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Top Things to Consider Before You Renovate Your Home
Renovations are an excellent way to make a house work for your needs. However, you must research beforehand to get the most out of a new design. If you've never renovated before, here's everything you should know, courtesy of Keller Williams Top of The Rockies Real Estate.
Multi-Functional Rooms Are an Option
Home offices are a must if you work remotely. Renovations can help you get the most out of yours by creating storage solutions, providing enough space for a desk, and personalizing your work area. You can even make your home office multi-functional. Just a few additions can make the space a comfortable guest room:
- Full-length mirror
- Storage ottoman
- Sleeper sofa
Updates Can Lower Your Energy Bill
Appliances are more environmentally friendly than ever, so a few upgrades can save you big on utilities:
- Replace old water heaters
- Update the furnace
- Upgrade your AC unit
- Buy a smart refrigerator
- Replace the stove
- Update the washer and dryer
New windows are another excellent investment to keep your home insulated. Studies show that windows are responsible for up to 30% of a home's heat loss; well-fitting frames and weather stripping can decrease that percentage.
Home Value Can Increase
Renovations are the way to go if you want to boost your property value. The following are some of the best upgrades for this purpose:
- Enhance the landscaping
- Add outdoor gathering areas
- Revamp the bathroom
- Switch to LED bulbs
Wall Color Can Affect Your Mental State
Painting a room can give it new life, but you should carefully consider the hue beforehand. Country Living notes that some colors, such as red and orange, boost energy, making them excellent choices for gathering spaces such as the living room or kitchen. Blue and purple, on the other hand, are calming and therefore best for bedrooms. Yellow and white brighten spaces, so utilize them for areas that don't get much natural light.
Remodeling Is Chaotic and Messy
Major upgrades such as cabinet and floor installation require demolition. To keep your belongings safe, you should consider putting them in storage. You can pack small items in cardboard boxes and store them in a spare room, attic, or basement. Managed Renovations points out that large items such as desks, wardrobes, and dressers may be safer in self-storage units. These spaces are air-conditioned and monitored to ensure your possessions remain secure. Prices start at $22.00 for a 5-foot by 5-foot unit in Brooklyn, though you may get a discount as a new customer.
Items you can't move should be covered in plastic sheeting to keep them dry and dust-free. You may also want to run an air purifier to maintain air quality.
Contractors May Overcharge
If you're having major remodeling, you should look for a contractor. While many are helpful and fairly priced, some scammers take advantage of inexperienced homeowners. To protect yourself, thoroughly research a contractor before hiring. Is the contractor licensed? What do former clients say? Are there any complaints registered with the state licensing board? You can also benefit from software that caters to contractors. For example, having access to landscape designer software allows you to stay on track and maintain precise invoices to guarantee the project gets done as efficiently as possible.
Now that you know what to expect from your home renovation, it's time to store your belongings and find the right contractor. With the right planning, you can get your dream home office, a luxurious bedroom, and a welcoming kitchen.
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