Is it time to renovate?
Here’s a game for you! Can you match the decade to each kitchen below?
You probably found that pretty easy because each decade has a unique style that shouts the time period. Because our homes are just another style statement that changes with the trends. And maybe your house is a little behind the times. Or maybe your style tastes have changed. So, it might be time for a renovation or remodel.
Renovation vs Remodel
Often used interchangeably when referring to updating homes, a renovation and remodel actually are different. A renovation is restoring something to a previous state. It’s about fixing something up that might be broken or worn out. For example, you might renovate by restoring the original wood floors in your home. A remodel is about creating something new. This is when you completely change things in your home such as taking out a wall and changing the floorplan of your home. It’s really about how extensive the changes are going to be.
The most sought-after renovations or remodels in a home are the bathroom and kitchens. You can add some serious value and enjoyment to your home by focusing on these areas.
Although you may love your home and have no plans on moving, keeping your house fresh and updated will make it easier to sell. And doing renovations on your own time will not only let you enjoy those changes, but it will also make selling less stressful when the time comes to list.
Getting Started
Whether you are tackling a small renovation or a large remodel, you need to start with a plan. This plan will include:
End Goal
Budget
Timeline
End Goal
Start with the end in mind. Here are some questions to consider before you start your project.
Are you looking to add some monetary value to your home?
Are you just looking to spruce things up a bit?
Are you planning to sell in the next 6-12 months?
How long are you planning on living in your current home?
Consider your neighborhood, what renovations would be a good return on investment?
After you think through these questions, you will have a better idea of the scope of your project. For example, if you aren’t planning to move anytime soon, you can be free to choose your own design aesthetics without needing to appeal to the market. However, if you are sprucing up your home to put it on the market, you should consider sticking to neutral and timely updates.
Knowing what you want to accomplish in the project will help you stay focused and keep you from biting off more than you can chew.
Budget
Now that you’ve decided on your renovation or remodel, you need to consider the cost. This is where a little research can go a long way. There can be a wide range of prices and quality, so take time to research the different materials you will need. For example, you might splurge on your flooring choice for your bathroom but find a less expensive vanity option.
You also need to decide if you are tackling the project yourself or hiring a professional. This is a major budget decision. You can definitely save money doing a project yourself, but make sure you have the skills and support to complete it. If you don’t have the time or skills to complete the project yourself, make sure to get a couple of quotes for the job.
Also, always leave a little wiggle room in your budget. There typically are unforeseen expenses that pop up like rotted floorboards hiding underneath your current floors or needing to eat out more while a kitchen renovation is going on.
Timeline
Just as a deadline helps you accomplish a task for work, creating a timeline for your home project will help you get it done. If you are doing the project yourself, schedule times that you will work on the remodel. Set a realistic timeframe for completing the project that way your household can know what to expect.
If you are hiring someone for the job, make sure to get a clear schedule for the work that needs to be done.
Of course, just as you need to budget a little more money, you can also expect to allow for more time to complete the project. That way you can be patient and gracious when delays happen.
Enjoy your home
One of the fun perks of homeownership is the opportunity to make it your own through design choices. So, don’t worry too much about resale value. Instead, choose things that you get to enjoy. After all, it’s your home.
