10 Home Remodeling Do’s and Don’ts

Do you have an old, outdated space that needs a makeover? Are you looking to turn your home into a dream space while saving money simultaneously? Whether you want to install new flooring, update your countertops or add a shower enclosure, there are many ways to handle your home remodeling Columbus Ohio, and you don’t have to break the bank.

But if you want to achieve the best results and avoid costly mistakes, you need to know what to do—and what not to do. So here are ten home remodeling do’s and don’ts that will help keep your project on track and within budget.

Do your research

Before beginning any home remodeling project, it’s essential to research and identify which materials and finishes will be most cost-effective. For example, new countertops made of natural stone may look beautiful and feel luxurious, but they can also be quite expensive compared to other options, such as laminate or stainless steel.

So, if you are on a tight budget, think about what matters when making this decision.

Consider Resale Value

If you are planning a home remodeling project for resale, it’s crucial to consider your investment’s long-term value. For example, investing in expensive granite countertops or custom cabinetry probably makes little sense if you plan on selling your home within a few years.

If you plan on staying in your home for many years and want to create an attractive space with lasting appeal, these materials may be worth paying more for.

Don’t Do It Yourself

We know you’ve seen many YouTube videos showing how to do your home remodeling projects. And we know you think you can tackle the job. But trust us on this one, it’s not a good idea.

For example, if you intend to install new flooring or cabinets yourself, there’s a good chance that you will end up with mismatched materials that don’t match well together. This can cause the overall design to look less than desirable and may not appeal to potential buyers when it comes time for resale.

And if you make mistakes, it will cost you a lot more money in the long run. We believe that it’s better to pay someone else to do it right than try to save some money by doing it yourself.

Stay True to Your House

A home remodeling project enhances the home and makes it more livable. But you won’t get the most out of your investment if you don’t stay true to your house’s overall look, feel, and style.

For example, if you want to add a new kitchen in a historic district that doesn’t allow changes to exterior appearance, you’re stuck with what you have. Here, we recommend going for a minor renovation instead of trying to do too much at once.

This way, you can still get the most out of your investment. The key is to stay true to what makes your house unique and use that as a foundation for any remodeling project.

Don’t work without a design plan

You might think that you can work without a design plan since you’re the homeowner and know your house inside and out. But this isn’t a good idea. If you don’t know what changes you want to make, then how will you be able to judge whether your contractor is doing a good job?

Plus, if problems with the project arise later on down the line (and there might be), having a plan in place will help you figure out how to solve them. If you’re unsure where to start, plenty of design software programs can help you come up with ideas.

Collect your decorating ideas

When you’re remodeling your home, it’s natural to have several ideas about the look and feel you want to achieve. And it’s also natural to want to combine some of these ideas into one project.

But this can end up being a problem—not only because it’s difficult to find contractors who can handle multiple tasks at once but also because each room in your home has its personality, which means they will all require different types of decorating.

The best way to avoid this problem is to collect as many ideas as possible before you plan your renovation. You can start by visiting decorating magazines and websites that offer inspiration for different rooms in the home, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

Once you have a good idea of what each room should look like, narrow down your list to the elements essential for each one.

Don’t rush through the planning and design phase

This is the most crucial part of your renovation, and it’s also the most time-consuming. You should set aside at least a few weeks to plan out every aspect of your project so that you don’t run into any unexpected problems down the road.

The best way to do this is by drawing up floor plans for each room in your home before you renovate. This will help you decide where everything should go, including furniture and appliances.

Strive for a realistic budget

Everyone knows that the budget is essential when renovating a home. However, it’s easy to get caught up in the project’s excitement and forget what you need versus what you want.

One way to avoid this is by setting aside a certain amount for each room that needs renovation. This will let you know how much money you have left over for other things that may come up as your renovation progresses.

Hire a professional

When we discussed the dangers of trying to DIY your home remodeling project, we mentioned the need for professional help. This is especially true regarding the electrical and plumbing systems in your home.

If you’re unsure if what you’re doing is safe or how to properly install new appliances or fixtures, hire a professional who does this type of work as part of their regular job.

Ask friends and family for recommendations to find a professional in your area. You can also search the Internet for local contractors or electricians who do home remodeling projects.

For example, if you want to remodel your basement, you can search for “basement remodelers near me.” This will give you an idea of what companies are in your area and how far they are from where you live.

Combine and conquer with design/build

Given that the cost of hiring architects and interior designers can be prohibitive, many people choose to hire a design/build contractor. These companies offer both services in one package, which means they help you design your space and oversee the construction process.

This can save you time and money because you don’t need to find separate contractors for each service. They also have the experience and know-how to help you choose the best materials for your project.

Design/build companies often have a network of subcontractors they work with, so if they don’t have a specific service in mind, they can still find someone who does. This is especially useful if your project involves specialty trades, like plumbing or electrical work.

Conclusion:

A home remodeling project can be daunting, but with the right team on your side, it can be an enjoyable experience. By educating yourself about what’s involved in home remodeling and building a list of priorities, you’ll better understand the type of company you need to hire. Once you’ve identified your needs and wants, it’s time to look for a company that can help you.