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Thinking about sprucing up your home? Home improvement projects are great for the soul and can make your house more practical and comfortable to live in, as well as add value to your property. It is important to tackle these renovations responsibly; though; you don’t want to break your budget or damage your property.
Here are some top tips from the professionals on how to get started on your home renovation project this summer, and not run out of money in the process.
Plan your project from start to finish before you begin
Before you even attempt to grab a screwdriver, you need to sit down and write out a plan for your project. This will help you identify any potential issues and see if there are cheaper alternatives to your plans. You should begin by making a list of all the home projects you would like to take on.
Assess your budget and time frame to plan out the best order to complete these tasks. This will help prevent unnecessary stress and help you better manage any costs that arise.
Plan for hidden costs
Home renovations can quickly become very expensive, so it is important to plan for these extra costs as you go along. Factor in things like the cost of extra materials, and any possible repairs or renovations that may be necessary as you go.
You should also plan for the cost of hiring professionals if you are unsure of a certain aspect of your project. For example, if you are improving electrical systems in your home, you likely will need to hire a credentialed electrician to do the job. This can potentially be a hefty cost so vet your contractor thoroughly.
Shop around for your materials
One of the biggest mistakes people make when renovating their home is buying materials from the first place they go to. Shop around for your materials to make sure you are getting the best deal possible. If you hire a contractor to do the work, ask them to give you a bid based on the materials you have picked out and compare to see if the contractor can offer a better price.
You should also look at second-hand stores and classified ads to find any available deals on materials there. Another option is to ask around at work or in your neighborhood to see if any of your neighbors are getting rid of any materials they have left over from a project they have completed. Construction sites are also a great place to ask for any unwanted and potentially useful materials.
Add some paint
Painting is one of the easiest home improvement projects you can take on. It doesn’t require a lot of tools, and you don’t need to hire a contractor. It is also relatively cheap, costing between $10 and $20 per gallon, depending on the type of paint you desire.
Even if you don’t plan on doing any other renovations to your home, painting will make a big difference in how your home looks and feels. It can really brighten up a room and make it look new and fresh. choose from a wide variety of paint colors to fit the mood you want to create in each room in your home.
Add storage
If you are planning on doing renovations in your kitchen or garage, now is the time to consider adding some extra storage solutions. You can add extra shelving and cabinets in the kitchen to store all your pots, pans, and baking supplies in an organized way.
Cabinets in your garage can be used not only to store your tools but also to create a cozy space to sit and read a book or pour a cup of tea. Constructing a shed is a great way to keep lawn-care equipment protected from the weather and give you some extra space to store seasonal items such as Christmas decorations.
Check your home’s climate control and air circulation
If you are doing any renovations that involve installing ductwork, have an HVAC contractor check the airflow in your home. A thorough inspection will ensure the ductwork is installed correctly and that there are no issues with your heating and cooling distribution.
Similarly, if you are doing renovations to your home that will involve knocking down walls, the climate control in your home should be checked to see if you need to make any changes. This is important because knocking down walls can impact the way your house heats and cools. Also, check to see if you need to make any repairs to the insulation in your home.
Be aware of renovations that will increase your home’s value
If you are planning on doing renovations to your home that are costly, it’s important to check that they will increase the value of your property. You don’t want to suffer the cost of a major project only to find out that the renovations you’ve completed won’t add any value to your home.
Examples of renovations that will increase the value of your home include additions like a new garage or patio or the addition of a bathroom.
Hire a professional if needed
If you are unsure how to do something, or if you don’t have the skills or tools to do it, it’s probably best to hire a professional. While hiring someone to do the work for you will cost you extra money, it’s important to do this when you are unsure.
You don’t want to damage your home or injure yourself because you didn’t know what you were doing. You may be able to find a contractor who will offer you a discount if you are doing the renovations yourself. This way, you can save money while at the same time ensuring the job is done right.
Watch out for scammers
Unfortunately, there are scammers out there who will try and take advantage of homeowners during their renovations. Some common ways they do this are by asking for an upfront payment, accepting payment in gift cards, or taking longer than they promised to finish the job.
If you are hiring someone to do renovations for you, you should check their credentials thoroughly. You can check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have any complaints against them. You should also try and do some research on the company online to find reviews and testimonials from people who have hired them previously.
Conclusion
Home renovations are great for sprucing up your space and making it more functional. It is important to plan for any unexpected costs that may come your way. Always be sure to check your home’s climate control and air circulation before beginning any large renovations.
Don’t forget to check if any renovations will increase the value of your home. Home renovations are a great way to spend some quality time on yourself, as well as make your home more practical. With these top tips, you can be sure to get the most out of your renovations.
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