Whether you have done a home renovation before, or you are about to begin your first project, each remodel has its own unique twists. Home renovations are exciting, and the whole experience is akin to Christmas morning: you can’t wait to see your new home. However, a lot of work goes into these projects and sometimes, it doesn’t always go as planned. Here are some things people wish they knew before their home renovations
1. There is usually more than one way to do things
Everyone seems to know the person in the world with the best chocolate cake recipe, but every time someone else names a new person. Just like baking, there are tons of ways to go about the same project. When you choose the right contractor, you can rest assured knowing that they will choose the best way of going about the project to suit your needs and tastes.
2. Visualize before putting into action
How many times have you seen something that you love, bought the item, and realized it didn’t look as good as when you bought it? Making decisions and expensive purchases for your home is a big decision. For instance, if someone else’s home is painted a color that you like, don’t just assume that it will look great in your house, too. Take some time to think about what it will really look like. Is the lighting the same? Will you have to buy new décor and furniture to match? You should ask yourself some questions before just throwing the paint on the wall. Not every project allows you to get samples (especially the big projects), but if you are installing new floors or painting, always grab a sample to ensure it looks good.
3. You need to live in the home for a while
It’s okay and normal to buy a house and have ideas and plans for renovations. However, everyone who has jumped into making a renovation right away has regretted it. They wish they had waited a little bit longer to get a sense of what living in the house really felt like. It takes some willpower to not jump into a renovation in your new home but trust us; you’ll be glad you waited! Plus, this can save you money in the long run so you won’t have to make any more changes down the road.
4. The lowest bid isn’t always the best
Home renovations are expensive. You’re making significant changes to a place that you spend almost all your time in and where you will build memories for years. People often try to cut corners by going with the least expensive bid to save them some money…only to find out the project does not turn out as good as they expected. When it comes to home renovations, you get what you pay for. Paying a little bit more for better work will ensure that the work is done to the highest quality standards and done correctly.
5. Not all contractors are qualified
You want to think carefully about the contractor you choose to help with your renovation. Not only for the best results, but you can end up in a sticky situation if a contractor does not have the required license or insurance. Before working with one, you want to get the contractor's license, certificate of insurance for general liability and workers comp, lien history and the bond number and certification. In the unlikelihood of something going wrong, you don’t want to end up financially and legally responsible.
With this being said, people often try and take on home renovations themselves. Small projects can be done on your own sometimes, but leave the significant or complicated work to the professionals. You’ll save yourself money by preventing anything going wrong during the renovation (and having to do things twice), and you will keep yourself from getting injured.
6. Be realistic about your timeline
Way too many people find themselves disappointed when their renovation isn’t done as soon as they planned for. This is why you should get a quote from a contractor and go off that quote. It’s essential to understand this is an estimate, not a 100 percent chance guarantee. Sometimes things happen that are out of your contractor’s control, such as weather or late shipping for construction materials. Keep in mind that the best outcomes are not rushed. Always remember that the contractor you hire wants your project done just as soon as you do.
7. Quality is important
Because renovations can put a dent in your bank account, it can be hard to justify spending extra money on the higher quality materials when you can have something similar for much less. If the renovation is done correctly, however, this will be the last time you need to renovate. Why not go for the nicer option? Your home is a place you spend at least part of every day in. It’s where you host guests and where your family makes memories. It might be painful to put in the extra money now, but once it’s complete, you’ll be happy you made this investment.
8. You need to ask questions
Don’t ever think a question is a dumb one, and don’t assume you have asked too many when it comes to your home renovation. Instead, worry that you haven’t asked enough! This is your home remodel and a purchase that you will cherish for years to come! Don’t be afraid to ask about how the project is done, the alternatives, the options you have for materials, or anything else! Your contractor will appreciate the questions upfront rather than you being unhappy with the outcome or changing your mind a bunch of times throughout the project.
Because it’s your home
At Legacy Renovations, we understand how important your home renovation is to you. That is why we handle each project with the utmost attention and care. If you are planning to do a home renovation in the near future, we invite you to review our boundaries and FAQ page. We hope that this information will give you insight into how Legacy Renovation works to provide you with the best results. Wondering if you are in our service areas? You can find out here.
We look forward to working with you!
