Home Remodeling can be an overwhelming task for many home owners. Many different things can go wrong – from projects going over budget, poor craftsmanship from remodelers, to delays in construction. Because home remodels are a significant investment of both money and time, here are several tips to make sure your home remodel goes as smoothly as possible:
- Not Looking at the Big Picture
The biggest mistake that a homeowner can make while remodeling his or her home is ignoring the “big picture.” Homeowners should be prepared to do a lot of work before the project even begins. This can include getting quotes from multiple contractors and having a clear vision for what they hope to have accomplished. From the beginning, a proper home remodeling project should have clear guidelines – with specific dates that parts of the project should be completed to avoid any unnecessary delays. The last thing a homeowner wants is to be without her kitchen for months-on-end!
- Failing to Follow Proper Inspections or Neighborhood Guidelines
The last thing a homeowner wants to find out, after completely remodeling her home, is that it is not allowed under neighborhood guidelines or fails to meet relevant legal codes or standards. The best way to avoid this problem is to do the hard work beforehand – asking a neighbor that has had her home remodeled, or seeking out the counsel of an attorney beforehand.
- Hiring the Cheapest Contractor
When looking for a contractor, it is most important to choose one that is licensed in the state. Licensed contracts are going to have more experience in keeping down costs. After that, homeowners should seek out recommendations – by asking friends that have had their homes remodeled, or utilizing online services such as Yelp! or Angie’s List.
