How To Renovate a Home

A whole home renovation is a great investment if you want to update your home or sell it for a higher price.It can sometimes feel overwhelming with so many considerations.Have no fear.You can use a few strategies to get the job done quickly and efficiently.We have put together a list of questions that you can ask to get started on your project.

Step 1: If you have to, start with the exterior.

If you have to choose between the interior and exterior of your home, go with the exterior.If you have to make roof repairs, make your siding look better.The inside of your home should not be renovated until the outside is in tip-top shape.If you have a leaking roof, you don't want a brand new kitchen and flooring.The interior of your home should be renovated if the exterior looks great.

Step 2: Make a list of the rooms you use the most.

Break up your renovations so you can live in your home and keep costs down.One at a time, focus on the rooms and areas that you use the most.When you are done with one room or area, move on to another.Save your kitchen for later if you like to spend a lot of time in your living room but don't cook as often.

Step 3: The floors should be saved for the last.

When you have contractors working in parts of your home, renovations can take a long time and be messy.It is recommended that your floors last so that they are less likely to be damaged.If you want to start on floors, try to wait until you are done with other major remodeling projects.If it suits your needs and you plan to get them out of the way first, then go for it.

Step 4: To find out what you can afford, research home renovation costs.

Take a look at the cost of the materials you want to use for your renovations.Structural work and finishing touches like paint are included in the costs for each room.Put together a budget for your project with quotes from contractors.Before you start renovations, check for any building restrictions.Rules may be in place at some locations.You won't get fined if you apply for building permits.

Step 5: A detailed project plan is needed for your renovations.

blueprints and a plan for your renovations can be created with the assistance of a contractor and designer.Make future budgeting decisions easier by coming up with a list of things you need and things that you want.Pick a plan of which projects you want to start.New countertops and a new stove could be included in your "need" list, while new bathroom fixtures and backsplash could also be on your want list.Your contractor can help you come up with a gameplan for your project.

Step 6: Start with what is needed the most.

You should not make renovations when you move into a new home.You can better understand what works, what doesn't, and what needs to work better if you live in your home for at least a few months.If you have been living in your home for a long time, you should start renovations with what needs the most work.If your bathroom is outdated but functional, start with your kitchen first.It's a good idea to live in your home to learn what needs to be fixed first.

Step 7: Designers and architects can help plan your renovations.

Home renovations are expensive and take a lot of time, so it is important that they are done right from the start.An interior designer can help you choose materials for your renovation.If you plan to add or remove walls, hire an architect to make sure your home is sound and up to code.You can find interior designers and architectural firms in your area.

Step 8: Set up a timetable for the renovations with a contractor.

The point man on the job will be a contract.One that you like has received positive feedback from customers.Put together a list of everything that needs to be purchased for the job and deadlines for making decisions if you work with them.Creating timelines will help keep the job moving.You can find contractors in your area online by reading customer reviews.Some interior designers have recommendations for contractors.

Step 9: Between $19,800 and $73,200 is the average cost.

Renovating a house can cost more than you think.Depending on how large your home is, the extent of your renovations, and the quality of the materials and appliances you are purchasing, you're looking at a total cost of at least $20,000USD for a whole home.

Step 10: If your homeowner's insurance doesn't cover renovations, you should check it out.

As you budget, some policies may include coverage for some renovations.To find out what renovations qualify for coverage, take a look at your insurance information.Your insurance may cover roof repairs.If you want to inquire about what renovations your insurance company will approve, you can contact them.

Step 11: To cover overages, pad your budget by at least 15%.

Most home renovations will go over budget and take longer than expected.If you prepare for it, you will be less frustrated when it happens.An additional 10-15% of your total budget is tacked on.If you have a total budget of $30,000USD, take 15% of that, which is $4,500, and add it together for a final total of $34,500USD.

Step 12: If you want to get the best return on your investment, update your kitchen.

If you want to increase your property value, the kitchen is a great choice.Half of the cost of a kitchen upgrade can be recovered by homeowners if they sell their home.Kitchen renovations can be expensive and time consuming.It may be the best way to increase your home's value.Minor kitchen remodels that involve replacing appliances, refacing cabinets, and installing new countertops and sinks can increase your home's value dramatically.

Step 13: You should replace your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning.

The most important things to maintain in a home are the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system.Studies show that people won't buy a home if the heating and cooling system is not up to date.If you want to increase the value of your home, you need to upgrade its cooling and heating systems.To make sure they are installed correctly, a professional needs to be hired.

Step 14: You can use a renovated bathroom as a selling point.

Updating a bathroom in your home is an easy way to increase its appeal.The sleek surfaces look great and are easy to clean.You could add a shower to the room if you have a half bath.Adding an additional half bath to a living room or hallway could increase the value of your home.The cost of a bathroom renovation can be recovered by homeowners if they sell their home.

Step 15: For a budget option, replace siding doors and repaint.

Simple, cost-effective ways to boost the value of your home are replacing the siding around it.A fresh coat of paint is a great way to improve the appearance of your home.You can make some cheaper changes to your home that will make it look better.If you want to boost the value of your home without having to do major renovations, you can do projects like redo your roof, replace siding, and replace windows.

Step 16: Increase efficiency instead of size.

You can find ways to reorganize your spaces so they have more utility and function.Try replacing shelves that take up space with pullout drawers that hold canned goods, instead of remodeling your entire kitchen space and adding walls.Adding a sleeping loft to a small room is one way you could increase efficiency.The more usable space and appliances you have, the more value it has.

Step 17: Make changes to your appliances.

New wallpaper can be applied to a wall.Change out electrical fixture or install new cabinets.Replacing a shower or faucet is one of the things you could do in the kitchen.For a cost-effective way to upgrade your home, look for outdated, unattractive, or broken appliances, decor, and fixtures.

Step 18: Use recycled materials.

There are stores that sell recycled or lightly used building materials.Purchase cheaper materials from them for your renovations.You can buy recycled materials from Habitat for Humanity's 400 ReStores in the US.To find a location near you, visit https://www.habitat.org/.If contractors feel there is a liability issue, they may not use recycled or lightly used fixtures.

Step 19: Ask your contractor if they have any leftover stock.

Extra materials can be found from different job sites.They may be able to use them on your home renovations to help reduce your total costs.

Step 20: A renovation plan should include costs and timelines.

You need to figure out what you want to do and then research the materials, equipment, and appliances you plan to update.A list of costs and expenses.If you give yourself deadlines for each task, you can focus on one task at a time.

Step 21: Purchase your own equipment.

You can find a source for materials.Pick up the materials on your own.Check recycling centers and thrift stores for lightly used materials.You can find and buy everything yourself.

Step 22: Updating the look of rooms in your home is possible.

It is easy to paint.If you want to see what the paint chip colors would look like on your walls, get a few different colors.A new paint color will make the room look better and fit your design.To apply paint to your walls, clear the room, mask off any areas you don't want to paint, and use rollers and paint brushes.You can take a picture of your room and try out different colors on the website of a paint company.

Step 23: You can partner with a contractor for jobs you can't do on your own.

You may be able to do things like paint and wallpaper, but some jobs may not be in your wheelhouse.You can bring in a contractor on a limited basis for those.It can help you save money in the long run if you pay for a contractor only when you need it.If you want to install a new sink or stove in your kitchen, but are not sure you can do it, you should hire a contractor.You can do it yourself in the kitchen.