Remodeling a space can be a major project, but with the right company and information, you can make your dream home come to fruition!
As homeowners, we usually have a laundry list of projects with time and budget constraints when it comes to a home remodel.
This step-by-step guide from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) can help ensure you get the maximum return on your investment and make the most of your remodel.
Step 1 – Identify Reasons for Remodeling
Determining whether to undertake simple aesthetic changes or a full remodel can be difficult. One of the best ways to decide is to figure out why you’re remodeling in the first place – whether it’s to make your new house feel more like home or to update a 1950s-era kitchen.
Step 2 –
Set Your Budget
Every home is unique in structure, age, quality, and craftsmanship, all of which impact the price of a remodel. Since no one can magically see through walls before demolition, the quote you receive will likely not be 100 percent accurate. However, a qualified remodeling company will be open and honest about any issues or challenges that may occur during the process. Prepare for these “surprises” by including a 10 percent cushion for any necessary adjustments, just in case.
Step 3 –
Hire the Right Team
To help ensure you hire the right company for the job, do your research. Referrals from friends and family are one way to find a good remodeler, as well as vetted contractors found in WestCoast magazine.
Step 4 –
Understand the Plan
Communication is key to a successful remodeling project. Keep the lines of communication open between you, the remodeling contractor, and the work crew. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Let them know your family’s schedule and whether you have pets confined in the home. Make sure to specify the best way to reach you, either by phone, in person, or through e-mail, and how often you wish to communicate with your remodeling contractor about the project.
Step 5 –
Complete the Project
When the remodel is almost finished and the dust is settling, take a moment to walk through your home and note any adjustments that need to be made while the contractor is still on-site. Contractors often provide guarantees of workmanship, so find out what they cover and for how long, then include this information in your work agreement. You should also take another look at the contract to confirm you have signed permits, receipts, change orders, lien waivers, warranties, and manufacturers’ guides at your disposal. FF