Do you want to carry out a home renovation project in Bossier City, LA? Although the result may be the house of your dreams, it may become a stressful process. Indeed, there is no way to eliminate the inconveniences of remodeling your home.
You don’t need to be an expert to make this investment in your home. If you set a good plan and follow professional advice, this process can flow smoothly. Therefore, we provide you below 10 home renovation tips you should follow to lead the project to a happy end.
- Plan Ahead
One of the home remodeling bases is having clear objectives and priorities. So, it is essential to define the products and materials we want to use. By doing so, you’ll prevent later delays and possible loss of money.
In this regard, specialist Ridley Wills, founder of The Wills Co., a design-build firm in Nashville, said the following to Better Homes & Gardens:
“You’ll end up making the same decisions, but you’ll know what they’re going to be and what they’re going to cost ahead of time,”
Besides, keeping you on a budget is easier when you pick and put on order the materials and finishings you’ll require.
- Have a Budget
Setting a budget and sticking to it is a critical aspect of any home renovation project. When elaborating the budget, consider first the fundamental and more expensive elements. Then, you can deal with complementary and cheaper things.
In this sense, Architect J.P. Ward of Anthony Wilder Design/Build in Cabin John, Maryland, told the Washington Post:
“As contractors, we design our projects to our clients’ budgets. Homeowners need to know what their budget is upfront and be realistic about what they can afford,”
- And Then, Budget Some More
Unforeseen events can occur. So, it is wise to consider a contingency cushion, in case of non-anticipated costs appearing during the project development.
House Logic suggests adding between 15 to 20 percent of the budget “for the unforeseen problems and changes that occur on every project.”
- Figure Out Your Financing
Zillow.com indicates that 57 percent of homeowners pay off immediately for home improvements with cash or debit. Likewise, another 27 percent use credit cards.
However, you should consider these three basic types of loan options:
- Cashing out on a mortgage refinance
- Taking out a home equity loan
- Establishing a home equity line of credit (HELOC)
According to Home Logic, the best way to borrow for the vast majority of homeowners is through a home equity line of credit. This option implies a lower rate than other loan types. Besides, the interest is tax-deductible.
Alpha Roofing can offer you suitable financing designed to fit every homeowner’s budget. So if you require a particular roof replacement, this option can be the right for you. Moreover, remind that the advantages of a roofing company financing usually outweigh lenders’ financing.
- Find Good Help
Finding the best possible contractor for your project is a crucial step. So, the experts at House Logic recommend the following when looking for a roofing contractor:
Get “recommendations for at least three contractors from friends, neighbors, and other tradesmen who you trust. Give each one your project description and specific product lists and request an itemized bid.”
Besides, you should check references and request evidence of recent works.
- Get in Writing
Remind that words are gone with the wind. Thus, the best you can do to state the project conditions clear is to put everything in a contract.
Include in this contract ways and schedules of payment. Also, don’t forget the procedures for changes. This way, both parties’ expectations will be clear from the beginning.
Rosie Romero, founder of Legacy Custom Builder in Scottsdale, Arizona, told Better Homes & Gardens:
“The contract needs the right address, a start date, a completion date, and a detail of what is and is not going to be done,”
- Declutter and Organize
Have you thought about organizing your home for a long time? Well, what a better moment to do it than a home renovation?
Seize the opportunity to throw away useless items. Also, pack and store non-indispensable objects. Also, you can move furniture away from the renovation zone.
In this respect, professional organizer Debbie Lillard told HGTV.com:
“If there is something you use only a few times a year…those items can be stored away in a basement or closet,”
Don’t forget to pack essentials for your family’s daily needs if you stay in your home during the renovation.
Houzz suggests employing mobile storages such as portable covered clothes rails. Some lightweight drawers on wheels will be useful too. Also, pack daily necessities in clear and identified plastic bins. Later, you will be able to see what is in them.
- Pack Your Valuables
During renovation work in your home, accidents may occur. Usually, these events can affect valuable gods. Hence, apply these preventive measures:
- Protect your hardwood floors by putting down paper
- Drape furniture with tarps or plastic
- Place your valuables on safety boxes and move them out of the working site.
“A remodeling project is going to affect every room in the house,” A. J. Paron-Wildes, general manager of Dream Maker Bath & Kitchen in St. Louis Park, Minnesota told Better Homes &Gardens. “The homeowners need to take down pictures, move vases, and pack away valuables before work begins.”
- Plan a Renovation-Free Zone
Your family will thank you for doing this. Specialists recommend disposing of at least one space for your family to spend time together. This place will work as a semi-relaxation zone.
The experts at David Gray Design recommend:
“If you opt to stay in the home during renovations, pick a room in the house that is off-limits to everyone but you. This should be a quiet room where you can go to relax, get work done, etc., and escape the noise and chaos of renovation.”
- Take a Mini Vacation
It is a good idea to run away – at least for a short time – from all the dust and destruction. The designer and blogger Cathy Poshusta supports this statement. She is chronicling her renovation of a 105-year-old farmhouse in Washington on her blog The Grit & Polish.
“Give yourself a break when you need it,” she told Architectural Digest. “Renting a hotel room for the night doesn’t cost that much and can give you the renewed energy needed to complete a renovation.”
Want More Home Renovation Tips?
Do you want to know our number one home renovation tip?
Look for the professionals. Regardless of it comes to a new roof, windows, siding, or doors, the Alpha family of products is your best choice. Also, we put at your disposal installation experts for all your home renovation projects.
Contact Alpha Roofing at 318-373-5875 or online to get a free quote in Bossier City, Shreveport, LA.
