As per a Sparks Research survey of 2,000 adults, 65% of younger homeowners aged between 18 and 43 are likely to renovate this year. Major home renovations always require extensive planning to ensure a smooth and stress-free process. However, planning for such home alternations is stressful, albeit exciting, since it is critical to get many things right.
Nevertheless, you can do a lot to guarantee a great renovation. If you want to learn more about preparing for your major home renovation effectively, take a look at these points.
Research Building Codes
Building codes are crucial to ensure that you live in a safe house. Failure to meet code requirements can result in hefty fines, eviction for renters, and other problems you cannot avoid without the help of a ‘fix my code violation expert.’ Consequently, it is critical to learn about the building codes that apply to your home improvement projects, mainly if you will take the DIY renovation approach. For instance, adding a basement bedroom without an egress window is a significant code violation since every “sleeping room” must have an egress window at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide. Also, if you will be fencing the side and back of your property, your fence must be 6 feet and 42 to 48 inches in the front. This way, you don’t build a fence that your local building authority can tear down for being too tall.
Determine Your Budget
According to HomeAdvisor, the cost of renovating a house costs an average of $10 to $60 per square foot, although you can pay up to $150 per square foot. Consequently, it is critical to determine your budget for your home renovation projects so you can figure out the amount you need and how much you can save. Knowing how much you need can also give you ideas about how to fund your project successfully. For instance, if you need more money for these projects than you have on hand, you can apply for a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). Contractor financing and a reverse mortgage are other options you can explore to fund your home improvement project practically, so keep this in mind.
Interview Professionals
Renovation experts will likely come in handy for part or all of your entire projects, so it is prudent to reach out to these professionals in advance as part of your preparation. You can call these experts to obtain timelines, a vivid description of the work required, and quotes for the entire project’s cost. Since these projects are popular in spring and summer, calling in advance can also reduce your chances of missing out on an excellent contractor that is booked up for the season. However, it is always best to follow up on references and reach out to more than one company to avoid being disappointed in your project.
Prepare Your Rooms
Rooms require significant preparation before renovating them successfully, so it is always best to prepare your rooms in advance. You can remove anything attached to the walls like shelves, prints, and pictures since major tools used during the renovation projects can cause these walls to vibrate. Additionally, remove all floor mats around the home to eliminate any tripping hazards. Furthermore, upholstery and other items can easily become dusty during renovation, so consider boxing these objects or covering them with thin plastic wraps.
