As we dive into the new year, we all are probably thinking about our budgets for the year. For homeowners, that means mapping out the year’s home improvement projects. Planning, budgeting, and researching can help you save a lot of money when making improvements to your home. I’ve put together a roadmap to help you plan your remodeling project.
Create a Project Plan
- Write out your goals for the project.
- Sketch an outline of your room.
- Get inspiration for your project.
Set a Budget
- Decide how much you want to spend on your project.
- Set aside at least 10% for any unexpected expenses.
- Check your local building guidelines to see if you need permits.
- Get bids from contractors.
Hire a Contractor
- Don’t hire a contractor based on price alone.
- Check their references.
- Ask how long have they been in business.
- Are they licensed and insured?
- Discuss terms of payment.
Hint: Don’t pay everything upfront.
Build Your Timeline
- Work with your contractor to set a completion date.
- Back out individual deadlines from your completion date.
- Include time for cleaning out the work area.
- Allow for materials shipping and prep time.
- Account for any holidays during your project time or
other dates your contractor may not work.
Prep the Work Area
- Pack up everything in the area under construction.
- Make sure to store anything that you may need so that it’s easily accessible.
- Plan to avoid the room entirely while
under construction.
Bonus Tip: Over-communicate with your contractor. Always ask plenty of questions.
I hope you find these tips helpful as you plan for your 2021 project. If you’re planning to buy or sell this year, I’m here to help.
