5 Things You Should Know About Remodeling Your Home
If you want to update or change your home, you will likely need to start a home remodeling project. These projects can be large or small and you can do the work yourself or hire a contractor. Here are five things you should know about remodeling your home.
1. Hiring Contractors Is a Good Idea
Most people who want to start remodeling projects should work with home remodeling contractors. If you want to hire a contractor for your project, there are several things you should consider. Review the contractor’s credentials, including level of experience, licensure and insurance documents, and membership in any builders’ associations. Speak with the contractor about your project, discuss the contractor’s past projects, and request references.
2. The Cost of Your Project Can Vary
Several factors can impact the cost of your project. Make sure to consider them when you create your budget. The size of your project is the most obvious factor. The larger the project, the more it’s likely to cost. However, the location of the project in the home and its complexity can also affect the price. Kitchen remodeling tends to be more expensive than basement remodeling, for example. Likewise, projects that require specialty work, such as electrical rewiring, can come with higher price tags.
3. You’ll Need To Adapt and Be Flexible
When you remodel your home, you need to deal with living on the project’s worksite. While contractors won’t always be there working, you will still need to work around their tools and the areas of the home they are remodeling. Coordinate with the contractor to determine what rooms will be affected and how long the project will last. Plan ways to adapt to the situation, such as alternative cooking spaces, and protect other parts of your home, such as hardwood floors. Circumstances may change, so continue to communicate with your contractor and be prepared for alterations to the project plans.
4. Financing Options Are Available
Home remodeling can be expensive, but there are several financing options available to you. The most common options include credit cards, loans, and home equity funding. Home equity funding allows you to take out a second mortgage or replace your current one. You borrow against the equity of your home for the remodeling funds you need. There are three types of home equity funding: cash-out refinancing, home equity loans, and home equity lines of credit.
If you use a credit card to fund your project, look for ones that offer purchase rewards or that have 0% APR. If you want to take out a loan, you can choose between personal and government loans. You can use a personal loan at your discretion, but government loans tend to be available for specific purchases, such as energy-efficient appliances.
5. You Should Start With a Plan
It’s always a good idea to start your remodeling project with a plan. You don’t need to plan the project in its entirety, but you should have a good idea of what you want the remodel to look like and how you want to conduct the project. No matter how comprehensive your plan is, make sure you include your project goals, a description of the changes you want to make, and your reasons for wanting to remodel your home. You should prioritize your goals and include changes or maintenance you believe you may need to make in the future.
Whatever your home remodeling project involves, you need to make detailed plans, set a budget, and hire an experienced contractor. Coordinate with your contractor and develop a good working relationship to make sure the work is efficient and meets your expectations.
