Reasons to redo
Home improvement projects often begin with someone saying, “Wouldn’t it be nice if…?” usually followed by the desire for a remodeled kitchen or an extra room to have space to accommodate the needs of each member of the family. Most of the time, reality and dreams do not match, due to limited funds to realize the dream or the limits of available space. The trick: turning your dreams into reality. Start with a realistic assessment of your needs. Homeowners often consider home improvements for one of the following reasons.
You may feel the need to update something that is out of date. If your kitchen color scheme was perfect a few decades ago but no longer works, now may be a good time to update it.
Some home improvement projects stem from an immediate need to replace broken or inefficient fixtures. If a sink, bathtub, or toilet needs to be replaced, consider taking the opportunity to renovate the entire bathroom.
If you’re getting ready to sell your home, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best price out of the sale. That’s a great motivation for some home improvement projects.
You have decided that staying and improving your home is a better option than moving.
Your family has grown and you need more space.
Upgrade to move? o Upgrade to stay?
Evaluate your plans carefully if you are upgrading your home to put it up for sale. Taking shortcuts can hurt your prospects instead of helping them. But don’t overdo it either. Potential buyers may prefer not to pay for some of the extras, like a hot tub or pool. It’s best to keep changes simple.
And remember that buyers viewing your home may not share your tastes and may not appreciate the care you took to find the right shade of green paint for the walls.
You’ll find that upgrading to a sale is easier if you can think about it from the prospective buyer’s point of view: What’s important to a homebuyer? Here are some remodeling projects buyers are likely to find valuable:
Add or remodel a bathroom
Improving the kitchen
Add a new room
landscaping
add a bedroom
Add or enclose a garage.
If you’re remodeling because you want to stay in your home, you still want to avoid over-improving it. You’ll probably want to sell it one day, and even if your house is the best on the block, it can be hard to convince potential buyers to pay for the things you thought were important. And when considering improvements, keep in mind the value of other homes in the area. Your home’s value should be no more than 20% above average, which means a $10,000 kitchen improvement project may well be a better investment than a $10,000 hot tub, especially if yours will be the only home in the area with a Jacuzzi.
Home Maintenance vs. Home Improvement
It is unfortunate that some home improvement projects are carried out because something has gone wrong. Replacing a leaky bathtub can be the first step in a major bathroom remodel – since the bathtub needs to be replaced anyway, why not do the entire room?
While that might be a legitimate reason to remodel, avoid basing your home improvement projects on immediate needs. You’ll be better off if you minimize problems with proper maintenance. Check every part of your home at least once a year. Check the roof, plumbing, electrical wiring, etc. As soon as you notice a problem, fix it. Making repairs when you first notice them will help you avoid major costs later. Keep in mind that maintenance does not increase the value of your home. Repairs are not usually improvements; they are necessities.
Hiring professionals can save you time and money
It goes without saying that home projects can be expensive, so you may be tempted to tackle them yourself as a way to save money. That can be a smart move for small projects. You won’t have to wait for someone to adapt your house to her busy schedule and you can boast of having done the work yourself.
But unless you’re very versatile, major home improvements are best left to the professionals. If you decide to remodel the kitchen and plan to do the work yourself, will you be able to handle the plumbing, electrical, and carpentry work on your own? And don’t forget that you’ll have to finish it fast, because you won’t have a kitchen while it’s a “work in progress” and eating three meals a day at restaurants could get expensive. Please note that DIY jobs usually take longer. And you will be responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and inspections.
Hiring people who have the required experience can also save you money and time. For example, these professionals can help you get a custom look using stock products, and that can mean significant savings. Doing something right the first time will give you value that will last for years.
To find qualified and trustworthy home improvement specialists, check with friends, business associates, and neighbors for recommendations. Always get at least three references and check them thoroughly. Also check with your local chapter of the Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce. Their numbers can be found in the community services section of your phone book.
Once you’ve located the necessary home improvement specialists, make sure everyone agrees on the design, schedule and budget, and put the details in writing in a signed contract.
It’s also wise to check professional certifications and licenses, where necessary, and make sure the contractors you hire are fully insured and bonded. Your town or city Building Department can provide that information. And it’s very important that you make sure contractors have workers’ compensation insurance: if workers are injured on the job, you won’t be liable if the contractor is covered. Request copies of your insurance certificates. And make sure you or your contractor have obtained the necessary permits before work begins. Contact your local Planning and Zoning Commission for information.
Here’s a quick overview of some of the professionals you may need to work with when remodeling your home:
Architect: Architects design houses or additions from the foundation to the roof. If your project will require structural changes, such as adding or removing walls, or if the design is complex, you will probably need an architect. Since architects may charge a flat or hourly rate, be sure to get an estimate of the total cost: drawing up plans for a major remodeling project can take 80 hours or more.
Contractor: The contractor oversees the home improvement project, including hiring and supervising workers, obtaining necessary permits, making sure inspections are done as needed, and providing insurance for work crews. It’s always a good idea to get proposals from one or more reputable contractors, depending on the specifics of your project.
Make sure each contractor offers the exact same plan so you can more easily compare offers. When you have chosen a contractor, make sure the contract specifies that you will pay in stages. Typically, you’ll pay one-third when the contract is signed so the contractor can purchase supplies. The number and timing of remaining payments will depend on the size of the project. Do not make final payment until all work has been successfully completed, inspected and approved.
Interior Designers: Interior designers are specialists who will provide advice on furniture, wall coverings, colors, styles, and more. They help you save time by narrowing down your selection, and they save money because they usually receive professional discounts from their providers. When you meet with an interior designer, be sure to tell them about her personal style and preferences. Expect to pay between $50 and $150 per hour, or you can negotiate a flat rate of about 25% of the total cost of the project.
