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WHY HIRE A REMODELER?

Remodeling your home is exciting and rewarding. At the same time, it’s also usually a long and expensive process. And that process involves a lot of details and coordination. Trying to be your own general contractor can turn the whole experience into a nightmare. Hiring a total-home remodeling company helps ease the stress of a home renovation project. All communication and planning is done with one company. That means you don’t have to put your life on hold to manage the project.

PLANNING YOUR PROJECT

Before you hire a contractor, think about what changes you want to make to your home and why. Set your budget, too. This will help you determine what kind of work you want done.

Does your kitchen need a major update and layout changes? Do you want a new and improved master bathroom? Are you hoping to add another bedroom or living area to your home? Do you need a dedicated home office space? Think about how you and your family currently use your home. How can that be improved with a remodeling project? If you plan to eventually sell your house, consider the impact a remodeling project will have on your home’s value. Some projects offer a higher return on investment than others. How long you plan to live in your house before selling matters too.

In general, projects that add livable space to your house have the greatest return on investment. This can look like adding an in-law suite or finishing the basement, for example. Kitchen and bathroom remodels also have a good return on investment. If you’re planning to sell your house soon, focus on functional updates rather than cosmetic upgrades. Everyone’s style preferences are different, especially when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms. Functional updates to those spaces carry a higher return on investment.

If you are planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, look into energy-efficient fixtures and appliances. These upgrades can help you save on utility bills later. Be sure to research and understand the maintenance requirements for the materials you are considering. For example, conventional hardwood floors need periodic refinishing. They also tend to be more prone than other flooring options to scratches and marks from pets and furniture. Because of that level of care, some people opt for low-maintenance engineered hardwood, laminate, or tile.

There are so many different materials for every type of home remodeling project. The number of choices you’ll need to make can be overwhelming. If you don’t already have specific ideas in mind, visit home improvement stores or showrooms for inspiration. Look at home decor magazines and websites to get a feel for the styles you prefer. During your project, your contractor can also guide you through the process of selecting materials and finishes. They have a lot experience helping homeowners make their dreams a reality. They will be able to assist you too.

SETTING A BUDGET

Before choosing a contractor, decide what kind of remodeling project you want. Set your budget, too. Try not to get too attached to an idea before you know how much it costs. Staying on budget will be much harder if you aren’t open to at least a few different options and details. If you have an idea of what you want and how much you’re willing to spend, most contractors can work with you to create a design you love within your budget.

HIRING A CONTRACTOR

When it comes to hiring a contractor, take your time. Choose the company that feels like the best fit for you and the project. You will be working closely with the contractor for an extended period of time. Hire a company with the experience and expertise to bring your project to life. Be sure that you also feel comfortable communicating and planning with them.

Meet with several home remodeling contractors before making a decision. Compare estimates, company qualifications, and your gut feeling about each company. Price can indicate the quality of work you will be getting. Be cautious about estimates that are on the very low end of the range you get. Hiring a reputable and experienced remodeling contractor to handle your project is key. Verify any state-required insurance and licenses and ask for references before you make a final decision.

CLEANING PREPARATION

Home remodeling can last from several days to several months, depending on the work being done. Doing everything you can to prepare in advance will help save time and get the project started on the right foot. Your contractor might move furniture and large items for you. You will be responsible for clearing out any small items that could get in the way or be damaged. If your project includes new cabinets or storage space, empty your current cabinets before any work begins.

TEMPORARY ADJUSTMENTS

Planning meals. If you plan to stay in your home while your kitchen is being remodeled, you’ll need another place for meals. For this reason, you may want to schedule the remodel for a time when the weather is nice enough that you can eat outside. You can also set up a temporary food station in an unaffected room. A coffeemaker, some nonperishables, a mini refrigerator, and a toaster or mini microwave can make this easier. Keep plenty of disposable plates, cups, and utensils on hand if you won’t have access to a dishwasher. If you opt to eat at restaurants, factor the expense into your budget. If you have family in the area, they may be able to host you for some meals.

Dealing with noise. Home renovations can be very noisy, especially when tools like saws and hammers are in use. If you’ll be at home while that kind of work is taking place, consider buying earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. If you work from home, you may need to take calls or video meetings from a different location. Communicate with the job foreman or project manager so you can plan ahead as much as possible.

Keeping kids and pets safe. Contractors do their best to confine their work strictly to the areas being renovated and keep safety hazards to a minimum. All the same, it is very important to keep your kids and pets away from the work zones. Staying vigilant helps prevent accidents and injuries.