When you move into a new home or are craving a redesign, you can take on extensive renovation projects to create the luxury home of your dreams. Unlike minor renovations, large-scale remodels completely transform your home’s appearance and function. Unfortunately, these large-scale projects take time, money, and space and usually require professional intervention. You may be ready to custom-design your home, but there are a few factors to be aware of before starting.
Create a Renovation Budget
Renovations cost more than people may realize. Even if you’ve saved up for a renovation, getting quotes for materials and labor before you get started is a smart move. The cost of materials may rise, or complications may arise that factor into the price of the overall remodel. By creating a budget, you can ensure you can afford it without significantly altering your lifestyle or family. This financial planning is an excellent way to limit your spending and feel secure and in control. Subtract your monthly expenses from your monthly income to get a good idea of what you can spend. A financial advisor can work with you to provide a more realistic renovation budget.
Consider Space Flexibility
In modern home designs, a flexible space is a good space. When creating your renovation goals, make sure you can use your new spaces for multiple purposes. This innovative approach to design can add function to your home and also increase your property value. Inflexible designs can lead to nonfunctional spaces, so incorporating flex-space preferences can empower you to make the most of your home.
List Desired Features
Make a list of your desired features and goals for your remodel to ensure you’ve included everything. It’s expensive and time-consuming to undergo a significant remodeling process, so you must remember all your wants and needs the first time. If you’re remodeling with your partner or family, you can include them in the list-making process to ensure all needs are met. A thorough list can help the contractors you hire plan their work easier.
Declutter
During a large-scale remodel, floors will be removed, walls will be broken down, and construction processes will be everywhere. Before remodeling starts, you’ll want to remove all your belongings, furniture, and clutter from the area. If you don’t declutter, you’ll delay the project, which can take longer. You also may damage important belongings or expensive furniture. You can also consult with your contractors to see what they’d like removed before getting started.
Hire Licensed Contractors
As with any renovation project, you’ll want the job done well and on time. You’ll want to vet the contractors you hire and make sure they are experienced, reputable, and licensed for the work they will be performing. Licensing laws vary by state, but many unlicensed professionals cannot pull permits and perform electrical or plumbing work themselves, causing unnecessary delays or unsafe renovation work. You want professionals who can make your dream a reality, not a nightmare.
Research Local Laws and Restrictions
Not all home additions or renovations are legal. Before planning a renovation, research local zoning laws, construction laws, and homeowner’s association (HOA) rules. You may need to formally request permission to renovate your home or yard before getting started if you live in an HOA neighborhood. While contractors will do the permit work for you, you’ll need to be sure your request is legal and within your property lines.
Communicate Effectively
Your large-scale renovation can turn sour when you’re not effectively communicating with your team. If you can’t adequately express what you’d like done, mistakes will be made, causing the project to take much longer. Ensuring all construction crews and household members know what you’re planning in detail can avoid miscommunication and keep everyone reassured and in sync with the project.
Prepare for a Mess
Renovations, especially large-scale ones, can create a lot of debris and construction trash. Most contractors will utilize an on-site dumpster or trash hopper to help mitigate this mess, but you’ll have to be patient to see a clean, finished renovation. You may even need to hire cleaners or clean smaller leftover debris and dust yourself. The renovation area will be messy for a while; don’t panic.
Temporary Housing
Taking on a large-scale remodel or renovation will take a lot of time, and many parts of your home may be unlivable or inaccessible. There will also be a lot of debris and noise from construction crews and projects. Most people will not live in their homes when such renovations occur. Consider temporary housing, such as a short-term rental home or hotel, while significant renovations occur. While temporary housing adds to the renovation costs, it can provide peace of mind and allow you to continue your daily activities without interruption.
Conclusion
Planning the renovation of your dreams can be exciting, but it also involves quite a routine change. Before getting started, communicate thoroughly with your team and family members so everyone is on the same page. If necessary, create a list or diagram of the renovations. Make sure the contractors you hire are licensed and experienced in the work they’ll be doing. Submit any permits or requests to the city and any HOA if applicable. Consider moving to temporary housing while the renovation happens.
