Don’t Renovate Until You Read This – What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Embarking on a home renovation project can be exhilarating and daunting at the same time. Whether you’re planning to refresh your kitchen, add a new bathroom, or overhaul your entire home, there are critical aspects you need to consider before breaking ground. Here at Emerald State Contracting, we believe informed homeowners make the best clients, and we’re here to arm you with the essential knowledge you need before you start your renovation journey.

1. Define Your Goals Clearly

Before you dive into choosing tile patterns or paint colors, it’s crucial to clearly define what you want to achieve with your renovation. Are you updating to increase your home’s value for a future sale, or are you customizing your space to better suit your family’s needs? Understanding your long-term goals helps prioritize your spending and guides the design process.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is underestimating the cost of a renovation. To avoid this pitfall, start by getting detailed estimates from experienced contractors. Don’t forget to include a buffer of 10-20% for unexpected expenses—renovation surprises are more common than you might think!

3. Choose the Right Contractor

Your choice of contractor can make or break your renovation. Look for a licensed, insured, and well-recommended professional who communicates clearly and has experience with projects similar to yours. At Emerald State Contracting, we pride ourselves on transparency and quality, ensuring our clients are involved and informed every step of the way.

4. Understand the Timeline

Renovations can often take longer than expected due to a variety of factors like weather delays, supply chain issues, or unforeseen structural problems. Having a realistic timeline and a bit of flexibility can reduce stress and help manage your expectations.

5. Plan for Disruption

Living through a renovation can be challenging. Dust, noise, and having workers in your home can disrupt your daily life. It might be necessary to set up a temporary kitchen, seal off parts of your house, or even relocate temporarily. Planning for these disruptions will help you maintain your sanity.

6. Know the Permits Required

Many homeowners are unaware of the local regulations and permits required for renovation projects. Working without the necessary permits can lead to hefty fines and problems when selling your home. A reputable contractor will handle permits and ensure that all work is up to code.

7. Focus on Energy Efficiency

Incorporating energy-efficient upgrades can increase upfront costs but save you money in the long run. Consider energy-efficient appliances, better insulation, and upgraded windows to enhance your home’s energy performance and comfort.

8. Don’t Overpersonalize

If you plan to sell in the future, consider choosing designs and features that will appeal to a broad audience. Highly personalized designs can be harder to sell and may not return their full value.

Conclusion:

Renovating your home is a significant investment in time, money, and energy. By entering this process well-prepared and informed, you can ensure a smoother experience and a result that meets your expectations. Remember, Emerald State Contracting is here to guide you through every step of the renovation process, from planning to completion.