Shape Practical Expectations for Your Home Renovations

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Home renovations can be an intimidating undertaking, but with the right preparation, they can be an exciting and rewarding experience. This guide from Cal Nevada Real Estate will cover the basics of what to expect when planning a home renovation. With a little bit of knowledge, you’ll be ready to tackle your next project with confidence!

Budgeting and Estimations

Budget Dumpster notes that one of the first things you’ll need to do when planning a home renovation is to establish a budget. This will help you determine how much money you’ll need to complete your project. There are a few different ways to estimate the cost of your renovation. You can use an online calculator, speak to a contractor, or get quotes from different suppliers.

Market Value Matters

It’s important to understand the ROI — return on investment — you should expect from your upgrades. Check out local housing trends to find which home features offer you the best return on investment. Traditionally, kitchens are a top selling feature, so ask about that specifically. Then, adjust your budget accordingly. And don’t skimp on the upgrades by putting a new floor on top of the old one or by just adding a new countertop to old cabinets. If you’re going to make the investment, do it right to really get your ROI.

Once you have a good idea of the costs involved, you can start to look for ways to save money. For example, you may be able to find cheaper materials by shopping around or doing some of the work yourself.

 Kitchen Upgrades: An Ever-Popular Option

A kitchen renovation can greatly enhance the value and functionality of your home, making it a worthwhile investment. By redesigning the layout and optimizing storage space, you can improve efficiency and create a more enjoyable cooking and dining experience. Additionally, aesthetic upgrades such as modern cabinetry, stylish backsplashes, and upgraded lighting can elevate the ambiance of your kitchen, enhancing both its appeal and resale value.

Designing a Dedicated Workspace

As more and more people work from home, the need for a dedicated home office has never been greater. If you’re planning a home renovation, consider including a home office in your plans. A home office can be anything from a simple desk in a corner of your living room to a dedicated room with its own door. The important thing is to create a space that is quiet, comfortable, and free from distractions.

If you have the space, try to include a window in your home office. Natural light can help to boost your mood and productivity. And if you don’t have an extra room to spare, get creative with storage solutions to make the most of the space you do have. By including a home office in your renovation, you’re creating a valuable asset that will serve you well for years to come.

Add Smart Home Features

When renovating your home, incorporating smart home features can significantly enhance your living experience by adding convenience, efficiency, and even energy savings. While a pro is essential for installations involving your home’s wiring, you can consult online resources for ongoing maintenance concerns. Expert tips and advice can help you keep devices operating and optimizing energy-efficiency, convenience, and home security.

Consider a Home Warranty

A home warranty is an insurance policy that covers repairs or replacements of appliances and systems in your home. Many homeowners choose to purchase a home warranty when they’re planning a major renovation as it provides peace of mind in case something goes wrong during the project. You may ask, “What is a home warranty?” Investigate some of the many home warranty providers online. They can answer your questions and help you see the benefits that come with purchasing a home warranty.

Establishing a Strict Timeline and Schedule

The next step is to establish a timeline for your renovation. This will help you stay on track and ensure that your project is completed on time. Sweeten explains the importance of being realistic when setting a timeline, as there are often unforeseen delays. For example, if you’re planning on adding an addition to your home, you’ll need to factor in the time it will take to get the necessary permits. Once you have a timeline set, you can start to look for contractors who are available to work within that time frame.

Getting Permits

Depending on the scope of your renovation, you may need to obtain permits from your local city or county government in order to proceed with the project. Your contractor should be familiar with the permitting process and will be able to help you obtain the necessary permits.

Be sure to keep accurate records of all permits along with the receipts associated with your renovations. Not only will this help you to keep track of everything, you will need these documents when you go to sell your property. The easiest way to save these files is to scan them and save them digitally. Once you understand how to scan a document effectively, a scanner app makes it an easy process. Then, you can look up your kitchen renovation, for instance, and have all related receipts and permits together in one file.

Finding the Right Contractor

One of the most important aspects of any home renovation is finding capable, trustworthy contractors. This can be done by asking for recommendations from friends or family members who have recently renovated their own homes. You can also check online reviews and ratings. Once you’ve found a few contractors that you’re interested in working with, be sure to schedule consultations so that you can get an estimate of the costs involved.

Estimating Apps or Software Your Contractors May Use

In order for contractors to provide an accurate estimate of the costs involved in your renovation, they will need access to certain information about your property. They may use an estimating app or software that allows them to input this information and generate an estimate based on that data. Using software designed for general contractors indicates an especially professional operation, so make sure your potential contractor isn’t relying solely on paper and pencil.

Operate with Safety

During a home renovation, prioritizing safety is crucial to ensure the well-being of everyone involved. First and foremost, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection is essential, especially when dealing with demolition or construction tasks. It’s also important to keep the work area clean and free of hazards such as loose nails, sharp tools, and exposed wires to prevent accidents. Ensuring that all tools and equipment are used correctly and maintained in good working order is another key practice.

Tackle Your Reno Project with Confidence

Home renovations can be a foreboding task, but with proper preparation, they can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Learning the basics of planning a practical home renovation, like how to make market-informed choices and how to shape a productive home office, ensures you make smart choices and experience a successful project. With this information in hand, you’ll be ready to take on your big home improvement project with confidence!

Author, John Dunbar

For contemporary living in Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada, contact Cal Nevada Real Estate today!