3 Tips for a Smart Home Remodel

It’s easy to get excited about home remodeling. You have all these ideas of what your house could be, and it’s fun to daydream about it. Once you start getting serious about your plans, though, there are a few things you should remember. Here are three tips for making smart changes to ensure your project is a success.

1. Know Your Budget

There are few things more disheartening than starting a major remodeling project and having to quit halfway through because you run out of money. This scenario can be easily avoided, however, by setting limits before you start planning. Prior to the meeting with your designer and contractor, you need to not only decide how much you can spend but designate where those funds are going to come from. Then aim for only spending about 80% of your limit.

2. Brainstorm Ideas

Next you need to establish your vision. Gather your family together and talk about the changes you would like to make. Home remodeling projects range from small upgrades such as changing the kitchen cabinets to large endeavors such as adding a whole new room. List everything you would like to do. Then prioritize the items, listing the things you need most at the top and the things you merely want at the bottom.

3. Consider Timeline

Another issue to take into account is how much longer you plan to live in your home. The final decision about changes you make is going to be different if you want to retire in the house than if you would like to sell within the next few years. The luxury bath addition or giant laundry room you’ve always wanted is great for the long term, but a new deck or kitchen remodel makes the house more marketable.

A home remodeling project is fun to both plan and execute. Having a solid idea of what you would like to do and the budget you have for doing it before you meet with your designer helps to make it a success.