The Dos and Don’ts of Home Renovation

It can be really exciting and a little nerve-wracking to renovate your home. But it’s a wise decision, as remodelling can greatly increase your property value. In fact, you can get up to 78% return on investment if you sell. Others look to renovate their home because it’s less expensive than buying a new property, and they can enjoy it longer.

If it’s your first time renovating your home, you may not be sure where to start. That’s why we’ve put together the Dos and Don’ts of Home Renovation. When you finish, you’ll be prepared to go out and get started!

DO:

Do Consider Resale Value

 Even if you’re intent on creating your “forever home,” you have to know that life circumstances can change quickly. If you go to sell a unique home, it can be difficult to sell. Spend money on things that will impress potential buyers. You want to make sure that if you ever do sell, you’ll be able to regain that investment. According to Paweł, the owner of London building contractors KPD Construction, the best kind of renovation project that you can make is one which the vast majority of people will appreciate.

• Do Match Your Home’s Style

It may be tempting to renovate based on your personal style, but you should only make renovations that stay true to the style of the home. Just because you like something doesn’t mean potential buyers will feel the same way. Of course, that doesn’t mean tasteful, modern improvements can’t be made if your home isn’t modern. Sleek, clean lines and quality materials can work in any home while accommodating changing styles and trends.

• Do Research Contractors

You should take a lot of time and care in deciding who you will work on your home. After all, your home is likely one of your most important investments. You should interview at least three contractors before selecting one.

Another way to find a reputable contractor is to ask for referrals from trusted friends and family. Your home renovation is very important, so you don’t want to have to change your vision to align with someone else’s skills. Make sure your contractor can:

• Perform quality work
• Understand what you want and need
• Be transparent about the financial commitment and what the project will entail

• Do Follow a Design Plan

A remodelling professional knows the ins and outs of home renovations and can help you get exactly where you want to go. A professional can help you establish a design plan that will make your space both functional and beautiful. A design plan will outline what you want, and getting everything down on paper will help you catch any potential problems.

• Do Upgrade Appliances

Appliances are investments you use every day. Do your research on manufacturers, read reviews, and opt for the extra warranty. You will notice a difference in your monthly bills when you invest in quality appliances, and future buyers will appreciate it too.

DON’T: 

• Don’t Do it Yourself

 It may be tempting to look for ways to save money by doing DIY projects. But after all the time, planning, and work that goes into it, it’s not really worth it for you. This is especially true for kitchen and bathroom remodels that involve electrical hookups and plumbing. Any big renovations that can affect the return on investment should be done by professionals. While you may be proud of your work, future buyers will be able to spot amateur work. It’s best to leave renovations to the professionals.

• Don’t Put Kids and Pets in Harm’s Way

 Professionals will try to accommodate your children and pets, but they shouldn’t have to. It’s unsafe to have children or animals around construction. You also probably don’t want the people working on your home distracted by anything, so it’s best to let them work in peace.

• Don’t Forget About the Budget

It’s completely normal to go a little over the original budget, at least a little bit. It’s especially common to go over budget as you make little changes here and there during the renovation. You will probably find, however, that all those small changes add up. Follow the plan as best you can. One of the best things about home renovation is that you don’t have to do it all at once, so you can renovate as your budget permits. 

• Don’t Wait to Make Decisions

Home renovations often take longer than expected. Don’t draw out the process longer by delaying important decision-making. It’s best to make every single decision before building starts, that way situations can be solved immediately as they come up.

• Don’t Follow Trends too Closely

Try not to spend too much time looking at high-end design magazines or websites, as these places may not reflect what is standard on the market. Instead, look at real estate sites. This will better reflect what buyers want to see and prevent you from investing too much in temporary trends.

It’s no secret that home renovations are a little complicated and costly. But once you finish, you’ll be able to enjoy your new renovations, and hopefully get some of the money back when you sell.