Whether you want your home to look nicer for family and friends or to try to raise its value in the real estate market, home remodeling in Gainesville, FL, can be a worthwhile investment. These tips from Quality DesignWorks include things you can do before and during remodeling to make the process easier and reduce the risk for mistakes.
Settle on a Budget
One of the first steps you should take after deciding to remodel is set a realistic budget that states, with a little leeway, the amount of money allotted for materials and labor. Budgets allow homeowners to keep rational expectations and select methods and materials they can afford. Share the number with your Gainesville home remodelers so they can plan accordingly, know what they should and shouldn’t recommend, and estimate if any part of the project will surpass your budget before it is too late to make changes.
Think Long-Term
Especially if they are expensive, homeowners usually want renovations to last a long time so they can get their money’s worth. Ponder whether the Gainesville home remodeling you have in mind now will fit your lifestyle years later. The scale of the renovations may depend on how long you plan to stay in that home, whether the size of your family will grow in the near future, current debts and expected future income, etc. Go ahead with the projects that fit your long-term needs, and think carefully about the rest.
Do Enough Research
You are going to be investing time and money into renovations, so do not trust everyone blindly. Take some time to research several local contractors and double check all information they give, including credentials like licenses, certifications, awards and memberships in associations. Research online and get referrals from friends, family or neighbors. If you have a very specific vision, choose the design-build company that seems most likely to bring it to life with precision. While reaching out to contractors, try to find out whether they have worked on similar projects and how those turned out. Ask to visit an active worksite, and don’t be afraid to inquire about their training, previous jobs and special skills that may make them particularly suited for the job.
Communicate Your Ideas Effectively
Determine what will be the method and frequency of contact between you and the team of remodelers. If the design is flexible, let them know you are open to suggestions. But if you know exactly what you want, explain this vision clearly using images or sketches. Tell the contractor what you like and don’t like about the current space, what should be changed, and how you expect it to look in the end. Finally, make sure the written contract includes all important details about the project, such as fees, timelines, conditions and responsibilities. Read the whole contract carefully, including the fine print, and ask the contractor to explain any unfamiliar terms.
Plan Ahead
Gainesville home remodeling projects involve many details that seem small but may require more time than people usually anticipate. For example, some people begin working on projects with a general idea of what they want the room to look like but without minding the details of the products they will need. The wide variety of materials, styles and shades of color available in the market often makes the decision-making process long and labor-intensive, which could significantly delay a project. The earlier you make all selections, the easier the remodeling project will feel.
Home Renovations in Gainesville, FL
Quality DesignWorks is the home remodeling company in Gainesville you can trust. Our designers, architects, contractors, suppliers, engineers and craftspeople can work as a team to bring your remodeling idea to life on time and on budget. Call us today for a consultation!
