Planning ahead is vital to a successful renovation
Remodeling projects are significant undertakings . Homeowners must consider a host of variables before any such project can begin . While planning ahead may take time , it is essential to ensuring successful completion of a renovation project . Consider these pre-renovation planning pointers to help any job go smoothly .
Determine your motivation for renovating
Renovation projects often involve balancing needs and wants , and determining if a project is a necessity or a luxury can set the timeline and course of the project . Is the roof leaking ? If so , immediate action is necessary . Could the kitchen be a bit more functional ? If the kitchen is still manageable , a homeowner may be able to wait a little bit to get better prices on appliances or contracting services .
Separating needs from wants helps homeowners map out a viable timeline that maximizes productivity and affordability .
Get professional advice
Many homeowners are under the impression that doing the work themselves can save a considerable amount of money . This may be the case for homeowners with renovation experience . But by and large , professional contractors are an asset to any renovation . They can provide a realistic overview of the project , map out projected costs , point out areas that could be troublesome , and may have industry contacts that can keep supply costs low . Even if a homeowner will do a portion of the job , a contractor can do the bulk of the work and keep the project on budget .
Get necessary permits Permits are designed to ensure the work is being done to code and in a safe manner . However , they are not without additional costs and processing time , and that can cause some homeowners to skip this step . According to the home information site The Spruce , building permits cost anywhere from $ 400 to about $ 2,200 for new home construction . Building permits for smaller projects can cost $ 100 or less , and typically are based on a percentage of the anticipated cost of the project .
A permit may be issued the day the application is submitted , while other cities and towns may issue permits up to two or more weeks later . Factor permit fees and processing times into the renovation plan .
If it comes to light a homeowner did work without a required permit , he or she may face penalties ; may have to tear out work done to have it inspected or redone ; some may be unable to sell a home until permits have been obtained and work has been done to code . Homeowners insurance coverage also may be affected if homeowners do not obtain the proper permits .
Other considerations when planning a renovation include writing out a strict budget , gathering inspiration , drawing up to-scale renovation plans , pouring over material reviews , and getting recommendations for reliable professionals to do the job . While not every obstacle can be avoided , planning is a good way to start successfully .
42 Winter 2022 Thomasville Scene