How to Have a Successful Home Remodel

If you are planning a home remodeling project – be it a kitchen or bathroom remodel – there are some key things you need to keep in mind to ensure the job goes smoothly, ends the way it should, and is a successful home remodel – to your complete satisfaction! To that end, here are some tips you can use to help make sure your remodeling project is completed successfully.

Successful Home Remodel Tips

So you have decided to undertake a home remodeling or renovation project? Maybe you want to increase the size of your space or change the layout. Or perhaps you just want to add a little functionality to your kitchen area. No matter what size of remodeling job you undertake, there are several steps a homeowner can take to make sure everything turns out as planned.

Find the Right Home Remodeling Professional

This probably goes without saying, but hiring the right remodeling professional is the most important factor to a successful project. Finding the right remodeling expert for the job is not always an easy task, but following a few simple rules can help you weed out the bad eggs.

For starters, always be sure to interview the contractor. During the interview process, ask yourself this question – does he look and behave professionally? Do you communicate well together? Is he realistic about what he can and cannot do? If he offers you a “special discount” for a “limited time”, this is a warning sign – steer clear.

Also, be sure to ask for references, and then call those references and inquire about their experience with the remodeler. If the contractor refuses to provide references or does not have them, move on.

Finally, always check your contractor’s license and insurance, including liability insurance – he will need it in the event that there is an injury on the job. Any legitimate remodeling professional will have these two items. If they do not, you know what to do!

Have a Remodeling Plan

Having a solid remodeling plan in place before work begins is another way to help your project get off on the right foot. A good home remodeler will help you with this step, but there are some things you also can plan before you even hire a contractor.

Selecting appliances, flooring, paint and fixtures in advance is a good way to save time and money, as well as keep your budget on track. By planning ahead, you can avoid last minute decisions that can expand your budget, or, in some instances, change your overall design plan.

Other things to plan for outside of products and your budget, include where you will stay while construction is underway (if need be), where to store valuables to ensure they don’t get damaged, and what to do with pets.

Have a Contingency Fund

Despite planning and best intentions, sometimes home remodeling projects run into unforeseen issues. Maybe there is long-standing termite and rotted wood damage in your walls or other structural problems that were not picked up by your home inspector when you first purchased your home. Because of this, it is essential to set aside a contingency fund for such occasions. Planning a 5-10 percent contingency is a good place to start.

Get a Detailed, Written Contract

Before agreeing to begin any home remodeling project, make sure you have a written, highly-detailed contract in hand. It should include the start date, end date, a list of what is to be done and any warranties or guarantees. Make sure that everything in the document is correct, including your address, spelling of your name and so forth.

Never let a home remodeling professional begin a job with just an oral agreement. This is a huge no-no, no matter how much you trust your contractor or design/build firm.

Following the above steps won’t guarantee your home remodeling project is completely satisfactory, but it will certainly start you off on the right path!

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