There is nothing quite as exciting for a homeowner as a renovation project. Out with the old, in with the new, and one step closer to the proverbial “dream home.” With that said, this excitement will quickly dissipate if the project goes into the red or results in a serious injury. Keep reading as we explore some of the best steps to take for planning a safe and efficient home renovation project.
Know the Local Market
When it comes to efficiency in home renovation, most projects will inevitably circle back to dollars and cents. If the cost inputs do not equate to a commensurate rise in resale value, it will be difficult to view the project as a success.
As such, it is critical to have a clear understanding of the most valuable home improvement projects in your locality. What are the kitchen trends in your area? What are some of the most popular siding colors in your market? What types of landscaping are buyers willing to pay more for?
It may come as a surprise, but garage door replacements top the list of value-adding renovations in most markets. As a rule, these types of functional, time-efficient projects are more lucrative than more lavish, drawn-out undertakings.
Create a Realistic Budget
Too many homeowners grossly underestimate the cost of home renovation. They look at the project with rose-colored glasses. They assume that everything will go according to plan and the project will be completed in the shortest time possible.
Then reality sets in. Mother Nature rears her ugly side and stalls work for several days. There was a logistical issue during a material delivery, and your roofing tiles are sitting on a loading dock 1,000 miles away. A contractor you are working with got sick.
While there is nothing wrong with being optimistic, it is important to factor in some worst-case scenarios when making a renovation budget. Have backup plans for materials and labor. Invest in secure storage so that critical tools, materials, and equipment don’t get ruined by inclement weather or theft. It is recommended to have 20% above budget readily available before starting a project. This will reduce the risk of work stalling due to any of the aforementioned factors.
Factor in Living Arrangements
Every home renovation will upset day-to-day life to a varying degree. There may be added noise during construction hours. Or the project may cause full-scale displacement from the home.
Whatever the case, it is crucial to plan for living arrangements while the project takes place. If the house remains usable during construction, be sure to invest in temporary construction walls to keep children and pets safe. It is also a great idea to add a soundproof door to bedrooms and home offices for minimal disruption. If the project requires the family to move out, hotel and/or short-term rentals are not the only costs to include in the budget. There will likely be increased transportation and dining out costs as well, so plan accordingly.
Leverage Professional Partnerships
The DIY movement is here to stay. Homeowners have unprecedented access to information that can allow them to accomplish routine home maintenance tasks on their own.
The operative word here is routine.
Biting off more than you can chew when it comes to DIY renovation is both dangerous and costly. It may also be against the law if you are not licensed to perform the type of work you are attempting.
As such, vetting and partnering with construction professionals is one of the best ways to guarantee the ongoing safety and efficiency of the project. In addition to contractors that are performing the work, it is also important to use inspectors. Their trained eyes can help you quickly identify any quality issues or potential safety breaches to help save time and heartache in the long run.
Plan for Waste Removal
The building is the exciting part of a home renovation. Nonetheless, there is a tearing down factor that is just as real. Failure to account for this can have unsavory consequences. Pests can make their home in piles of construction waste. Work areas become obstructed by debris. Key tools and materials get lost in the rubbish, resulting in redundant purchases.
Therefore, it is paramount to explore roll off dumpster sizes and have your job site equipped for adequate waste removal. Schedule regular service so that waste does not accumulate. It is also a great idea to have a hydrovac service on speed dial. This waste removal professional can quickly clean up any liquid or toxic spills, ensuring that your home remains safe and compliant with local codes.
Plan Accordingly for Safe and Efficient Home Renovation
Renovations are exciting, but only if they enhance value and are completed safely. From understanding local market trends to ensuring adequate waste removal, consider any of the ideas listed above for the safest, most efficient home renovations possible. For more of the latest insights in the home improvement industry, explore the resources at Find the Home Pros for ideas and inspiration today!
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