Home Renovations – What Homeowners Should Know

Many people are spending more time in their homes, and home renovations are becoming increasingly popular. Whether you’re upgrading your home for yourself or in preparation for selling, there are several factors to consider.

Take a peek at the local housing market before you get started. Believe it or not, there are many reasons why you should research the local housing market before making any home renovations. To begin with, you need to have an idea of what your home is worth. This will give you a better understanding of how much you can afford to spend on renovations. Additionally, it is important to be aware of current trends in the housing market. This way, you can focus your renovations on features that will appeal to buyers. Finally, it is also helpful to know what similar homes in your area are selling for. This information can be found on housing listing websites, which break down houses and their prices without having to visit a real estate pro.

Setting Your Budget

Home remodeling costs vary greatly, and you need to set a reasonable budget. Many variables can affect the price, including:

• Material costs
• DIY or hiring professionals (contractors or interior designers)
• Scope of project
• Your timeline

When you’ve decided on your budget, you’ll likely need financing. Shop around to find the best financing options for you. Some government programs provide financial assistance to qualifying homeowners for home modifications and repairs.

Decide Which Projects To Tackle

While you might want to renovate your entire home, you probably can’t afford that. If any of your major systems need to be repaired or replaced, those should be top priorities:

• Electrical
• Flooring
• HVAC
• Lighting
• Plumbing
• Roof

If you have to choose between projects, think about how the completed renovation will affect your everyday life. Also, consider if you can expect a good return on your investment if you sell your home.

Choose the best materials you can afford. Select products and fixtures that are energy efficient and blend well with your home’s style.

Remodeling Your Kitchen

Most potential homebuyers want updated kitchens. Kitchen remodels can be as minor as painting the walls to moving walls to add space or change the layout. While updating your kitchen can increase your home’s value, it can also be inconvenient.

After you decide what you’d like to do, set a budget. Experts recommend that you get a few quotes to compare and realize that you might need to reprioritize if the costs are too high.

Replacing cabinetry is likely one of the most significant expenses in kitchen remodels. If the cabinet boxes are in good condition, consider repainting or staining them and replacing the doors and hardware.

Don’t make these common kitchen renovation mistakes:

• Install flooring first because you’re likely to damage it during the rest of the remodel.
• Wait to choose appliances, as dimensions and costs are crucial initially.
• Have an awkward and non-functional layout.
• Use fragile and/or cheap materials.

Need a few tips when planning your kitchen remodel? Check out my post here on 9 Essential Kitchen Upgrades.

Design a Home Office

Remote work is booming, and many people are creating spaces in their home to work. Everyone’s needs are different, so determine what yours are. You may need:

• A small private area with only a desk or a designated office where you can host clients
• Storage options to house inventory if you sell goods
• A suitable background for video conferencing

Use these tips when you’re designing your home office:

• Adding touches of bright colors may increase your ability to focus.
• Choosing comfortable, ergonomically designed furniture can increase productivity and reduce physical discomfort.
• Having sufficient lighting reduces eye strain.
• Including a few tasteful, personal touches to your decor will make you more comfortable and happier in your workspace.
• Organizing your work, supplies, and files makes it easier to find things and reduces stress; choose functional organizational pieces that enhance your decor.

Prepare for the Inconvenience

Renovating your home can be inconvenient. Be prepared by understanding that:

• Probable timelines can change.
• There may be disruptions to your kitchen or bath use.
• Insurance needs might change.
• Remodels are typically noisy and messy.

Workers will be in your home, so consider any safety precautions you might need to make, such as securing valuables.

Getting Ready to Begin

Home renovations can be significant undertakings, so think things through before you begin. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, designing a home office, or making other changes, make a plan, set a budget, and prepare. Who knows? All of these changes could significantly increase your home’s value on the market!

Want help your design decisions? Get in touch!  A Discovery Call is always free!

If you’re ready to put your freshly renovated home on the market, let Honey Bee Staging and Design help you make your property look appealing to prospective buyers. Call us today at (801) 699-2814, or 

Guest Post Contributed by Danny Knight – Fixitdads.com