To help you with your home remodeling endeavor, here are five quick tips for planning a project:
Make a List of What You Want to Change
Start by making a list of what you’d like to change about your house. Brainstorm all the things you’ve thought about, then prioritize the list according to three categories:
- Things that must be done
- Things you’d like to have done
- Things you wish to have done
If you have leftover budget, you can start tackling some of the items on your dream list.
Consider Your Resources
Second, consider what resources you have available. How much time and budget do you have for your renovations? Will you do it yourself, or hire a contractor? Will you even be able to live in your home while the renovations are taking place?
I once renovated one of my three bathrooms, only to find out that the plumbing for all three bathrooms was connected. So, I found that instead of having two functional bathrooms, I effectively had none!
Set Your Budget
After you’ve marshalled your resources, set your budget. Be sure to set aside five to 10 percent of the budget for contingencies. You never know what will pop up during the process. For example, the age of the home is a factor that can complicate a home remodeling process. You may start a project, only to find that there are things that need to be replaced, such as electrical or plumbing. Plan ahead and you can put these unforeseen contingencies in your budget.
Sketch Out the Space
Fourth, sketch out the space. It’s good to have an overview of what your space will look like once the project is underway. This is especially important if you are going to change the layout of your home, add storage, or otherwise alter the space substantially.
Measure, Measure, then Measure Again
Finally, before you begin, make sure you measure everything – and measure more than once, particularly if you are going to do the work yourself. This is key for anything that needs to be precisely measured and fitted to an existing space, such as vanities or counter tops.
Home remodeling is a fun and rewarding experience. You can increase the odds that this experience will end positively by planning ahead.
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