Remodeling can be a great way to breathe new life into virtually any area of your home. Whether you’re updating a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or any combination thereof, a solid remodel stands to improve both form and functionality. However, as is the case with any large-scale home-related project, remodels can be tremendously stressful if not properly undertaken. A remodel that lacks the proper planning, funding or vision stands to drain your finances and send your stress levels into overdrive. To nip these issues in the bud, avoid the following mistakes the next time you find yourself thinking about remodeling any area of your home.
Hiring the Wrong Contractor
When carrying out any kind of remodel, a skilled contractor can be a boon to your efforts. The right contractor will be able to complete the job on time and on budget, thus saving you a tremendous amount of stress. Unfortunately, far too many of us fail to do our homework when searching for prospective contractors. If your experience with contractors is minimal (or nonexistent), there are a number of factors you’ll need to consider when determining the right person for the job.
For starters, any contractor with whom you do business should be licensed and insured. While giving the job to an unlicensed contractor may save you money, their quality of work and level of accountability are likely to be much lower. Additionally, if a contractor lacks insurance, you may have to fight tooth and nail to get them to pay for any damage caused to your property throughout the course of their work. You should also carefully consider feedback from former clients before committing to do business with a contractor. Furthermore, any contractor with whom you do business should be willing to provide you with a detailed quote and sign a contract in advance of starting work. Since consumer reviews are more accessible than ever in the digital age, you have no excuse for not putting them to good use. So, the next time you find yourself in need of a good remodeling contractor, don’t hesitate to fire up your favorite search engine and do some research.
A contractor’s area of expertise is another thing to consider when weighing your options. Although many contractors bill themselves as Jacks of all trades, hiring one who specializes in the exact type of remodel you need may be a safer bet.
Opting for DIY
Some homeowners opt to save money by carrying out remodels themselves. While the desire to conserve one’s financial resources is perfectly understandable, going the DIY route can pave the way for a host of undesirable consequences. Even if you’re a reasonably skilled handyman, you shouldn’t assume that you’re capable of tackling anything on the level of a large-scale remodel. In addition to getting yourself in over your head, attempting a DIY remodel can prove financially strenuous, as the mess you stand to make may facilitate the need for even more contractor work. So, if you find yourself tempted to tackle a remodel without the aid of licensed pros, just remember how much stress and financial hardship this situation stands to create.
Failing to Properly Budget
Given how expensive remodels can be, proper budgeting is an absolute must. Embarking on a large-scale remodel without the proper funds in place can result in considerable debt and an unfinished kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. Before commencing work on a remodel, make sure to obtain detailed quotes from several contractors. If you currently lack sufficient funds to afford any of these quotes, it’s probably in your best interest to place the remodel on hold. Additionally, since remodels frequently wind up costing more than expected, take care to build an extra 20% into your budget.
When looking for effective ways to spruce up the old homestead, it may be worth your while to consider a good remodeling. An updated kitchen, bathroom or basement has the power to make even the oldest house feel like new and add substantial value to your property. However, as any homeowner who’s experienced a troubled remodeling can attest, this type of project should not be approached lightly. Before diving into a large-scale remodel, you’d be wise to plan for every contingency and take active steps to avoid the blunders discussed above.
