The Do’s And Don’ts When Refurbishing A House

Refurbishing your home is not only a way to create an atmosphere that is fitting for your own style and reflective of your personality, but it is also a way to quickly add value to your property. Whether you are thinking of investing in a new additional room for your home or if you are planning to refurbish existing locations throughout your space, there are a few do’s and don’ts to remember throughout the process.  And be sure to check out these Useful Tips in Hiring a General Contractor as well!

Do It With a Professional

Whenever you are thinking of refurbishing a space in your home, it is best to do so with the help of professionals by your side. Work together with a professional team or individual who specializes in the type of home refurbishing projects you are interested in taking on and completing. Working with a professional is a way to learn more about the overall costs of each of your projects, materials, and various methods used to create the space you are visualizing in your mind.

Do Designing

Take the time to design your project ahead of time to gain a clearer vision of your desired results. Consider the materials you will require to complete your project as well as the theme you want to go with and the color palette you intend to use. Sketch a rough draft of the layout of your current space and the new changes you are planning to implement.

If you intend to create a space in your home that is truly reflective of your sense of style, compare color palettes with the type of decor you want to use. Consider the flooring you currently have in place and whether or not you will use a rug to define your room’s theme or if you will be replacing your flooring entirely. Visualize the final results of your project and the purpose of your room to discover new ways to bring your vision to life. When you are thinking of refurbishing a bathroom or a kitchen, consider switching to energy-efficient solutions to increase your home’s value while providing you with state-of-the-art technology.

If you are looking for ways to create an entirely new look in your home while also adding to its value, consider installing new shutters. Charlie Jones from Shuttercraft (https://www.shuttercraft.co.uk/) says that shutters have a more timeless look to them than window drapes. With new shutters, you can drastically transform any space you are working on to better reflect the theme and aesthetic you have chosen.

If you want to improve other areas of the exterior of your home while adding value, consider overhauling your current landscaping. Adding bushes, flowerbeds, and stone to the exterior of your home is not only a way to increase your property’s value, but it also helps boost curb appeal. When you take the time to design your project ahead of time, you will feel less anxious or overwhelmed once you begin.

Do Interview On Companies and Contractors

If you are refurbishing the interior of your home or even its plumbing, be sure to research both local companies as well as independent contractors before making your decision. Whenever you are searching for a local provider, it is highly recommended to read all of the reviews and testimonials available online. Testimonials and reviews from verified clients of contractors and local professional renovation companies provide in-depth insight into the overall quality of service delivered and the level of customer service that is also provided to all clients. Whenever you are in search of a home contractor or a renovation company, using reviews can help to find a provider that is right for you and the type of hospitality and service you want.

Interview the contractor or provider you are interested in hiring. Ask prospective contractors the following questions to determine if they are the right fit for your next home refurbishing project:

  • How long have you been in the home refurbishment and renovation business?
  • What areas do you specialize in?
  • Are you experienced with the type of work I am in need of? Do you have a portfolio of examples I can review?
  • How do you create project milestones, and are you committed to meeting them and any deadlines I want to meet?
  • What will your specific approach be with the type of renovation project I am looking to have completed? Have to completed similar projects to my own in the past?
  • How do you communicate with clients throughout the project? Will you provide me with updates daily, or with each milestone that you reach?
  • Are all of the contractors that will be working in my home licensed and insured?

Do Consider the Value of Your Project

Before moving forward with your home refurbishing project, be sure to consider its overall value and your reason for choosing to complete it. While some refurbishing projects can quickly add to the overall value of your home, others can result in devaluation. Ask yourself the following questions prior to selecting your first refurbishing project:

  • Why do I want to complete this project? What is the purpose? Am I looking to increase the square footage of our home, or create something that is just for me?
  • Is my end goal to increase the value of my property, or am I looking to refurbish my home for personal reasons?
  • Is this project a need, or are there other refurbishing projects that I should turn my focus to first?

Do Your Research

Before getting started with a home renovation project, be sure to research the cost of similar renovations in your area. Consider the size of your home and the square footage you intend to work on to help with calculating the overall estimated cost you will be required to pay in order to move forward. Even if your estimate is not entirely accurate, researching the cost of materials and conducting basic research can provide valuable insight into the finances necessary to get started.

Also, consider the style or overall aesthetic you want to implement in your refurbished space. Creating a decorating plan, brainstorming, and settling on an aesthetic or theme for your finished space can help to finalize any additional necessities you want worked on.

Do Your Measure

Even if you intend to hire a professional contractor or provider to help with your home refurbishing project, measuring is still a must, especially if you have a creative vision in mind for the project. If you are thinking of installing large mirrors, a handcrafted vanity, or a special ceiling fan in your renovated space, be sure to measure all areas.

