You have saved, planned, and dreamed of that home remodel. Pinterest board is prepared, the contractor is booked, and you can already envision how it will look after. But then, suddenly, whack! unwanted expenses begin to creep in.
When it comes to a home remodeling project, even the best planned jobs can reveal some surprises. But do not be afraid of them. The trick is to be prepared. Below is a glimpse of the most prevalent under-the-rug expenses that Indiana homeowners find themselves caught in, and what you can do to avoid them.
Surprises behind the walls
As soon as you begin to open up a wall or a floor, you may find surprises like:
- Untidy wiring
- Broken pipes
- Concealed water destruction
- Mold, etc.
This is particularly prevalent in older houses around Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, or South Bend.
How to prevent it: It is best to always expect the unexpected. Allocate 10-20% contingency fund to your budget. A pre-renovation home inspection may help identify some of the problems, but even inspectors cannot peep through walls. That additional fund should give you some peace of mind.
Permits, investigations, and local fees
Each Indiana county and city has its own building codes and permit fees. What is acceptable in Carmel may not be so in Evansville. You will be required to have these permits if you want to do structural work, electrical work, plumbing work, or additions.
How to prevent it: Call your local building department before your contractor picks up a hammer. Enquire about the permits needed for Home Improvement Indiana and their prices. If you are using a contractor, ensure that the estimate includes the permit fees. This will help you avoid fines or stop work orders.
The “while you’re at it” effect
It begins with a single harmless idea: “We are doing the kitchen over; we might as well do the flooring at the same time.’’ Your new planned kitchen upgrade of $15,000 suddenly becomes a whole-house project of $30,000.
How to prevent it: Specify your project scope at the beginning of the project. When new ideas occur during the project (they will), list them as part of Phase 2 rather than entering them into the project at the moment.
Temporary living costs
Living at home can be a challenge when your kitchen has been ripped apart or when your only bathroom is being remodeled. Dining out, getting accommodation in a hotel, or even a temporary apartment can quickly drain your remodeling budget.
How to prevent it: Disruption planning. When you have a major remodel, include a temporary living budget in your plan. In smaller projects, create a temporary kitchen. You can also bring your grill outside during the warmer months in Indiana.
Unstable material prices
Construction materials such as wood, drywall, and tile do not have set prices. Costs can get high overnight due to supply chain delays or high demand. Weather conditions in Indiana also influence supply.
Prevention: Inquire of your contractor whether they can lock in the prices of materials when your estimate is approved. If you source materials by yourself, you should also monitor the sales of local suppliers. You can save hundreds by purchasing in large quantities or out of season.
Underestimated labor costs
Homeowners find labor to be more expensive than they imagined. Your contractor might encounter difficulties, such as:
- Additional plumbing runs
- Subfloor damages
- Structural problems, etc.
In such cases, you will most likely have to pay more hours.
How to prevent it: Have a detailed and itemized contract before the work can commence. It must explicitly spell out what is included and what will be considered as an extra. In case of a change in the scope of the project, request a written change order to approve any new work.
Disposal and cleanup fees
Removing cabinets, flooring, or drywall creates a great deal of waste, and waste removal is not always included in your quote. The cost of dumpster rentals, haulage, and landfill fees may easily increase a couple of hundred dollars on your bill.
How to prevent it: Check who does the garbage collection, and whether it is included in the costs. There are bulk waste disposal services provided to residents in some cities in Indiana, such as Bloomington and Lafayette. You can save more by using local programs.
Touch-up and maintenance of the projects
You will likely incur some costs even when the contractors have packed up. You may require new trim or fresh paint touch-ups. You might also need professional cleaning to remove construction dust.
How to prevent it: Plan for minor finishing touches in your budget. Many homeowners normally consider it last, but it is what makes your remodel shine after.
The takeaway
Any home improvement project has a couple of twists and turns at the end of the day. Nevertheless, plan well and keep an eye on the unknown. This way, you will emerge at the other end of the journey with a home that you love.