Maybe you’ve purchased a new house that you love – but it lacks the kitchen amenities that you need. Or possibly you’ve inherited a home that is absolutely beautiful, but the gorgeous claw-foot bathtub isn’t entirely practical. Or perhaps you’ve found yourself in an empty nest, and that basement rec room could use some repurposing. Whether you need to recreate one room or renovate your entire house, it’s essential to carefully plan your house remodeling project.
Planing and doing your home remodeling project right
First of all, it’s essential to fully know what you want to do with your space. If you’re indecisive on design elements, cabinetry types, colors, furniture or appliances, you can start by looking through magazines, checking out home improvement sites on the internet, or visiting home improvement and furnishing stores. Don’t be afraid to ask for samples – it’s good to know how colors and textures go together and how they’ll correspond with the other areas of your home. There are some sites on the Internet that allow you to upload a photo of your room and try out different wall and trim paint colors, so you might want to try those out as well.
Once you have a design in mind, it’s a good idea to sit down with a general contractor. They can help you muddle through your pile of ideas, and help you develop a remodeling project that will work. The added benefit of working with a general contractor is that they can act as project manager throughout the entire remodeling project. They’ll be able to connect you with everyone you need from start to finish, such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians and interior designers. Many general contractors organize the project for you, handling communications and managing project deadlines. Since they’re home remodeling experts, many times it’s well worth it to contract their services.
As you plan your home remodeling project, another important aspect to keep in mind is your budget. How much do you want to spend? How much can you realistically afford? People are often surprised at the price of a home remodeling project once all the costs are tallied up. That’s why it’s so important to know exactly what you can afford, and relay that to your general contractor. They will help you stay within your budget and work with you to make the most of your remodeling project. They will probably suggest that you also have a contingency fund, for any unexpected expenses that might arise.
What Type of Remodeling Project are you planning?
Once your project is underway, you’ll want to be prepared for whatever area of your home is being remodeled to be out of commission for a while. This can be especially burdensome if you’re remodeling your kitchen or your bathroom. Plan for other arrangements, and be prepared for the fact that you might need to shower at a friend or family member’s house for a while, or get used to microwave dinners and take-out!
When you work with the Homebuilders and Remodelers Association of Mohawk Valley, we’ll help you explore your options and put you in touch with general contractors who can help you with your home remodeling project. Don’t hesitate to call us for all of your homebuilding needs.