Plan Ahead for Home Remodels

Negotiating the planning/permitting process and actually starting construction comfortably within the same building season is tough to pull off. Home remodels are big jobs, and many homeowners are simply ill-prepared when they go into a project. This often leads to high job costs or even low-quality work. To protect your investment (and possibly your mental health, too) getting a head start on your home remodeling plans is the answer.

Home Remodeling Plans

The bottom line is easy: Avoid the rush when you can. January is the most popular time of the year for home remodels, so everyone's time is at a premium. What many consumers don't understand is the sheer multitude of decisions required for just getting a project "permit-ready," much less the time it takes for getting construction underway.
 
Developing a custom floor plan is just the start. Working with a professional designer is usually a real eye-opener for most homeowners, once the full variety of decisions to make and all the options available become apparent. Choosing architectural materials, specific appliances, electrical and plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, fireplaces, windows and skylights, etc. is a time-consuming process. Having an experienced, professional designer to advise you and help you make the best home remodeling plans possible can truly be a life saver!

Home Remodels That Work

A huge advantage to planning ahead is that your research can easily become part of your regular (or holiday) shopping routine, making dual use of your time. You'll have time to weigh your choices, find great sales, discuss your project with friends and relatives, call or actually visit the names on that reference list furnished by your designer or contractor you're considering using— all without the time push. You may as well enjoy the process, and remember that you'll be living with the results of your choices for many years.

The First Steps in Home Remodels

If the project bids have come in over your projected budget, a whole new series of decisions begins. Do you cut back on the project, requiring new or re-drawn plans? Can you bring the project into line with material changes? Can the project be done in phases? Which contractor do you hire? Have you looked at his work? Is he still using the same sub contractors? If not, is the quality of his or her current subs satisfactory?
 
Even anticipating the normal three-to-six months (or more) of your home remodel is sometimes not enough to allow for the unexpected. An accident or illness to any of the involved parties can slow or stop the process temporarily. Allowing plenty of time for planning and permitting can make the difference between a fun enjoyable project and a massive headache.
 
Early planning allows for finding sales and bargains. By being ready at the beginning of the building season, you can take best advantage of supply and demand when it comes to contractor selection and selective bidding.

After You Have Permits and Bids

So how are you paying for this? A loan? How long will the lender take to review the plan and make a decision? Did you plan for the loan officer's two-week vacation? Remember Murphy's Law! Oh, by the way, the contractor you really wanted has accepted another job and cannot get to you for two months. Do you have time to wait?
 
These questions and many others can arise before and during the remodeling process. Do your best to stay ahead of all things that surround a project before it ever begins, and your home remodel is going to be something you can truly enjoy, rather than something you have to push through.
 
*Information above provided by servicemagic.com
Top 10 Home Improvement Projects
The results of the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report for 2010-2011 (Remodeling magazine) are out and I'm more convinced than ever that it really is what's on the outside that counts (see last week's post). The report ranks the most popular home...
Read More...
New Remodeling Trends For 2011
Interior architecture and design is a continually evolving industry. Just like fashion, we can't help but notice the ever-changing design trends of the season particularly when magazines, newspapers and television shows keep us abreast as to what's...
Read More...
Basement Remodeling Tips and Advice
Basement remodeling can be done by the homeowner himself with some skills in carpentry and interior design. Those who think they are lacking in these departments may be surprised to learn otherwise. The area can be turned into a gym, a laundry room,...
Read More...
5 Recession-Resistant Renovations
Upgrade Siding When your siding has seen better days, upgrading it just might be one of the best investments you can make for your home, no matter what the economic climate. Since siding functions as a shield for the materials it covers, the better...
Read More...
Master Bathroom Remodeling
A small affordable remodeling project that can have a big impact is a master bathroom remodel. Any changes you make to your master bath are guaranteed to make a difference in your daily routine.
Read More...
5 Steps to the Perfect Guest Room
Though homeowners spend quite a bit of time on living rooms, kitchens, and bathroom remodels, guest rooms are one of the most often neglected spaces in the house. If you're planning on having overnight guests within the next year, consider remodeling your guest room to make it more appealing and welcoming.
Read More...
Modern Kitchens for Today's Busy Lifestyle
Does your kitchen fit your busy lifestyle? Today's kitchens are at the hub of family life, serving as a dining area, office, and gathering place. Whether you choose a major kitchen remodel or just want to rejuvenate one aspect with new lighting, appliances, cabinetry or tile, updating your kitchen can make it easier to accommodate your family's daily routine.
Read More...
Cost and Quality of Kitchen Cabinets
Before you begin shopping for kitchen cabinets, the most important thing to do is establish a budget. Remember that cabinets are harder to change than anything else in the kitchen since everything else has to come out when you change the cabinets, so this is a decision that will affect your kitchen in many ways.
Read More...
8 Basement Remodeling Essentials
One of the easiest ways to "add a new room or rooms" to your home is to better utilize the space you already have. Most basements are dark areas where we store seasonal decorations, old toys, sporting equipment and anything else not used on a regular basis.
Read More...
Finding the Right Contractor For Your Home Addition
Is your family growing while your house seems to be shrinking? Or, have you decided the most economical way to get a larger home with the features you want means you need to put on an addition? Either way if your project is just too big to take on yourself, you’ll need to find a a reliable contractor.
Read More...
3 Best Remodeling Tips: What The Pros Know
Any real estate pro can tell you there are 3 important areas to consider if you're selling your home: curb appeal, kitchen and bathrooms. But, why wait till you sell your home to shape up these areas? Follow the advice of real estate professionals to put your home's best "face" forward even if you're not putting it on the market.
Read More...
Can You Afford a Home Remodel? How to Finance It
Most home remodeling projects, especially popular home improvements like bathrooms and kitchens, have substantial long-term returns in areas such as quality of life, increased resale value, and lower energy costs.
Read More...
How to Hire a Home Remodeling Contractor
Taking on a home remodeling project is a huge decision. You don't want to use just anybody, or you risk wasting your hard-earned money. Even though you are not buying a product, the contractor's services you choose are going to determine the quality of the finished product (your remodeling).
Read More...
Basement Remodeling Ideas & Tips
For your basement remodeling projects, as with any remodel you will want to asses your own priorities and budgetary requirements prior to making commitments.
Read More...
5 Reasons To Choose Blow In Insulation
Insulating your home is pure and simple the number one way to save money on energy costs. In the old days floors and walls were lined with just about anything to keep the moisture and cold air out of home. Renovations have revealed that even old newspapers were found packed into wall and floor boards.
Read More...
Six Remodeling Mistakes To Avoid
Doing it yourself can save thousands of dollars. But making mistakes during your remodel can be costly and dangerous. The key is to plan ahead, use common sense and take some tips from the pros.
Read More...
Kitchen Remodeling on Budget
To start, it is important to take note that no matter how big or small the budget, or how minor or major the kitchen remodeling will be, the keys to project success are: a well-detailed plan, craftsmanship and quality products and materials. ...
Read More...
Green Home Improvements: Embracing Energy Efficiency
Start Right with an Energy Audit To exactly know where your home stands when it comes to energy efficiency and get specifics on which area of your house and property needs concentration, an energy audit conducted by a professional would serve as a...
Read More...
Ways to Save on Kitchen Remodeling
RTA Cabinets One of the hottest when it comes to today’s kitchen commodities is RTA cabinets that have long since proved that they are more than hype. What started out as a cheap alternative to traditional choices became one of the best ways...
Read More...