Remodeling a room in your home can be a massive job, both in terms of the work involved and the money that you’ll spend. That’s why it’s so important to consider all the factors at play with a remodel and plan well before you start the job. You’ll want to create a realistic budget, think about the value a remodel will add to your home, and look for a reliable and affordable contractor. There may be some aspects of the project that can be DIY, but many major remodels require the knowledge of a pro, and you definitely want to have someone who knows what they’re doing for big changes.

If you think you’ll be selling your home in the near future and want to boost its value, do some research to find out what kinds of amenities or features home buyers in your area are looking for. In the bedroom, most people want a connected bathroom, walk-in closets, updated lighting, and outlets in various spots around the room. If the remodel is just for you, think about the things you’ve wished for most in the last year or so. What does your routine necessitate? Does your bedroom meet your needs in its current state?

Here are a few things to think about when you’re ready to start planning.

Check zoning laws

Many homeowners decide to add on to their bedrooms for more space, often either to expand a closet or add a bathroom. But if you’re going to knock down walls and push the room further outside, you’ll have to check local zoning laws to find out if you need a permit. A good contractor will be able to tell you what you need to do in order to cover yourself legally, but it’s still a good idea to look online and get confirmation from the source.

Consider the benefits

There are many benefits to remodeling your bedroom, one of them being the added value it can bring to your home. Even if you aren’t thinking of selling anytime soon, you may decide to in the future, and having an updated bedroom can add about 40 percent to 80 percent return on investment — when you find a buyer. Doing some research on what buyers are looking for in the current market will help you decide which changes to make and which ones to stay away from.

Stick to a budget

When you begin a home project, it’s very easy to go over budget if you don’t start with a detailed plan. You also want to have a timeline worked out for completion, because if you don’t have a clear goal and a set date for finishing, you may end up changing your mind several times on design themes as you go. This will only keep pushing your budget up and out, until you find yourself overwhelmed with spending. Do some homework to find out what materials and labor will cost (if you have to hire a contractor) and use that info to create a budget you can stick to, then figure out a timeline. You’ll thank yourself later!

Make it energy-efficient

Energy-efficient, eco-friendly homes are so important these days when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint, and utilizing these aspects in your remodel will both bump up the value of your home and help you save money on your utilities. Think about the details, like using natural light as much as possible with energy-efficient windows or installing LED lighting that will last for years.

Remodeling a bedroom takes a lot of time and planning, but when it’s done right, it can help you transform your home into a relaxing, beautiful space that will benefit you in many ways. Create a solid plan before making purchases or hiring help, and make sure you’ll be able to pay for the project and still have some breathing room should a problem arise.

Article by:

Rob Woods
rob@fixitdads.com
Fixitdads.com

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