Embarking on a home remodeling project can seem overwhelming at first. There are a lot of details to consider, from interviewing home remodelers to deciding how many upgrades your budget can accommodate. With all of the options available – from stainless steel appliances to granite countertops to low-flow fixtures – separating out what’s truly important to you can be tricky.
A quality remodeling contractor can help you narrow down your list of wants into a focused plan that meets both your needs and your budget. As you begin your search for home remodel contractors, however, you can make the process more manageable by breaking it down into smaller steps. Here are a few advance preparations that can help you get a good jump on your remodel:
Make a list of needs and wants. The more details you can provide your remodeling contractor, the better. Begin by searching through interior design magazines and pulling out your favorite pages showcasing styles you love. Ponder what it is about the photos that strike your fancy; the more you can pinpoint your own tastes, the better. Begin making lists of features you want in your remodel, and group them by must-haves, would-like-to-haves and don’t-really-needs. Be sure to share your brainstorming with your home remodelers early on in the process.
Think about home efficiency. Decide how eco-friendly you want your remodel to be. Green home remodel contractors can guide you through recycling or repurposing old materials; using sustainable, non-toxic products; and making your home more water- and energy-efficient by replacing windows and doors, upgrading heating or air conditioning systems and adding insulation. Keep in mind that the more efficient your home is, the less you’ll pay on future water and energy bills.
Plan how much space you need. One of the most important questions you’ll need to answer is whether you want to add on space to your home or work within the existing footprint. If you are planning on an addition, will you be expanding outward, upward or both. These are questions a remodeling contractor can help you answer, but it’s a good idea to think about it ahead of time.
Consider your home’s resale value. The right home improvements add value for potential buyers; however, upgrades that are disproportionate to the value of your home or the scale of your neighborhood won’t pay off in the long run. As a guide, most home remodelers advise spending no more than 20 percent of your home’s value on a remodel.
[ photo by: Brock Builders on Flickr, via CC License ]
