Home improvement is a popular pastime that involves renovating to improve living spaces, from replacing hardware to making major renovations like kitchen remodels or roof repairs. No matter the scope of your project, it is crucial that you understand exactly what’s involved and budget accordingly in order to avoid any unwelcome surprises along the way.
At the beginning of the 80s, television home improvement shows such as Bob Vila’s This Old House helped spark an interest in DIY home renovation and create an enthusiasm for Victorian-inspired elements like molding and columns which became mainstream sellers at mass retailers and remain trendy today.
Before embarking on any home improvement project, it is a good idea to compile a list of everything that needs to change in your home. This will allow you to divide the list into needs and wants; needs being essential upgrades that improve function or safety such as roof repairs or installing new lighting; while wants are upgrades which would add value such as installing a deck or landscaping.
If you’re planning a major home renovation, consulting with an architect or designer is often best. Their services can help create plans that are both beautiful and functional while meeting local codes and permits.
Consider how your home improvement project will affect your daily life when selecting contractors and timelines, budget sizes and timelines for completion. Keep your contractor informed of any changes in your daily routine or any occurrences which might impact their work on your home improvement project. Communicate openly throughout the process in order to maintain transparency with their services.
Consult an experienced real estate professional before undertaking any home improvements to determine their potential add-value to your property. Not all upgrades have the same impact; poorly executed upgrades could actually lower resale value; for instance, installing an above-ground pool might turn away potential buyers looking for traditional neighborhoods; those prioritizing resale value often choose projects that match both style and price point of their surrounding neighborhood.
