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10 Things to Remember During a Home Remodel

Don't Begin Unless You Have a Clear Vision

I knew I wanted a master suite and office space upstairs when I initially met with my designer/contractor. I also wanted to renovate my main floor bathroom, but that was about all I knew. While it is acceptable to not know precisely how you want things to look during the planning stages, everyone should be on the same page when it comes to the project's vision by the time the first sledgehammer swing. Do not begin demolition unless you have a solid plan in place.

This is not a television program.

You're not on HGTV, so don't expect your house remodel to be like one. No, it won't take just eight weeks, and you won't be astonished by the ultimate outcome (at least, you shouldn't be). Good contractors keep you updated at least once a week, so there are no surprises at the end of your job.

Be Ready for the Unexpected

During your home remodel, there's a considerable chance that something will go wrong or that unforeseen costs will occur. Workers discovered asbestos tiles that needed to be removed when they began breaking up my upstairs floor. This not only added expense, but also time, because work had to be postponed while we waited for professionals to remove the tiles.

Be open to new experiences.

Even the best-laid plans must sometimes be revised, so remain flexible. Maybe the tile you wanted is no longer available, the exposed beams don't look as wonderful as you anticipated, or the wood chosen for your bathroom shelf isn't what you intended. Understand that once you get started, you may need to make some minor changes to your plan.

Don't Go Too Far

Make and stick to a budget. This entails being prepared for unforeseen costs such as asbestos tiles and being willing to make sacrifices in other areas. Originally, I had planned to construct a gas fireplace in my master bedroom, but I changed my mind when I realized it would put me at the very top of my budget, with little wiggle room for unanticipated surprises. Go ahead and start big, but determine what you're ready to sacrifice. Consider the following: Do I really need that gas fireplace?

Stress should not be underestimated.

A house remodel is a difficult experience. Not only is it costly and time-consuming, but it is also messy, and if you live in your home during the process, it may be really uncomfortable. It made the most sense to me for my family to relocate while work was being completed. We would have had to not only live with a porta-potty in the back alley, but we would also have had to bathe with a hose hooked to the basement laundry tub for four months. Not to mention that I would have had no kitchen and my only living space would have been a bedroom. Consider how much of your life would be uprooted and for how long during your home reconstruction it can make sense to just rent a nearby place, move in with friends or relatives for a short period of time, or go on a trip during the worst weeks.

Do Not Hasten Good Work

My home remodel was supposed to be completed by mid-July, but I knew it would be closer to August. Be adaptable and aware that things happen, which may cause your project to take longer than intended. After all, you don't want staff to rush and perform poorly, do you?

Don't Take the Chance

a lot of people think about what they think about it. Hire a professional for your home remodel if you are unfamiliar with electrical or plumbing jobs, are unsure how to operate certain power tools, or are uncomfortable on ladders or scaffolding.

Don't Make Too Many Changes

Once work begins, avoid making too many adjustments unless absolutely required. While modifications may appear simple to you, they may necessitate a significant amount of work on the back end, costing you additional money, time, and frustrations all around.

Do Not Begin Without a Timeline

Before you begin the real work on your home remodel, make sure you have a timeline. Your contractor should have a list of items that must be purchased as well as timeframes for when those items must be ordered. A timetable also guarantees that trade personnel, such as plumbers and electricians, as well as painters, tile and floor installers, are aware of what is going on each week and how much time they have to accomplish their specific job.

Remodeler Harrison AR