Where to Start When Remodeling a Home
Have you dreamed about a sunroom addition? Maybe wondered if your bathroom could use an upgrade? If you’re at the point where those dreams could become a reality, congratulations! But don’t daydream about lounging in your finished basement too long—you have a lot of work ahead of you!
But don’t fret if you’re feeling overwhelmed; many homeowners decide to remodel their home. In fact, according to Realtor.com, homeowners spent a record-breaking $361 billion on home improvements, maintenance, and repairs in 2016!
As you can see, a lot of homeowners have embarked on the quest you’re about to undertake, and rest assured, many of them were overwhelmed by the first steps. But by deciding why you’re remodeling, establishing what sort of renovation project is right for you, and finding a contractor who understands your budget and vision, you’ll be well equipped to begin your home renovation process!
Why You Should Remodel Your Home
Getting down to the motivation of a remodel is the first step towards getting your project started. Before you go making additions or recrafting your kitchen, you should decide why you are remodeling.
When you get right down to it, there are two basic reasons to remodel. One is because you want to improve your current living conditions and update your existing space. The other is to increase the value of your home, in order to sell it later.
The reason for a remodel can affect crucial elements like the overall timeline of a project and its budget.
Among other things, you’ll want to consider:
- How much time can you allot for this project?
- How much money are you willing to spend? How large is your renovation budget?
- If you’re moving, how soon?
- If you’re not moving, can you live while your home is in a state of remodel?
Once you’ve established why you’re remodeling and are able to answer the questions above, you can finalize what exactly your home renovation project will encompass.
Call 703-241-1411 or contact Ideal Construction & Remodeling online for a free home remodeling consultation in Annandale, Arlington, McLean, Falls Church or surrounding areas in Virginia! We also service parts of Washington, DC, and Maryland!
What Remodeling Project is Right for Your Home?
The greatest thing about a problem room or an outdated kitchen or bathroom is – you can fix them! By now you’ve run through the options (and there are a lot of them) of what your potential remodel could include, but it’s important to consider everything before you commit.
For example, more and more homeowners have resorted to energy-efficient remodeling as a way to increase the value of their home, as well as a method for saving on their energy bills! “Going green” isn’t always the first thing a homeowner may think when they start dreaming up a remodel, but it offers value to families planning to stay in their homes, or those who are looking to sell.
A majority of renovation projects can be divided into one of two categories: additions or remodeling. The names are pretty self-explanatory, but additions involve the process of creating new space or adding to a home, while remodels focus on changing what a home already has.
Some of the most common additions include:
Remodels can basically include any element of a home, but more common types include:
Since you have already uncovered why you are remodeling, now you can assess the state of your home. List what you have, what you don’t have, and what you need to make your home renovation dream a reality!
After you decide what area of your home the addition or remodel will encompass, you can move onto the fun part! You likely have some concepts in mind but continue to develop ideas and really break down what you want your home remodel to look like. You may also be thinking of where to start when remodeling a home. Visiting contractor galleries is a great way to get inspired and see what other homeowners have come up with.
For more home renovation ideas, call Ideal Construction & Remodeling at 703-241-1411 or contact us online!
Tips for Hiring a Professional Remodeling Company
Now that you have established why and what you are remodeling, it’s time to get down to the “business” side of things. Hopefully you’ve set a budget for your project, but it’s important to note that experts urge homeowners to allow 15 to 20% in their planned expenses for contingencies.
Finalizing your finances may include applying for a loan, but you may want to contact a remodeling company prior to this.
Many home remodelers offer free consultations, which gives homeowners rough ideas of what to expect from their company, as well as a timeline for the project.
When it comes to finding the right remodeling company, communication is key. You want to establish clear expectations and costs before the process begins. This line of dialogue should continue throughout the length of the project, but making sure you’re both on the same page early could prevent costly mistakes in the long run.
A professional company will be able to aid in more ways than one. Along with suggesting ideas and making sure your remodeling aspirations are feasible, remodeling companies are important when it comes to finding subcontractors for plumbers, electricians or anything else you may need.
When it comes to remodeling your home, finding a remodeler you can trust is more than half the battle. Take the time to get to know the company you wish to hire, take suggestions from friends, and do your research online.
By establishing why your home needs a good remodel, what that remodel will look like, and finding an affordable, trustworthy company to get the job done, you’ll be well on your way to having a newly renovated home! Although intimidating at first, planning your home renovation should be an enjoyable experience. By having a clear vision, preparing for the various stages, and choosing a great remodeling company, you can rest assured knowing your project will be a success!
Home Remodeling in Northern Virginia
If you’re ready to start your home remodeling project in the Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, or Maryland area, call Ideal Construction & Remodeling at 703-241-1411 or contact us online! We’ve been turning dream homes into realities in the DMV area for years and can help you with your next project.
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Page Updated 07/20/2021