If you’re tired of a bland home environment, there are plenty of cheap and easy remodeling ideas that can revitalize your living spaces. From removing popcorn ceilings to adding new storage space, these DIY projects can greatly improve the overall look of your home. But before you decide to tackle a major home remodel on your own, consider hiring a professional contractor with a solid track record of quality work and an excellent reputation for reliability. In fact, working with a professional may actually save you money in the long run by cutting down on time-consuming mistakes and frustrating snags that could derail your renovation or cause it to fall well short of your expectations.
Before starting any remodeling project, it’s essential to define your goals. Some homeowners confuse the terms “remodel” and “renovation.” While renovating can include a wide variety of tasks, such as replacing cabinet doors or repairing peeling paint, home remodeling is generally more extensive. Moving walls — even non-load-bearing ones, reconfiguring a floor plan and adding on rooms all fall into this category, as do landscaping projects that change the size or shape of your property.
Once you’ve defined your goals, you should then create a plan for your project. Whether it takes the form of sketches, mood boards or simply notes on a napkin, this plan should contain all the details that will keep your home improvement project running smoothly. The plan should also identify the major milestones and their respective due dates. It should also include a budget and a timeframe for the completion of your project. Be sure to include a reasonable amount of wiggle room for unexpected challenges.
One of the most common mistakes that DIYers make is rushing to get started. This can lead to shoddy workmanship and even health hazards like dust allergies. It’s also important to remember that it takes time to acquire the necessary skills to complete a remodel, so don’t try to overcommit yourself.
Another mistake that people often make is not communicating with their contractors. This can lead to misunderstandings and even disputes, which are more common than you might think. The best way to avoid these issues is to be clear and open with your contractor from the start.
Finally, it’s critical to protect your family during a home remodel. This includes setting aside areas of the house for contractors to work, installing child safety gates and electrical covers and storing sharp tools out of the reach of children. It’s also important to prepare your children for the disruptions of a remodel and discuss how it will impact their daily routine. After all, you don’t want to be dealing with a construction site while you’re trying to get them to school on time.