If you’re planning a remodel of your kitchen, bathroom or basement, or if you're planning to add more space to your home in 2018, you may feel a little nervous about the project and the process. How much will it cost? How much should it cost? How long will it take? Will it come out as good as you hope? Those questions – and the nerves associated with a remodel – are totally normal, and very much expected.
For many homeowners, the decision to remodel a part of their home is not only exciting and nerve-wracking; it’s a significant financial investment and a disruption to their normal daily routine. Knowing what to expect throughout the process can make you feel better prepared before the project even starts.
Prepare for inconvenience
There is no way around it. If you're planning an extensive remodel of your kitchen, bathroom or living space, or planning an addition for your home there will be a period of time the project causes a disruption to your daily routine. In addition to the contractors in your home, you may have the inability to use the space being remodeled. To help combat this, make temporary accommodations to make the remodeling process more bearable. For example, if you are planning a kitchen remodel, dedicate another space of your home to serve as your kitchen, complete with appliances such as a hot plate, coffee maker, microwave, toaster oven, slow cooker and mini-fridge.
Prepare for mess
Construction is messy. If you can, it is highly recommended to close off the construction area from the rest of the house to limit the spread of dust, dirt and debris. But even with this precaution in place, it is possible for a fine layer of dust to gather in areas of your home far from the construction site. Move your valuables to a spot far from the remodel to ensure they stay clean and so the contractors can get to work.
Prepare for noise
Depending on the project, there may be a lot of noise. If you work from home or have a child who naps during the day, it may be best to find a place farther from the work site to ensure a quieter environment.
Prepare for remodeling fatigue
It is very common for a homeowner to feel excited at the beginning and end of their project, and a bit “over it” somewhere in the middle. This remodeling fatigue is normal – there are a lot of decisions to make, questions being asked, checks to write and an influx of people in your home. Never mind the fact that the space you are remodeling may be unusable. Know this is a normal frustration. Your contractors aren’t trying to annoy you when they ask you questions, instead they are working to ensure the finished product is everything you hoped for and more. This remodeling fatigue will lift when you have your space back and the people out of your home.
Prepare for delays
Delays unfortunately do happen. From materials taking longer to arrive from the factory than initially quoted to unexpected surprises such as jerry-rigged wiring or framing it is important to account for the potential for delay in your project time-frame.
Prepare your budget
Remodels often come with a decent price tag. As the homeowner, you are making this financial investment in your home, so it is important to decide on a budget and stick to it. Make sure your budget is enough to cover the project and account for the unexpected.
Once you've decided you're ready to move forward with your remodeling project, research and contact a few local contractors to determine who you trust and who has experience doing the work you want done.