Measuring ahead of time can help once you begin to shop for your new space’s furniture and decor or once you begin working with your contractor to finalize design and renovation plans. When you have accurate measurements of items and spaces you require, it is much easier to work with your chosen contractor or provider to ensure that the project blueprints are created to fit with your vision, standards, and requirements in place.

Do A Budget

Whether you intend to paint the entire interior of your home, add a new room, or if you are simply remodeling your living room, it is always important to budget ahead of time. Always overestimate your total refurbishment costs to ensure you are financially capable of completing the project. In some instances, you may encounter issues with materials or even the structure of your home, resulting in unexpected expenses.

Do Invest in High-Quality Materials

Refurbishing or renovating any area of your home can quickly become costly, especially without proper planning. However, it is important to avoid skimping on high-quality material, even if it means you must pay more to get the job done properly.

Without high-quality materials, you run the risk of requiring repairs, updates, and complete replacements much quicker than choosing materials that last 20, 30, or even 50 years or more. While you are in the planning process of your refurbishing project, inquire about material choices with the professional team or individual you have chosen to hire to learn more about all of your options and pricing.

Do A Sign Of Contract

Signing a contract is one of the most important steps to keep in mind whenever you are planning a home renovation or refurbishment project. Without a contract, individuals you have chosen to hire may not complete the work to your standards or may take your money without doing their jobs. While you are searching for a professional company or contractor, it is imperative to verify references as well as any licensing and insurance that they hold. Be sure to thoroughly read and review the contract you are provided by your chosen contractor to ensure that the terms are written properly and that you agree to them before getting started with your home refurbishing project.

Do Neutral Whenever Possible

Do you envision an electric hot pink room complete with hot pink lighting fixtures and watermelon colored carpet? If so, be sure to keep in mind that personal and creative choices may lead to the devaluation of your property. When you are selling a home or placing it on the market, it is much easier to attract visitors and prospective buyers if the home is appealing to the masses and a generic audience.

Whenever you are thinking of a new home refurbishing project, consider using neutral colors such as whites, greys, and beiges when decorating, painting walls, or even installing new structures. In order to ensure that your home is appealing to as many people as possible, it is best to stick with neutral colors that can be changed or worked with immediately for new owners. However, if you do not have any intention of placing your home on the market anytime soon, choosing a creative refurbishing project is less risky and provides you the opportunity to unleash your inner creativity.

Don’t Keep On Changing Your Mind Repeatedly

While you may change your mind at some point while working to refurbish your home, it is highly advisable to keep changes to a minimum once the work on your home has begun. Contractors who have completed work properly but must change the work they have done due to your own preferences will likely charge you for additional labor. In order to save both you and your contractor time and money, be sure to understand exactly what it is that you are looking for prior to seeking out a contractor and starting in on your project.

Don’t Nitpick Every Task Being Worked On

Although investing in a major home renovation or refurbishment project can quickly become costly, resulting in increased anxiety, it is important to keep your distance while your home renovation project is being completed. While it is natural to check in on contractors during a home renovation project, it is best to avoid nitpicking each and every detail of all tasks that are being worked on throughout the day.

Developing a positive rapport with your hired contractor is essential for an ongoing professional relationship, especially when your home renovation or refurbishment project requires weeks or even months to complete. When you want to ensure that your project is worked on as smoothly as possible, it is advisable to put your trust in the contractor once you have both agreed on a vision together.

Do not Pay for Contract Work Upfront

Most home renovation and refurbishment companies will work with you in milestones and stages. However, some contractors may ask for the total payment for the job upfront. Do not pay any contractor or home refurbishing service for the completed job before they even begin to work on it. Instead, opt for milestones and stage payments to pay only the balance that is owed for completed work. If a contractor or company is not satisfied with your payment preferences, seek alternative assistance to help with your refurbishing projects without risking your entire investment.

Do not Resize Rooms if You Want to Increase Your Property’s Value

At times in life, it may feel tempting to invest in a home refurbishing project that involves changing the overall layout of a room. However, it is important to keep in mind that shrinking an original room’s size or cutting a room in half may result in a devaluation of your property, depending on the new room’s purpose. Before you choose to create major change in your home, consider whether or not the value of your property is important to you and if you intend to place it on the market within the next decade.

Knowing both the do’s and don’t of refurbishing a home can help with saving money while ensuring you are satisfied with the outcome and end results, regardless of the type of home DIY projects you have in mind. With the right plan of action and an understanding of your goals, refurbish all areas of your home to create a space and environment that is truly right for you.