When you decide to remodel your home, it’s an exciting time, but it can also be incredibly stressful. Between finding a vendor, deciding on a budget, living in your home while subcontractors work, and everything in between, you probably want your remodel to be over before it even begins.
The good news is that a little planning can go a long way to make your remodeling project run smoothly from start to finish. Here are a few of our favorite tips to help you prepare for your next home renovation project.
Pre-remodel: Things to do before getting started
You might’ve heard the popular saying that “A failure to plan is a plan for failure,” and it rings true for home remodeling projects. The more you can plan ahead, the better your project is likely to go.
Research your project
You probably have a general idea of what you want to accomplish with your renovation, whether it’s updating your siding, replacing your windows, etc., but it’s worth putting some extra thought into different factors that will affect your remodel.
Project ROI
What kind of ROI will you get from this project? Are you planning to stay in your house for a long time or would you like to move in the next few years? Your answer could change the specs for your remodel.
Timeline
What kind of timeline are you expecting for this project? How will you feel if it goes over your expected timeline? Take some time to research the average duration of projects like yours and don’t be afraid to ask vendors to be transparent about an expected timeline before you sign a contract.
Just try to keep in mind that in the world of remodeling, something unexpected almost always comes up and it’s most important to work with a vendor who will openly communicate with you.
Materials
What materials do you want to use for your remodel? Or, do you not even know what your options are? For example, if you’re looking to get new siding on your home, would you choose vinyl or fiber cement?
It’s worth taking time to do research on which materials are available to you, so you have a better understanding of what will work best for your home. The material you choose can affect the look of your house, the amount of future maintenance that will be required, and, of course, your project’s budget, so you’ll want to be thoughtful about the decision you make.
Determine needs and budget
Not surprisingly, the budget is often the first thing prospective clients want to talk about when they come to us looking for an exterior remodeling project. You work hard for your money and you want to make sure you’re comfortable with how it will be spent. Fortunately, you actually have more control over your project’s budget than you may think!
Wants vs. must-haves
Make a list of all the things you want to get out of your remodel and divide it into two sections: the things you absolutely must have and the things that would be nice to have. From there, you’ll have an easier time deciding on what’s worth the money to you and what you’re willing to skip out on.
Family needs
You’ll also need to think about what your family needs to get out of your remodel. For example, if there’s no one in your family who will be able to maintain the upkeep on wood siding, you’ll want to consider another option that requires less maintenance.
What can you afford?
It’s easy to get sucked into the never-ending inspiration of beautiful homes on Pinterest or HGTV, but the unfortunate reality is that those high-end projects won’t always fit your budget. Try to be really honest with yourself about how much you want to spend and how much you can afford before committing to a project.
Find a contractor
Finding the right contractor might be the most important step you take in preparing for your remodel. Thanks to the internet, it can feel like there’s a never-ending list of contractors to choose from in your area, but look for a company with good reviews and a portfolio of high-quality work. These things can usually be found directly on their website.
From there, you can pick the ones you want to speak to about your project. A website is a good first indicator of what to expect from a vendor, but it’s still important to talk to a contractor over the phone, or in person, before you decide to move forward on your project.
Schedule the project
Once you’ve selected a contractor, it’s time to get your project scheduled! While your first instinct might be to choose the first available date, spend a moment to evaluate and pick a time that works best for your schedule.
For example, if you have kids, you might want to avoid summer and winter breaks, as your kids will be home during the primary construction period. Similarly, you’ll probably want to avoid a renovation during the holidays, or other times of the year when you’re expecting houseguests.
You might also consider scheduling your project outside of a contractor’s “typical” busy season, which can help you avoid timeline delays.
Don’t forget about your pets
Most pet owners consider their furry friends as extra family members, so you’ll want to keep them in mind during the remodeling process. Loud noises and unfamiliar faces in the house can stress out your animals, and having a team come in and out of your home can allow for your pets to easily escape.
If possible, try to keep your pets confined to one area during renovations, or arrange for someone to watch them while contractors are in your home.
Prep the outside
Before the contractors arrive to get started, do some quick prep work outside to make the whole process easier for everyone. Depending on your project, you might want to cover your garden, cover or move patio furniture, or make arrangements to park your car on the street if your driveway will be blocked. Taking these few extra steps can save time and headaches during the course of the project.
Set expectations
Depending on the length of your project, you could have contractors working on your home for weeks. Determine how much interior access you’re comfortable giving them and set expectations upfront. Can they use your bathroom or kitchen? Is there a certain part of the house they should avoid? Communicating this on the first day of your project will ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Get Started on Your Remodeling Project
If you have your project, budget and needs all figured out, but haven’t locked down a contractor yet, give us a call. We are South Carolina’s premier roofing, decking, siding, and exterior remodeling contractor and will work with you through each step of the project. Contact us for a free project estimation.
