There is a certain level of excitement surrounding home remodeling. This is fine, but remember that, before you dig in and begin selecting paint colors, kitchen cabinets, etc, you need to consider budget, time, materials, etc, to ensure a successful remodeling experience.
You will also need to plan ahead, set certain goals and do some research. Below are a few good tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience remodeling your home.
1- Decide what you want to do, plan ahead, do research, and set a deadline.
Before working out how much work will have to be done during your remodeling project, you need to decide what the end product will look like. There will be some research necessary, such as what the latest remodeling trends are, which materials should be used and where to find these materials.
It is also imperative that you plan your project ahead. If you are planning to do parts of it yourself, you will need to make sure that you get the tools if you don’t yet have them.
A good idea is to draw up sketches, once you have decided what, exactly, it is that you want to do. By means of sketches, you can plan exactly what will go where and you will have a reminder when you are in doubt as to what you wanted to do at specific spots.
Also, remember that you may need to get permits to do certain parts of the project. These are necessary to ensure that everything is done according to regulations.
Once you have the tools, materials, and sketches, you will have to determine how much time will be necessary to complete the project, and then set a deadline.
2- Decide how much you can Afford to Spend, and Stick to your Budget
Planning to remodel your home automatically involves a budget. It is no use to start a project and, when you are halfway, realize that you have run out of funds. It is also a good idea to include an extra amount in your budget for unexpected- or emergency costs or events. For example, you may need extra funds for restaurants or take-outs while your kitchen is being remodeled. You may also need to stay somewhere else for a few nights, should the extend of remodeling result in your family not having anywhere to sleep during that time.
It is also an excellent idea to compare the prices of materials by visiting the websites of suppliers. Should the tools be a bit much for your budget, it may be a better idea to hire someone to handle at least part of the project.
3- Decide which Parts of the Project you can Safely handle by yourself
While you may decide to do most of the work yourself, it may be a good idea to leave most of the project in the capable hands of professionals. There are certain jobs that will be near impossible to safely do alone, such as electrical wiring, asbestos insulation, and painting with lead-based paint. These are just some of the things that can lead to disaster if not done exactly right.
4- Get rid of Clutter Before you Begin
Every household accumulates some clutter over the years. When planning to remodel your home, it may be a good idea to decide which of these accumulated trinkets are really necessary if any. Now is a good time to get rid of clutter and start fresh.
5- Safeguard the Little Ones
It is a good idea to involve your children when you remodel your home. However, you should apply every measure necessary to protect them from harm. For example, carrying tools is a good way to involve bigger children, but make sure electrical tools are unplugged and have safety covers to cover parts such as blades, etc. Also, make sure that you apply safety measures such as covers over electrical points and safety fences and -gates to keep toddlers away from the swimming pool if you have one.
6- Safeguard the fur kids too
It is understandable that you will have a lot on your mind while remodeling your home. There will be disorder and stress, not only for you and your family but also for your pets. Remember to make alternative arrangements, such as booking them into a pet shelter or leaving them with friends or family. This will prevent them from getting injured by a tool or getting lost when running away from the noise and the strangers invading their space. After all, they are family too and deserve to be rewarded for their loyalty to you and your family.
7- Remember the References
A quality contractor will have no qualms about handing over references, copies of insurance, etc. prior to starting a job. While client testimonials are great, you should take the time to seek out actual customers and get a first-hand account and get the answers to questions that you have. Request before and after pictures of prior work, and don’t be afraid to trust your gut.
8- Remember that you may be without water
When working with electricity during remodeling, you may have to keep containers of water for cooking, drinking, washing up, and flushing the toilet. It is a good idea to fill up the bathtub with water for the toilet and keep a bucket handy with which to pour water into the toilet reservoir. It may be best to buy water for cooking and drinking.
9- Create an area where you and the family can relax after hours
It is important to have a part of the home where no remodeling will take place. You will all need to relax, eat and have fun without falling over tools, etc. all necessities should be in such an area.
10- Finally, keep checking the weather
Regardless of what you are planning, weather is important. If, for example, you need to disconnect your air conditioner, it will be tough living (and working) in your home in the middle of summer. The same goes for disconnecting a furnace in the middle of winter. There are many such little things to consider when remodeling your home. Be prepared to ensure that you will be able to maintain a fairly easy working environment for yourself and others at all times.
Conclusion
With these tips, there shouldn’t be a problem. Always remember that you may contact us any time at a2z-remodeling, should you need advice or assistance.
