weather or backordered materials can delay the process.