April 30, 2011. Paul Hixon
Remodelling a home is a significant project. You need to ensure that you are financially and logistically prepared for it. Before you even start the project, know how much you can afford to spend and prioritize which items are needed as opposed to merely wanted. Usually, the plumbing and electrical systems in older homes need to be taken care of to ensure the safety and convenience of the people living in it. If budget is tight, try to leave luxury items such as designer shower screens until all the essentials have been accomplished.
Ask advice from people who have recently remodelled their homes to get an idea of the current rates and prices entailed. They may also have valuable recommendations for trustworthy contractors and suppliers—or they may have tips on whom to avoid. Ensure that you have the necessary time to take care of the details: aside from budget issues, you will also need to take care of building permits, contractors and other legal issues such as zoning. If you work a full-time job, you may not be able to handle all of it satisfactorily. On the other hand, if you are already stretched financially, taking time off from work to supervise the renovations may not be such a good idea. Ask a trusted friend or relative for help, if you can.
Some homeowners who are very handy with tools may save some money by doing some stuff themselves. However, it is best to know your limitations, since doing something that you are not qualified for may end up costing you more. Some homeowners opt to work with a semi-contractor: that is, they do the jobs that they can take care of while the contractor has his crew take care of those beyond the homeowner’s skills. For example, in the installation of a wall mount faucet, the contractor may do the rerouting of the plumbing to the wall, and then move on to another task as the homeowner finishes the installation of the faucet himself. Of course, not all contractors may be amenable to such an arrangement.
There are some home renovations that can actually increase the property value of your home, which is something to keep in mind if you foresee selling the house in the near future. Some of these value-adding renovation projects include bathroom remodelling, turning the attic into a bedroom, doing some minor kitchen remodelling, or adding a second storey to the house. Even some minor changes such as replacing vinyl siding, or replacing windows can have a significant return of investment.
Updated April 30, 2011. Published March 4, 2011. Paul Hixon
