Ideas and tips for helping people to successfully remodel their house to improve their home’s comfort and utility or seek a good return on their investment.
Home improvement is the process of adding to or renovating interior or exterior rooms of a home. Typically these renovations and remodeling projects are completed by professional contractors or a handyman; however, many people prefer to make these improvements themselves. These people are called do-it-yourselfers because they have enough basic skills or ability to learn the necessary skills to complete improvements themselves.
Often homeowners confuse home improvement with home repair. A home repair is a process of fixing or correcting problems within a home. Home improvement is the process of upgrading and improving things in a home. Examples include:
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Home improvement can be quite expensive; however, budgeting avoids wasting money on unnecessary or costly items. This is a critical step to avoid running out of money before a home remodeling project is completed. Budgeting helps keep track of where the money is spent, along with making sure the cost of all necessary items for renovation is identified. One example is purchasing or renting the required tools for installing tile or carpet.
This does not mean that purchasing the most inexpensive items is the best method for staying within budget. Budgeting is best used to ensure funds are not wasted and are available for purchasing the best items where possible. One tip is that price is not everything, quality is critical to long term happiness with a home improvement project.
Obtaining estimates from contractors for a home renovation project is a good way of preparing a budget. It is important to obtain at least three estimates from potential contractors to ensure the best deal possible. Even for someone who plans to do-it-yourself, contractor estimates provide a good idea of expected costs. Another tip is to allow an extra 15 to 20 percent of the renovation cost for unexpected expenses.
Often home improvement projects result in unhappy homeowners and confused contractors. This is best avoided by ensuring the homeowner and contractor are on the same page regarding what is expected. Tips for reducing confusion include:
Use pictures found in these resources to give to contractors so they can view exact designs, colors, and materials desired for completion of the project.
For the person who plans to do-it-yourself, these resources are great for helping determine what is needed and finalizing project ideas.
The following tips help take the worry out of starting and completing a successful home improvement project.
Home improvement projects are sometimes challenging depending on the level of renovation being attempted. Budgeting, selecting the right contractor, purchasing the right materials, do-it-yourself remodeling, and communication are all critical to a successful remodeling. Planning and research are critical to success and long-term happiness.