What to Consider Before a Home Remodel

Whenever you return from a long vacation, you get a fresh look at your home. As you see it again, do you smile or cringe? If it’s the latter, it is time to make a change. Before throwing in the towel and moving out, consider a home remodel.

What Do You Really Want?

Don’t start dialing the contractor just yet. First, you need to decide what you want changed. Do you want more space? Are your countertops a few decades old? Are your windows letting in more cold air than they are keeping out? Write down what you like and what you want changed.

Magazines are filled with ideas for every room in the house. Cut out pictures of the ones that are attractive to you and would work with your structure. Once you have a selection, you can narrow down the ideas to create the plan for your home remodel.

Dream Vs. Reality

Consider how you use each room in your home and how much traffic the area will see. Is your dream compatible with what you have to work with? Or will you need to add square footage? Many times an inefficient space can be rearranged to increase its utility. In the kitchen, for example, you can add ceiling-height cabinets to add storage space. In the bathroom, a larger jetted tub can often fit in the same space as the existing standard one.

Find a Reputable Contractor

One of the most important choices when deciding on a remodeling project is choosing the right contractor. There are a few questions you should ask before accepting a bid.

1. Does the builder have a good reputation?
2. Can you contact past customers?
3. Does he or she understand your vision? If you can’t communicate what you want, you will probably end up disappointed.

If a home remodel is in your future, start planning today. Decide what you want to change or expand, then contact a reputable contractor to help your dream become a reality.

Tips for Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom remodeling can significantly improve not only the interior appearance of your home, but also the market value. Other than the kitchen, most buyers look to the bathroom to help make their decision on whether to purchase the estate or not. However, even a small bathroom can be a tricky project. From the water lines to the vanity, here are some tips for a remodel and what you need to know.

Decide on a Budget 
With any renovation project, the first place to start is the budget. Finances can have a huge impact on the materials you select and the boundaries of your bath design. Renovations can be made a lot easier if you know what you can afford and take expenses into consideration when planning. It can also make deciding what items you want to replace and where they need to go significantly easier.

Get More Bang for Your Buck 
Renovations are not just about making your bathroom look pretty. Whether you plan to live in your home long term or plan to put it on the market, it is important to consider the long haul. Chances are that at some point your home may be on the market, and if it is, bathroom remodeling can be the ticket to increasing the value of your home.

Hire a Contractor 
There are some projects that are best left up to the pros. Be honest about what you can and cannot handle. This is not a do-it-yourself type of renovation. Rather, it is complex and if done incorrectly, can result in costly errors. Seek referrals and recommendations from friends, family and neighbors who have had remodeling work done. Thoroughly evaluate your potential contractor to make sure the company has all the correct certifications and a warranty.

Increase the Value of Your Home with a Remodel 
 Ultimately it is important to remember that bathroom remodeling requires time, so be sure to have another bathroom handy or a place to stay during the renovation process. Make sure you adhere to your budget and consider what will increase the value of your home.