If you’re a first-time homeowner, you’re probably aware of some things in your home that you want to improve for long-term comfort, safety, or convenience. And while it’s a great idea to breathe fresh life into your home, renovations are a substantial undertaking, so you need to make sure you have a solid checklist and plan for the changes you want to make. It ultimately makes the whole process easier, supporting your project with specific details like the style and cost of your renovation. Consider our handy guide below to help prepare you for your next home renovation project.
Determine What You’re Renovating
Some areas and rooms in your home are more likely to benefit from renovation updates every few years, but other areas of your house, like your roof, can function well for decades without renovations.
If you’re looking to renovate for maintenance purposes, you’re not alone! In Houzz’s 2021 study of renovations in the United States, 47% of more than 75,000 homeowners stated that they were actively engaged in projects to repair issues in their homes. Some of the most common maintenance-related renovation projects include home plumbing, electrical work, heating and cooling, insulation, water heater replacement and repair, foundation upgrades, and more. Whatever your home needs, it’s likely possible with the right renovation and remodeling plan!
Renovating also gives you great opportunities to improve your home with stylish, spacious, and functional upgrades for a more personalized look. Popular areas of the home for updates include the kitchen, master bedroom, dining area, home office, guest bathrooms, and more.
Figure Out Renovation Costs
If possible, before buying your first home, do some research on average renovation costs in your area to determine what projects are financially viable. After you own your new home, take a good look around the property and consider the extent of the work to be done in order to get started on a more detailed list of financial costs.
Some mortgage lenders are able to help fund your renovation project and provide the money in distinct payments. If this sounds like a favorable route, determine what those renovation stages are and when you will have each step of the renovation completed. A lot of mortgage brokers also need you to provide a detailed budget and timeline for the project that includes both the cost of labor and materials.
Apply for Permits
Depending on where your home is located and the scope of your remodeling project, you may need to apply for a permit through your city, township or county. Permits are typically required to make sure the work is completed properly to reduce the chances of any injury or unintended threat for you and your neighbors. Advanced structural work on a home, comprehensive electrical work, and major plumbing changes are all good examples of common permit-required remodeling.
For some projects, you may need blueprints or other formal documentation to secure your remodeling permit. A lot of contractors oversee the permitting process for their clients, but you should clarify this detail before signing a contract.
Additionally, a lot of cities provide permit applications online, though for some you may have to visit in person at city hall or the official planning office. When you apply for any necessary permits, you may also need to pay a small fee too.
Professional or DIY Renovations
In addition to sometimes needing permits, if you’re working with a small budget you may be planning to try a DIY home renovation. It’s true that home remodeling projects can be fun, rewarding, and much more affordable than hiring a professional, but make sure to consider the level of skill needed to accomplish what you want for your home. Also, many municipalities require permits for electrical and plumbing work, and those permits often require a licensed professional to at least sign off on the work if not complete it entirely. Even if it’s a simple repair, most projects benefit from a professional evaluation, even if you do the work yourself.
Begin Renovations
At last, after cleaning up the area before starting to remodel, it’s time to begin transforming the space into the room you’ve planned. Any substantial building work can now happen, as the structure is stable and any hidden problems should already have been discovered. Preparations should be made to protect any areas of the building that could be vulnerable to damage during the main construction stage.
If you’re planning a construction or renovation project in Berks County, PA, Eagle Construction is here to support you! Contact us here to get started! You want to feel confident about the style and material choices you’ve made. For your renovation project, we have the expertise to guarantee a job well done.
