6 Home Remodeling Tips to Keep You on Time and Under Budget

By Eve Anderson

Whether you plan to renovate your existing home or remodel a new  house  before moving, budgeting for a remodeling project can  be  a  daunting  task. For starters, you will need to set clear goals  and  figure out how you will finance the home renovation project.   Once   you   set  your  budget  and  home  remodeling objectives,  you  will  be  able  to  build  a  clear  strategy and set deadlines.   Most  importantly,  keep  in  mind  that  most home remodeling  projects  end  up  costing  more than you originally thought.    This   article   teaches   you   a   few   effective   home remodeling tips that will keep you on time and under budget.

1.Estimate the Costs and Set your Budget

Before  even  lifting a hammer, set a realistic budget and make sure you stick to it.  Always remember to include a contingency fund for  any  unexpected  expenses  and reserve at least 10% of your budget for emergencies.  Only by knowing your budget will you be able to prioritize your projects and focus on the most relevant aspects of home renovation.

2. Make a Home Renovation Timeline

Hire  a  contractor  to help you map out the home renovation process and estimate the time needed for each aspect of the project. Determine   which   part  of  the  home  remodeling  process  needs  to  be  completed  first  and  which  aspects  can  be  managed simultaneously.    Make  sure  your  home renovation timeline is realistic. Keep in mind the time needed for shipping and delivery of materials,  as  well  as the preparation of the project area. Finally, consider the time needed to address unexpected issues that may happen.

3. Consider the Cost vs. Value of the Renovation Project

Do  you  plan  to  sell  your home in the future? Always keep the return   on   investment   (ROI)  in  mind  when  choosing  home renovation projects. For example, investing in a $50K bathroom renovation  project does not make sense if you are not going to sell  it for more than you originally paid.  That is why you should calculate  the cost of your remodeling project and compare it to the project resale value.

4. Create a List of Specific Needs and Goals for Contractor Bids
After  setting  your  needs  and  wants,  build  a  list  of  your  renovation  goals  for  the  contractors. That will ensure that your bid is accurate  and clear to contractors. Include all changes to the home, both major structural and cosmetic ones.  For example, say you are  thinking  about  resurfacing a pool.   Apart  from  landscaping  and  painting,  that  is  one of the most significant outdoor home maintenance techniques.

Therefore, make a detailed list of your needs and goals for contractors, such as the type of materials or deadlines. Finally, if you hire general  contractors,  obtain  bids  from  at  least  three  sources. Bids can vary widely. According to Angie’s List, general contractors usually  charge  between  10-20%  of  the total cost of the job. The total cost incorporates everything from supplies and materials to permits and labor.

5. Increase the Efficiency of your Spaces 
Planning  to  expand  your  kitchen  for  maximum  utility?  Maybe  you  don’t  want  to  blow  out  the  walls  to  gain square footage. Sometimes,  replacing  space-consuming  shelving with cabinets is enough to gain extra space.  Or, do you want to brighten up your rooms?  Instead  of  installing  new  walls,  you  can add a light tube. Apart from saving you a lot of time, it also helps you reduce the costs  of the remodeling project. For example, while the cost of adding a double-pane insulated window is about $1,500, the cost of a light tube is $500.

6. Consult an Architect

Hiring  an  architect is crucial in the home remodeling project. It helps   you   create   a   clear   plan   and   break   it   down   into manageable  tasks. If you are planning a big remodeling project, it  may require a full-on architectural commission. That includes numerous  meetings,  multiple  job-site  visits, and many sets of construction drawings.  For smaller projects, on the other hand, you can schedule a one-time design consultation. That will help you reduce costs and finish your remodeling project quicker.

Over to You

Remodeling  a home can be a complicated and time-consuming process. Precisely because of that, you need to hire reliable contractors and architects to help you plan your every move strategically. Any strategic house remodeling project starts with goal  setting.  Based  on  it, you will make a home renovation timeline and set your budget. Most importantly, you will choose your  renovation  priorities.  While  that  is not a comprehensive list of all home remodeling tips, it will help you build a home remodeling plan and reduce costs.

About The Author

Eve Anderson is a marketing specialist turned blogger. Interested in sports and exciting travel destinations. Love to share content that can inform people.

What to Read Next

The Listing Appointment Playbook

The Listing Appointment Playbook

When it comes to winning listing appointments, are you dancing in the end zone or fumbling the ball? A winning team starts with a great game plan, and so do successful agents.  Download The Listing Appointment Playbook for your all-in-one guide to score more seller clients and streamline your listing appointment process.
Download

Information Required

Thanks for your interest in our awesome content!
Just fill out your information below to access this page.

I am a(n)*