We all love home renovations, right?
Shiny granite counter tops, a newly-tiled bathroom, or a smooth hardwood floor; they all seem so attractive at first glance.
But you may not even be aware of the numerous things that can go wrong. So before you plunge into your next remodeling adventure, add these 5 pointers to your tool pouch. They’ll help you avoid speed bumps in your DIY efforts, allowing you to reach your goals with fewer hassles.
- Before you begin, it’s a good idea to check into permits. Each city or town has its own regulations, but most large-scale work needs a permit. If you’re DIYing, you’ll probably need to put some time and research into what permits are required and how to obtain them. Hiring a professional to steer you in the right direction can help immensely. (If you're having a MN home remodeling contractor handle the job, your contractor should pull any necessary permits.)
- Be aware that improvements don’t always pay off. Upgrading is a great way to add to the value of your home, but you don’t need to get too fancy. Keep in mind the going range of the neighborhood. Renovating bathrooms and kitchens are always good choices for recovering some of your costs. And some projects pay off better than others. In general, exterior improvements offer more return on investment than interior.
- It may be cheaper to hire a professional. It may not seem that way at first glance, but be sure to think it through. Consider your own time, energy, and willingness to live in a construction zone. Also, will you need to rent equipment? Take time off work? Whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor, any remodel is likely to go over budget, so plan for at least 10% extra cost. Also factor in the fact that in general you'll pay more for materials than a contractor would.
- Reusing materials may be more expensive in the long run. In this day and time it seems like we’re always being encouraged to reduce, reuse and recycle, but when it comes to home improvements, trying to conserve old materials can be expensive. You will generally end up spending more in time, either yours or your contractor’s. Be prepared for extra expense if you want to use salvaged materials. If eco-friendly remodeling is important to you, we'd love to talk with you about some of our options. We install steel and other metal roofing and siding, both of which are produced from a high percentage of recycled metal.
- Finally, keep in mind that many good MN home improvement contractors are scheduled months out, so plan accordingly. Some contractors are available right away, but that probably means they’re not booking very many jobs. Always ask contractors for a list of clients and current projects, and make sure they are bonded and insured.
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