Are you considering a major home renovation project in North Carolina? If so, it is important to plan ahead and make sure you are taking all the necessary steps. In this blog post, we will provide essential tips for planning your renovation project. So, whether you are just starting to think about renovating your home or are already in the process of doing so, be sure to read on!
Create a plan
A major home renovation can be pretty overwhelming and have a lot of little details. And the thing is, even with all those steps, you do not want to spend too much money. But how can you have a good estimate of what you will be spending if you do not yet know exactly what renovations you want to have done and to what extent you want them done?
So, before starting your big project, you will certainly want to create a plan. Plan out everything: what renovations you want done, what materials you want used, how long you hope it will take, what paint color you want used, what process you want to use to keep things organized, and so forth. By planning out these little details, you can avoid added stressors and can feel prepared for your big renovation project.
Make a budget
Now that you know exactly what your project will entail, you will want to make a budget. Do some checking: which materials are a reasonable price but also doable? What will the cost of demolition and rebuilding be? What about clean-up costs?
By figuring out the answers to these questions, you will have a better idea of how much your project would likely cost. And consequently, you will be better able to create a reasonable budget. Once you have made your budget, try to stay pretty close to it. You do not want your project to suddenly cost you more then you can afford at the moment, or simply more than you are willing to spend.
Look up laws
Every area has laws determining what you’re allowed to build on your property and what permits you need in order to do so. So, before renovating your home in North Carolina, look up what is and is not allowed there! And look up what precautions you might need to take in case of inclement weather.
By doing a little research before the project, and by applying for the correct permits, you will avoid unnecessary fines and fees. You will also make sure that your project is up to code, which will make the process turn out much more smoothly.
Research contractors
It is important to research contractors before hiring one for your home renovation project. Ask friends and family if they can recommend any good contractors, or check online reviews.
You will especially want to get a sense of what different contractors charge for their services. Pricing can differ and, as mentioned previously, you want to stay within or as close to your budget as possible. You will also want to know what the quality of their work tends to be like to ensure that you are happy with the result.
Many companies will offer a free estimate of their work. So, get a free quote and find out from references whether the contractors were punctual, communicative, easy to work with, and so forth. By doing this preliminary legwork, you will be able to ensure a much smoother and much less stressful project.
Organize and declutter
It is important to organize and declutter your home before beginning any major renovation. For example, you will want to clear out your closets, garage, basement, attic…basically every nook and cranny of your home. That way, you will be organized enough to move out of your home for a few weeks during renovations (if needed), or organized enough to find the items you need for everyday life during the chaos of construction.
As you declutter your house, you may find that you have far more junk than you had previously realized. So, you may want to rent a roll-off dumpster, like the ones offered by the roll-off dumpster service in the Triad, NC, to help you with this portion of the preparation. You may even want to hold onto the dumpster during the renovation process so you can keep the construction area clean and organized.
Check the weather
Before you start a major renovation project, do not forget to check the weather! In North Carolina, you will want to take into account when the rainy season is, cold season, and hot season. Then, talk with your contractor to determine when the best time will be to begin each portion of the project.
You do not want to have a roof off of your house during the rainy season. And you do not want to have to live outside in a tent when it is extremely hot and humid outside. So, plan accordingly.
Conclusion
By planning out your renovation project as best you can, and by taking the proper precautions, you will make sure that your home renovation process is smooth and stress-free. You will also save yourself a lot of time and effort in the long run, which is always a good thing. So, create a plan, make a budget, look up laws, research contractors, and organize and declutter.
