Redefinition: Reasons to Do It
Many home improvement projects begin with someone saying, “Wouldn’t it be nice… “Wouldn’t it be nice if…?” is a common phrase that begins home improvement projects. This is often followed by a desire for a renovated kitchen or an addition to the room for more space. Reality and dreams often don’t align due to limited resources or limitations on space. Turning your dreams into reality is the key. Start by evaluating your needs. These are the top reasons homeowners consider home improvement.
It may be necessary to replace something you no longer love. It may be a good idea to update your kitchen’s colour scheme if it was great decades ago, but is no longer functional.
Sometimes home improvements are born out of the need to replace inefficient or broken fixtures. Consider a bathroom makeover if a toilet, sink, or tub needs to be replaced.
You want to make sure you get the best price when you sell your house. This is a great motivator for home improvements.
You’ve decided staying put and improving your home is better than moving.
You have a growing family and need more space.
How can we improve our ability to move? Or Improving your Stay?
If you are planning to make improvements to your home in order to sell it, be sure that you carefully consider your options. You might lose your prospects if you cut corners. Don’t be too generous. Some potential buyers might prefer not to spend extra money on extras like a hot tub, or pool. It’s better to keep the changes simple.
Remember that potential buyers may not like your style and may not appreciate your efforts to choose the perfect shade of green for your walls.
It will be easier to improve your home to sell if you think from the perspective of the potential buyer. What is most important to them? These are some remodeling projects that buyers will likely find valuable.
Remodelling or adding a bathroom
Improve your kitchen
Addition of a new room
Landscaping
Addition of a bedroom
Garage addition or enclosure
You should not remodel your home if you aren’t planning to move. It’s likely that you will want to sell your home one day. Even if it is the most beautiful house on the block, it might be difficult to convince potential buyers to buy the important things you value. Keep in mind the neighborhood’s value when making home improvements. The average home should have a value of 20% less than your home. This means that a $10,000 renovation project in the kitchen could be a better investment then a $10,000 hot tub.
Home Maintenance versus home improvements
Some home improvements are done because of a broken item. A major bathroom remodeling project may start with a new bathtub.
Although this might be a valid reason to remodel, it is important not to base your home improvements on your immediate needs. Proper maintenance will help you avoid problems. Every part of your house should be inspected at least once per year. You should inspect the roof, plumbing, and electrical wiring. Repair it as soon as you notice a problem. You can save money by fixing problems as soon as you notice them. Remember that home maintenance doesn’t increase the value of your house. Most repairs are not considered improvements, but are essential.
The benefits of hiring professionals may include time and money savings
Home projects can be costly. You may feel tempted to do them yourself to save money. This is a good idea for small projects. This will allow you to do the work yourself and not have to wait for someone else to do it.
Major home renovations are best left to professionals unless you have a lot of experience. You might be able to tackle the electrical, plumbing and carpentry jobs yourself if you are planning to remodel your kitchen. You’ll also need to complete it quickly because there won’t be a kitchen if it isn’t finished in a timely manner. Also, eating three meals per day at restaurants can make it expensive. Do-it-yourself projects take longer. You’ll also need to get all permits and inspections.
You can save time and money by hiring people with the right experience. These professionals can help you create a unique look with stock products. This can save you a lot of money. You will get value for many years by getting it right the first time.
Refer to friends, family, and neighbors for reliable and qualified home improvement professionals. Always verify the references thoroughly and get at least three. Check with your local Better Business Bureau chapter or Chamber of Commerce. You can find their numbers in your telephone directory’s community services section.
Once you have found the right home improvement professionals, ensure everyone is on the same page about the design, the timeline, and the budget. Then, sign a contract and put all details in writing.
You should also check for professional licenses and certifications. Also, make sure that contractors you hire are properly insured and bonded. This information can be obtained from your local Building Department. It is important to make sure contractors have workers’ compensation insurance. If workers are hurt on the job you won’t be held responsible. Ask for copies of their insurance certificates. Before you start any work, make sure your contractor and you have obtained all permits. For more information, contact your local Planning and Zoning Commission.