Thinking of remodeling your home? A home remodel can be a great way to upgrade your home so that it includes all the features that you have been dreaming of; it is also a major project that should not be undertaken on a whim. Before you start seriously planning your home remodel, think about the answers to these three big questions. This process can help you keep your remodel on track and allow it to be completed on time and within your budget.
Big Question No. 1: What Is Your Budget?
Before you start thinking about anything else, you will need to determine the budget for your home improvement projects. This will help you decide which features you will incorporate in your newly remodeled home and which you will skip in order to cut costs. Once you have decided on a budget, you can start pricing different options and decide which contractors you will hire and which rooms you will include in your home remodel.
Big Question No. 2: What Is Your Timeline?
Once you have determined your budget, you will have to decide what kind of timeline you are working with. When would you like to start on the home remodel? When would you like everything to be done? While the best-laid plans sometimes do not work out, it is a good idea to have a realistic projected timeline in place before you begin construction.
Big Question No. 3: Will you stay in the house during construction?
This is another factor that many people neglect to consider until the last minute. Some home remodels are easy to live through, but others can cause a huge disruption to your lifestyle. For example, a master bedroom renovation can be more disruptive than giving your laundry room a makeover. (Although there is no such thing as a convenient home remodel!)
Each option has its own pros and cons. Staying in the home makes it easy to keep tabs on the contractor’s progress. You will be able to track the progress each day and know early on if something is not working out the way you had hoped. The downside of this, however, is that you have to live with the dust, noise and constant interruptions in your schedule. Leaving for the duration of the project can be a far more peaceful option, but rental costs can add up fast.
Each option has its benefits, so consider your family’s lifestyle and budget carefully before you make your final decision.
Once you have determined your budget, timeline and plans for accommodations, you will be ready to start talking to contractors and exploring your options. This is an exciting process that can have very rewarding results, so make sure that you have everything planned ahead of time so that it will go off without a hitch.
