10 Home Remodeling Commandments To Abide By

Find a Reputable Contractor

Home renovations are sometimes more than the average DIYer can do themselves. That’s why it’s wise to hire a professional.

Before you begin your home remodeling project, you’ll want to conduct research to find a reputable contractor, like the pros at 4Ever Remodeling.

Create a remodeling checklist of questions to ask a contractor, such as design options, customer referral lists, insurance and certificates, sample proposals and a portfolio of completed work. You’ll also want to look into their online reputation and inquire with people in the community who’ve worked with them.

An excellent contractor will inform you about all the fine project details, from the timeline to the permitting to the process itself.

Obtain The Necessary Permits

Are you interested in doing a large-scale basement remodeling project with a guest room and bathroom? Perhaps you’re replacing windows or taking down walls for an open concept floor plan.

In most situations, you’ll need to pull permits for your home renovation. The City of Chicago or Suburbs Department of Buildings has stringent requirements for home improvement permitting that your contractor will know well.

Homeowners typically get frustrated with the permitting process. However, permits ensure the safety of everyone involved in construction and make sure your home’s new features meet today’s standards.

If you decide to sell your home in the future, buyers will want to know if your project was permitted. Often, they may be hesitant to make an offer with unpermitted construction. You might also incur fines and have to redo the job properly.

Stick to Your Budget

Set a budget before diving into your renovation. It’s easy to burn through your wallet when you have so many great ideas for your house. For example, home additions can be some of the most expensive projects you take on.

According to online sources, homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $350 per square feet of home addition. However, that price varies depending on labor, materials and location.

Remember that you’ll also have to cover the costs of flooring, tiles, cabinetry, appliances and other decorative features that fit your design plan. Due to supply chain and manufacturing issues, kitchen remodeling projects could come with a 50% increase in cabinetry costs since the beginning of the pandemic.

Consider Financing Options

Renovations are expensive, and it can be daunting figuring out how to pay for your home improvement projects. Thankfully, several financing options are available, including:

• Home remodel or repair loans
• Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
• Home equity loan
• Cash-out refinancing
• Credit cards
• Government loans

Although it may be an obvious choice, you should also save up for your major renovation. Contributing as much money out of pocket as possible will help you avoid having to pay back loans and credit cards later on.

Plan Ahead

Homeowners will want to plan for a successful home renovation. Decide what your project’s end goal looks like, as well as your needs and wants for the remodeling timeline.

Choosing design elements early, from tiles to hardware, can ensure products arrive on time for installation and help your contractor avoid delays.

Planning will also help you stay on budget. Starting early and making selections sooner rather than later will help you better understand what expenses you must consider.

Additionally, set aside a contingency fund in case problems arise. Contractors may come across electrical, plumbing or foundational issues in older homes that need to be fixed before construction continues. A contingency fund ensures you won’t cut into your renovation budget.

Make a Checklist

A lot will be happening at once throughout your home remodeling project. Create a master checklist for yourself to keep track of everything you need to do.

Some of the things you should include are administrative tasks like permitting and financing, as well as product selections.

You might also need to consider child care or where you’ll live if you need to vacate your home for some time, depending on the project’s scale.

Avoid Change Orders

It’s normal to change your mind about design details, especially with a substantial home improvement project. However, whenever you decide to swap out a countertop or go with a different backsplash, your contractor must write up a change order.

Change orders signify an amendment to your design plan. They’re also budget-busting and may extend the duration of your project.

Let’s say your Chicago bathroom remodeling project is nearing completion and your contractor is about to install the shower tiles. Looking for a different tile at the last minute could hold up the entire renovation.

Communicate Effectively

It’s essential to maintain effective communication and mutual respect with your contractor when working on a home renovation.

You’ll want to build a solid contractor-client relationship to stay informed about the process and find solutions to any issues. Your contractor is talented at their work but can’t read your mind.

Swap email addresses and phone numbers with your contractor and communicate regularly. Write information down or questions to ask them later on. They’re there to help bring your dream home to life.

Create A Remodeling Timeline

Several aspects of your home remodeling project are outside your control, such as when materials will arrive or how long permitting will take. However, your contractor will have a better idea of the duration of your renovation.

Create a timeline for yourself to keep the progress rolling. Select the desired start date with your contractor and figure out how long each part of the project will take to complete.

Remember that the inevitable happens, and your project completion date may get pushed back. Regardless, having a tentative start and end date will keep everyone on track.

Consider Future Resale Value

You may have some wild ideas you want to incorporate into your design plan. It’s your home and you should enjoy it. However, do you plan to stay there forever?

Consider future resale value when you begin planning your home renovation project. Is your project going to boost the value of your home or hinder it?

Some projects have a better return on investment (ROI) than others. According to the 2020 Cost vs. Value Report, manufactured stone veneer had a cost recovery of 95.6% during resale. The ROI for master suite renovations increased by 51.6% from the previous year, as well.