Avoid the Headaches of a Remodel Project

Here is a list of 10 things you can do to avoid the headaches of a home improvement project.

1. Plan your budget. Be realistic too when preparing for the remodel project and then add 10% to your budget for unexpected items.
2. Know your limitations. The biggest mistake people make when starting a remodeling project is they think they can do everything. “How hard can this be?” is not a good starting point.
3. Hire an expert. Don’t be afraid to hire a contractor to do some of the work.
4. Get the necessary permits. When it comes time to sell your home you will have to disclose if you obtained the proper permits for your job. It is more cost effective to pay for the permits than to pay later. Trust me on this one.
5. Plan your time. Many do-it-yourselfer’s do not plan on how much time this project will really require. Then in haste corners are cut.
6. Get it in writing. If you hire a contractor, get your bids in writing. Handshake deals can lead to higher than expected costs.
7. Don’t just buy on cost. Picking finishing materials just on cost alone can come back to haunt you. I look at hundreds of houses each week and I can spot in a minute which seller cheated on cost. Believe it or not it stands out like a sore thumb.
8. Eco Improvements. If you can buy materials that are Eco-Friendly or save money in the long run potential buyers like this.
9. Get good opinions. We all like to think we know what will work, but good advice from experts will save you thousands of dollars.
10. Think of re-sale. If you want to be compensated for your home improvement then think in terms of re-sale. “Will anyone else like what I have done?” is a good starting point. It is a good idea to run your project past a number of people and experts. If they think it is a good idea, then proceed. If not, you can proceed, but a future buyer may not reward you for your hard work.