The 2022 home buying season is in full effect. Compared to the hot housing market we’ve had over the past few years, it’s not cooling down yet.
Home prices are still on the rise, even as mortgage rates are rising as well. Homes sell in days, if not hours. And they often go for far more than the asking price.
This is leaving many to buy older, outdated homes as it’s all they can afford at the moment. While fixer-uppers can be a great investment, they’re also a lot of work.
If you’re planning a home improvement project, there are quite a few things you’ll need to keep in mind in order to ensure success. Wondering what to remember when doing a house remodel? Keep reading to find out now.
1. Check for Permits
Even though you own the house, you aren’t free to do whatever you want to it. Cosmetically, yes, you can alter anything to make it look the way you want. Paint the house bright pink, for example.
But when it comes to big, structural changes, like tearing down walls, adding a new room, or running new plumbing lines, you need to get the work approved before you start.
Your local planning department wants to ensure all building projects, including your small home remodel, follow best building practices.
This ensures your safety as you live in the home and anyone that moves into the home after you. It also prevents the house from falling apart, or from emergencies like fires or floods from occurring.
Most of the time, if you’re hiring a contractor to handle the project, they will handle the permitting process for you. But if you are trying to complete projects on your own, you’ll need to head to the city planning department, show them your plans, and likely pay a permit fee.
2. Plan Waste Removal
Every big project starts with the removal of something that already exists. Whether you are tearing out the outdated kitchen cabinets and fixtures or ripping off the dilapidated drywall, you’re going to need a place to put all the debris.
For most projects, you’ll want to schedule a dumpster rental during the duration of your project. You don’t have to have to try fitting everything into your tiny residential waste bins.
Dumpsters are affordable and can be had in many different sizes depending on the size of the project. Contact Plummers Disposal if you need a dumpster delivered for your next remodel.
3. Talk to Your Neighbors
If you’re planning a big project, it might be a good idea to talk to your neighbors beforehand. If there’s going to be a construction team coming and going, or large equipment that makes a ton of noise, it’s respectful to inform your neighbors ahead of time.
With many people working from home these days, they need to plan to work elsewhere on a particular day.
Certain projects may also affect your neighbor’s property. For example, installing a new fence by contacting a contractor like Timber Ridge Fence Company or landscaping may alter the border of their property. Of course, you are still free to do so, but it’s nice when your neighbor lets you know before certain things happen.
4. Add a Smart Lock
When remodeling a house, contractors will often hire various subcontractors to finish each task. There are likely a lot of people who will come and go and dealing with locked doors and keys is a problem.
By installing a smart lock, you can control who can and cannot enter your home while you’re away. You can provide the contractor with a password, and he can allow any of his team members to get to work at any time.
Smart locks aren’t only beneficial during a remodel project, however. Their usefulness goes far beyond and makes living in your home more convenient. It’s a worthy investment and a small home improvement in and of itself.
5. Get Multiple Quotes
If you’re hoping to have all of your home remodel needs met within your budget, you’re going to need to contact multiple contractors.
Everyone will have a different quoting process ad can come up with very different numbers when estimating the total cost. Of course, you don’t necessarily want to go with the cheapest one.
You want to compare the estimated cost with the estimated timeline, as well as the reputation of the contractor. Make sure to read reviews of previous clients to get a better idea of if the projects run on time or get pushed back, or if the final cost is higher than the quote.
6. Call Before You Dig
Some big projects can be done on your own. The installation of a fence or the construction of a backyard shed is a few examples.
But any time you are digging on your property, even if it’s just a few inches down, you want to call 811. You need to have your utility lines marked out on your property before you dig to ensure you don’t hit anything.
Hitting your utility lines can mean damage, which will cost you money, and potentially even hurt you. Calling is free and they usually get it done in a few days.
7. YouTube Exists for a Reason
If you’re an avid DIYer looking to save money on your home remodel needs, then hopefully you are skilled with tools. If not, you’re going to want to spend a decent amount of time on YouTube.
Many professionals have YouTube channels where they demonstrate exactly how to complete various tasks like installing drywall, sanding, caulking, making plumbing repairs, and much more.
Your home is an investment, and one that will pay you back over time if you don’t screw it up. Always take time to research and learn before completing a project, to ensure it looks good and functions properly.
Start Your Home Improvement Project Today
If you keep all of these tips in mind, then you are ready to jump right into your next home improvement project. Success with remodels comes down to preparation, patience, and having the right things in place at the right time.
Looking for more home tips and tricks like this? Head over to our blog to find other helpful articles now.
