Home renovation or improvement is an exciting yet challenging experience where you get to revitalize your living space according to your desires. Unlike building a new home, you have to work with what you have. This means understanding your home’s existing structure, assessing your needs, and making careful considerations.
If you’re planning to sell your home any time soon, you need to make sure each home improvement adds more value to your home and entices potential buyers. This is especially true if you’re living in Pittsburgh and dealing with its saturated real estate market. With so many homes to choose from and a 15% drop in home sales, you need to make sure your home stands out and sells quickly and for a good price.
Many people start planning a home renovation without really knowing what they’re getting into. Whether you want to sell your Pittsburgh home or want to enhance its functionality and comfort, you need to consider various aspects and prepare thoughtfully for a successful home remodeling. So, before you start hammering down the walls, here are a few things you need to consider.
Choose Between DIY and Expert Help for Your Home Renovation
When you start planning a home renovation, the first decision you need to make is whether to carry out home improvement projects yourself or hire a professional. Although DIY is an excellent way to save money on renovation projects in your Pittsburgh home, it also requires a great deal of expertise and hands-on experience.
Suppose you’re planning major renovations like bathroom remodeling, window replacement, and exterior upgrades. In that case, we recommend hiring an expert remodeler in Pittsburgh who has years of experience in dealing with the home renovations you desire. Search for some renowned remodeling companies in the area and check their ratings, customer reviews, and portfolios. Review bids from each contractor and the range of services they’re offering against their charges. Don’t forget to ask for referrals before hiring an expert.
Even though it can be helpful to hire a professional for more complex projects, there are many home improvement tasks you can do yourself to save money and feel a sense of accomplishment. This could be something as simple as decluttering and organizing your belongings or bigger tasks like painting your interior walls, refinishing hardwood, or installing crown molding. This way, you can learn new skills and save a handsome amount on labor costs.
List Down Essential Home Renovation Projects
Every project starts with a plan. You should know precisely what you want to achieve before you start remodeling your house. Are you doing it to increase the value of your home or to stay in it for a long time? A comprehensive plan will assist you in deciding how much to spend and precisely which renovation projects to undertake.
For this purpose, you must first examine the current state of your home and make a list of necessary improvements. Your contractor will assist you in sorting through this list and prioritizing the house renovations that require the greatest attention. This allows you to set your priorities and disregard improvements that will have no impact on your home’s net worth or may fail to entice potential buyers.
This simple step will also help you make the right decision and avoid potential pitfalls. If you’re on a budget, this list will go a long way in avoiding any unwanted or costly expenditures and shortlisting your options to only the most desirable and impactful home improvements.
Research Your Home Improvement Options
You can’t successfully carry out a home remodeling project without researching your options ahead of time. If you’re planning to sell your home, you need to be aware of the latest real estate market trends and homebuyers’ behavior to devise your home improvements accordingly. On the other hand, if you’re renovating your home to give it some personal touches and increase its comfort and style, you need to explore various design inspirations, materials, and architectural styles that align with your vision.
So, take your time and go through different magazines and online platforms to look for all potential options for your home renovation projects. Assess the practicality, durability, and cost-effectiveness of different materials and design choices. Once you shortlist different layouts, styles, patterns, and materials, evaluate the pros and cons of each option and consider factors like maintenance requirements and long-term sustainability.
Set a Flexible Budget
Everything comes with a price, and home renovation projects are no exception. Once you decide which home improvement projects you’ll undertake and choose the desired materials, work with your contractor or remodeling company to get an estimate. This estimate will help you plan your finances accordingly and make adjustments to your renovation plans.
However, bear in mind that home renovations almost always end up in additional costs and overstretched budgets. So, make sure your budget is flexible and has room for unexpected costs that may arise along the way. For example, your contractor might tell you that your floors are uneven because a center joist has shifted just when you’re about to get your new hardwood floors installed. Or, in case of a kitchen remodeling, you might lift the sink only to find the plumbing or drainage out of place. You’ll need to get the joist repaired before the new floors can go in, the plumbing fixed before replacing the sink, and you may even need to consult the home inspector who missed the problem.
Apart from the contingencies, be sure to factor in other costs associated with your home renovation, such as makeshift accommodation, renting temporary storage, and eating out, in case you’re opting for a kitchen remodel.
Get Permits Beforehand
Although minor home improvements don’t need prior paperwork and permits, you’re legally bound to obtain necessary permits before carrying out extensive home renovation projects.
Many local governments have building codes and regulations in place to ensure the safety and structural integrity of buildings. Getting these permits ensures that your renovations comply with these regulations and the work meets safety standards. These permits are also a requirement for insurance claims. If you make renovations without the necessary permits and something goes wrong later, your insurance may not cover the damages. Remodeling your home
If you don’t get the required permits, your local building department could either fine you or make you rip out any work that doesn’t meet building standards. This could be a huge setback and cost you a lot of money, especially if you’re trying to sell your house later on. It’s always best to think ahead and get the permits you need, so you can prevent any legal complications down the road and ensure a certain level of quality control.
Final Thoughts
Every homeowner dreams of personalizing their home according to their preferences and needs. Remodeling your home can be a great way to boost its value and enhance its comfort and functionality. But before you pull up your sleeves for a DIY project or call in the experts, it’s important to keep the above factors in mind so you can set yourself up for success. Last but not least, remember that things don’t always go according to plan during renovation projects. So expect delays, be patient, and maintain flexibility in your approach. Good luck!