A home renovation is an exciting prospect, but it can also be an intimidating one. If you’re considering remodeling your home, you’re not alone. According to Home Goliath, from 2013 to 2018, remodeling in the U.S. industry has grown by 6.4%, and reached revenue of $99 billion in 2018. However, even with the rapid growth of remodeling projects, there are plenty of stresses that go into this endeavor.
If this is your first go-around with a remodel, there are several questions you should ask before jumping in. Consider your answers to the following queries before construction gets underway.
Can You Really Handle Renovations Yourself?
Are you planning on DIY-ing your home renovations? You may want to take a step back and really consider what that might mean. While HGTV shows make a home renovation project seem fun and easy (and quick to complete), the reality is you’ll run into an array of obstacles you didn’t expect once demolition starts. Unless you have a background in home renovation, you’ll likely want to enlist the help of a skilled contractor who specializes in your desired projects. This is your home after all, and the right renovations could make your family more comfortable and secure, and may provide better resale value in the future.
How Will You Pay For Renovations?
Home remodeling is anything but cheap. Even if your desired projects fit into your budget at the beginning, change orders can wreak havoc on your expenses. Do you have your finances in place? In an ideal world, you’d have all the money you need in-hand; for most of us, that’s not the case. You may need to consider home improvement financing solutions that allow you to borrow funds in order to complete your desired renovations. If that’s the case, shop around and determine your options.
How Will You Eat?
Okay, this question sounds dramatic, but it’s one worth asking if your planned renovations involve the kitchen. If your stove, oven, microwave, and sink are all out of commission, how will you prepare meals? Eating out at restaurants will be fun for the first day or two, but soon grow frustrating (and budget-busting). Note: if you do end up eating out a lot, make sure you’re scouring the internet for deals – sites like Get 1 Free can help you save a lot more on restaurant fare.
Consider creating a makeshift kitchen in a separate area of the house that you can use to whip up easy meals. Don’t have an eating area while renovations are underway? If it’s warm enough, head outside for a picnic with the family.
If You Have to Leave Your Home, Where Will You Stay?
If you’re planning on significant renovations that will make your home unlivable for an extended period of time, you may need to consider staying somewhere else. Hotel room expenses quickly add up, and staying with family and friends can cause tension – especially if the timeline on your renovations are extended. If your renovations are going to take more than a month, you’ll likely want to consider renting a place to stay. You can also rent an RV or buy a used one to keep on site. When renovations are over, you can then sell the trailer.
Are You Prepared for the Upheaval?
No matter which way you shake it, a home remodel is bound to disrupt your life. When you’re planning your timeline, make sure no big life events are going to occur during the renovations – that could mean weddings, the arrival of a new baby, or a retirement party. A home remodeling project can be a great source of stress especially when you have to choose living in an RV, so keep that in mind before penciling in your dates and hiring a contractor.
Final Notes
Creating the home of your dreams is a worthy endeavor, but it can be costly in terms of money, time, and stress. Make sure you know the realities of a remodel before jumping in, and keep the above considerations in mind prior to hiring a contractor.
With that said, don’t let these warnings prevent you from creating the house of your dreams! With the right attitude, team, and a whole lot of patience, your renovation may prove to be an easy breezy process, but it’s important to have all your ducks in a row before you begin.
This post is in collaboration with Purple Camel Media.
