Are you considering some major home improvement projects?
If so, you might be wondering where you should begin with such a significant undertaking.
You’ve come to the right place! At Roy’s, we’ve helped countless homeowners with all kinds of home renovations—both big and small. We’ll share some of our pro tips to help you get started on your whole-home renovation project.
As you plan your project, follow these steps to set up a good base for the rest of the project:
- Start With Structural and Functional Renovations
- Consider the ROI of the Projects
- Set a Budget
- Familiarize Yourself With Permits
- Know When To Hire a Professional
We’ll explain each of these steps in more detail below and how they will help create a worry-free whole-home renovation.
Need HVAC, Plumbing, or Electrical Renovations in Buffalo, New York?
We can help! Call Roy’s at 716-218-1106 or schedule an appointment online today. Our licensed renovation professionals can help you with various HVAC, plumbing, and electrical home improvement projects. We also specialize in bathroom remodels and renovations.
Start With Structural and Functional Renovations
Before you dive into cosmetic or aesthetic home improvements, make sure your home’s structural and functional systems are in good condition and working well before you change them or add to them.
Your home’s structural and functional systems include:
- The foundation
- The roof
- The plumbing system
- The electrical system
- The HVAC system
Contact professionals to inspect these systems before you start any major home improvement projects. That way, you can fix any underlying issues before attempting renovations.
For example, let’s say you want to remodel your bathroom. You don’t want to complete the remodel only to find out some of the piping needs replacement at the last minute. Hiring a plumber to perform an inspection beforehand will prevent unnecessary work and additional expenses down the road. All of which will help you reduce stress and stay within your budget and timeline.
Consider the ROI of the Projects
Home renovations can be expensive. Ideally, you’d be able to profit from your investment when it comes time to sell your house. Or, at the very least, recoup the money you had put into the renovation.
Although you may think everyone values the same home improvements as you, that’s not always the case. Do some research to see if the home renovations you want have a good ROI (return on investment) when it’s time to sell.
Some home renovations that typically have a good ROI and are worth putting time, money, and effort into include:
- Remodeling an outdated kitchen
- Remodeling an outdated bathroom
- Replacing a garage door
- Replacing an entry door
- Exterior improvements (painting, vinyl siding, etc.)
- Landscaping improvements
Set a Budget
One of the most important steps is to set a budget for your whole-home renovation. Setting a budget (and sticking to it) will prevent unnecessary spending and help you prioritize which projects you genuinely need or want over the ones that you can put off for a while.
The first step of setting a budget is researching the cost of the renovations you want to accomplish. Be sure to consider each project’s material costs, labor expenses, and permit fees (more on those in the next section). As you create your budget, give yourself a little wiggle room for unexpected costs that may arise during the project.
When you speak with contractors, be sure to communicate what you’re willing to spend on a specific project. That way, the contractor can provide options based on your budget for the project.
Familiarize Yourself With Permits
Home renovation projects that extend beyond cosmetic improvements will require you to file for a permit with your city. Permits vary in price, depending on where you live and the type of renovation project.
Examples of renovation projects that require permits include:
- Removing or adding walls
- Major room conversions
- Substantial plumbing or electrical alterations
- Installing a new water heater
- Re-roofing
While it’s tempting to skip applying for permits, doing so can lead you to receive fines later on or experience problems when you try to sell your home. Luckily, if you work with a reputable contractor for the project, they will typically file any necessary permits for you.
Know When To Hire a Professional
If you feel up to the task, you could try tackling simple renovations like installing shelving or repainting rooms.
But for more sizable projects, you might want to hire a professional. Even if you may feel like you can take on a more significant home improvement project, you’ll need to consider all of the tools/equipment needed for the job, plus the time required to complete it. Without proper training and experience, you could quickly find yourself in over your head and spend extra money either fixing mistakes or hiring a contractor to finish the job for you.
As you search for contractors to carry out your home improvement projects, make sure each contractor meets the requirements below:
- Be licensed and insured
- Provide upfront pricing quotes (in writing) before the project begins
- Pull permits when necessary
- Offer guarantees on their work
- Have good customer reviews
If the contractors meet the requirements above, it means they will likely do solid work, and you’ll have a good experience working with them during your home renovation project.
Need A Worry-Free Whole-Home Renovation in Buffalo, NY? Contact Roy’s.
Call Roy’s at 716-218-1106 or schedule an appointment online today. Our licensed renovation professionals will give you upfront pricing and honest recommendations for any home improvement service we offer. We offer flexible financing options for high-quality home improvements and can complete your remodel within a week.