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If you’re a homeowner, you want your house to provide the space, style, and amenities your family needs. Unfortunately, home renovations can be complicated and often bring unexpected timeline delays and hidden costs. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process of updating your place.
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Preparing for Renovation
Although you may want to refresh your entire home, picking one manageable project makes it easier to start. Identify an area you frequently use that isn’t meeting your expectations. Functional rooms like kitchens and bathrooms are a popular choice for renovations. Determine your budget and shop around for the right builders to help you realize your goals. You can get bids from multiple contractors and compare costs.
It’s important to have a clear understanding of how the work will impact your home’s value so you can ensure that your renovation project is a wise investment. In some cases, such as adding an extra bedroom or finishing a basement, the value of your home will increase significantly. However, there are also many small changes that can add up to a big difference. For example, painting the walls and updating the fixtures can make your home more appealing to potential buyers. Explore the housing market in your area to help determine how much your home is worth and how certain renovations can raise its value.
Before the renovations start, develop a plan for how you and your family can cope with the changes in your home. You might choose to stay with loved ones or in a rental during the renovations. Otherwise, you need to determine ways to prepare food, be productive, and sleep while work is being done. If you have children or pets, you should take measures to protect them from the building site. You should also prepare areas adjacent to the room being renovated by removing valuables and covering furniture, floor, and walls as needed.
Building a Home Office
Studies show that over half of American employees work from home at least one day per week, which means home offices are becoming more common. Creating a workspace that is separate from your living room and bedroom can help you stay productive and enforce boundaries between your professional and personal lives. Try building your new office in an area with plenty of natural light, which can make you feel more energized and productive throughout the day. In the evening, use a blend of bright task lighting, such as a desk lamp, with ambient, overhead light. You should also invest in storage solutions like cabinets which enable you to stay organized. Finally, arrange your desk and any office furniture in a layout that encourages flow.
Remodeling the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms for renovation. Not only is it a highly functional area to upgrade, but kitchen improvements also tend to have a relatively good return on investment. For homeowners looking to sell in the near future, a kitchen renovation can be a smart choice. Because these upgrades are more complicated, you should probably hire contractors to work on your kitchen renovation. Make sure to create and utilize a budget and timeline so that construction stays on track. Keep the scope of your project small so that you can invest in quality materials. Focus on modernizing the space with new fixtures and countertops. You can also replace your old appliances with newer, energy-efficient models.
Extending Your House
Building an extension onto your house is a major renovation that requires a great deal of planning and research. First, you must inspect the property and prepare the land for building. Be sure to check local zoning regulations and your homeowner’s association before you proceed. Installing safe roofing and windows is essential. In addition, you need to work with professionals to extend electricity and plumbing in any newly constructed areas. You might also consult an architect who can guide the project and ensure your extension complements the rest of your home.
Whether you want to build your dream home office or update your old kitchen before you sell, with the right plan and some professional help, you can take on renovation projects that transform your house and boost its value.