Statistics show that as many as 71% of homeowners are planning on doing home improvement projects this year. Some of these projects will likely be relatively minor, such as refinishing your old kitchen cabinets or painting a few rooms. Others, however, will be more extreme, ranging from home additions to home remodeling. No matter which group you fall into, follow these tips to get the best results out of your home improvement project.
- Consider what you want from your project– Starting any home improvement project can end terribly if you don’t know what you’re hoping to accomplish. If you plan to continue living in your home, for example, this is the perfect opportunity to bring coveted kitchen ideas to life, or build a porch for you and your family to enjoy. However, if you are like an increasing number of home owners who are trying to sell their property, you will likely approach your project differently. Bear in mind that the average home sold in 2012 had two bathrooms and three bedrooms, suggesting that home additions may be a great way to attract potential buyers.
- Do your research– Before you can begin your custom home remodeling project, you also need to know exactly what you want to change about your home, and who you can trust to make that change. Get home remodeling ideas, and learn about small projects from magazines, television shows, and local houses. Pay special attention to classic design ideas that can be updated or adjusted in small ways to stay current. Also, consider if you and your family are really the best people to complete an entire kitchen remodeling project, or if you should hire a contractor to perform some tasks in order to get the best results.
- Set a budget– Americans spent $134 billion dollars on home improvements during a single quarter in 2013. Additionally, as many as 56% of homeowners spent $1,000 or more during the past year on remodeling projects. Because home remodeling ideas are often costly to complete and can quickly get out of hand, it is important to set a budget for your project and accomplish the most changes first. However, be flexible: aim to spend as little as possible, but remember that quality work is often worth the price, and construction can often come with a few unexpected payments.
- Finally, work with people you trust– This applies to your family and friends as well as handymen and contractors. While bringing your home remodeling ideas to life is ultimately very rewarding, the process itself is typically stressful. As a result, you should thoroughly research construction companies and other remodeling services, but also consider carefully who in your life will make the project easier and smoother as opposed to further complicating any problems you may experience.
Home improvements are often necessary or desired for a variety of reasons. For example, you may have recently purchased a home that needs some tough love and a fresh coat of paint, or you may be ready to move on to a new place and need to attract potential home buyers. Whatever your reason, by making smart decisions and carefully planning your project, you can prepare to enjoy watching your home remodeling ideas come to life.
