If you’re planning to tackle major home renovations or enter the DIY world, these suggestions, taken from Hacker on Life Hacker, can help you set yourself up for success.
Plan your
Renovations don’t always go according to plan. However, this doesn’t mean you have to do them on the fly. Last-minute renovations can be both costly and stressful. It is important to work out the most essential details prior to making any decisions. At a minimum, this involves knowing the outcomes you’d like and the amount of time, money, and effort it will take to achieve them.
Design and modeling tools such as Floor Planner can be very helpful during the planning stage. Make a few variations of the idea, and then add a 10 to 15 percent buffer to the budget estimates you make to prepare for surprises.
Add value if possible
If you’re not sure where to begin in your home renovations, it’s a good idea to prioritize projects that can increase the value of your house. Bathrooms and kitchens that have been updated are an excellent option, along with any improvements that add area, such as the deck and basements that are finished. However, buyer preferences differ from market to market; therefore, you should be aware of what’s well-liked and desirable locally to you, and not national trends.
Tackle quick, time-sensitive projects first
Certain home improvement projects are more important than others. If a project is likely to make you money now or stop the destruction shortly, make it the top of your priority list. It’s the same for easy, quick fixes such as sealing drafts or changing filters.
Discover your threshold for DIY
Even if you’re a seasoned DIYer with a fully stocked workshop, there are some projects for home improvement that are suitable for novices. Before beginning a project, assess your passion level and how much effort you are willing to put in. Willing to commit? Do you think that the effort is worth the savings you’ll make? Be completely honest.
If you’re not sure what you’re in for, do not commit until you’ve put in at a minimum, a few hours looking over YouTube tutorials and costing out items. Keep in mind: Just because you have the option doesn’t mean you must.
Get your hands on the DIY skills
Everybody should have some basic repair techniques, and thanks to the internet, acquiring them is never easier. If you’re able to, begin with a question specific to your situation is your garbage disposal broken, or is it just blocked? Do I need to wash the filter in my dishwasher? How can you restore the table? There are more videos and blogs than others. Next time, you should start with them.
If you’re an active learner, try volunteering. Learn new skills and assist others in the process. A lot of hardware stores provide free workshops on the basics of home repairs and improvements as well, so make certain to research the available programs in your local area.
Save money by scrimping–and splurging–responsibly
Major renovations can be costly, and all Scrooge on every line item results in more work in the future. Instead, consider which areas you can and cannot afford to be tight. A general rule of thumb is to Shell away for things that could be that is costly and/or hard to replace, such as an electric water heater, as well as electrical work. Shower heads that are easily replaced – lighting fixtures, shower heads, and drawer pulls- you can get them at a bargain. Also, take into consideration the amount of use and enjoyment you’ll get from the product. If you’re a keen cook, you should avoid buying floor tiles to buy the kitchen that you’ve always wanted.
Learn about your finance options
Sadly, the majority of home improvements don’t make a profit. If you are unable to fund the project completely using cash, be aware of the various ways to finance the home renovation without placing your home at risk.
Personal credit cards and loans are a great option for small-to-medium-sized projects, based on the rate of interest and terms, whereas the home equity loan (HELOCS), as well as a line of credit (HELOCS), can be used to fund major repairs and renovations. The addition of improvements to the value of your home can lower private mortgage insurance costs. However, bear in mind that you’ll need to be able to pay to have your home assessed in addition to all other expenses.
Use the tools you need
It’s impossible to improve your home using only your hands. The majority of projects require a multi-tool. Before beginning an endeavor of any kind, ensure that your toolbox contains everything you’ll require. Remember that certain types of projects require specialized devices, particularly if they require pipes and electrical components. If you are unsure, Google it.
Find the right contractor
Locating a handyman or contractor you can trust is like getting the ideal therapist or dentist. The process is more challenging than it seems, and with huge stakes. It’s crucial to check prospective contractors with care, with these guidelines:
- Word of mouth: Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations–especially if they have industry connections
- Find complaints: Look up the state’s consumer protection agency as well as the local building inspection office
- Find out what permits and licenses must be obtained in your region for electricians, contractors, plumbers, painters, and other professionals.
- Request proof of insurance: Ask contractors to supply you with their insurance information so that you can confirm it with the insurance company.
- Request references, and then check them out
- Meet each possible candidate to get a feel for their style
- Quotes are available; keep track of them using the help of a spreadsheet or another list
To find out more about the specific questions you can be sure to ask, refer to the Federal Trade Commission’s guide to the hiring of a contractor.
Make sure to keep your future project in mind
After a project is completed one project is completed, another begins. This is how it is with house improvement. Making plans for the next step is much more difficult when you’re unable to recall your good ideas from when you were working on something else. Keep a thorough outline of your objectives in a notebook, spreadsheet, or an old-fashioned Pinterest board to ensure you know what’s to come.