Planning for Home Improvement? Here’s What You Should Consider

With a plethora of do-it-yourself home remodeling programmes on the television, it’s no wonder that many people get a periodic urge to dig in and renovate their residences. Whether a home requires repairs or replacement of some of its features, there is a change in circumstance that necessitates changes to the environment, or the current décor is outdated, a renovation project can become a nightmare without proper planning.

Here are a few points to consider before committing to a home improvement.

Home improvement projects take time, and major undertakings introduce inconveniences that may be untenable. A kitchen renovation that involves removing existing fixtures and flooring can easily require 4 to 6 weeks to complete. This means that residents may not be able to cook or wash dishes for several days and will need to plan accordingly. In addition, if custom cabinetry is required, the lead time to build the cabinets can run close to 6 months. If the kitchen remodel was intended to accommodate a major event such as a holiday gathering, then the homeowner needs to factor in the time required to complete all aspects of the job.

Budgeting for a renovation is critical. Renovation projects can range in size, scope and price from the simple, such as having hardwood floors refinished and sealed – to the complex, such as adding a room. The larger and more complicated the renovation, the more it will cost. Labour and materials aren’t the only factors involved in the price of a project; if existing facilities need to be upgraded to meet current building codes and accommodate the new fixtures, this will also increase the cost.

Is the renovation project one that increases functionality or is it to tap into a fad? Back in the 1980s, purple was the colour of the moment and every home contained at least one room painted with some shade of purple. That trend segued into the 1990s’ use of dark, vivid colors for interior walls. Similarly, the bidet has cycled through popularity phases as well. While trendy ideas can be compelling, they may not provide long-term value to the homeowner. Faddish renovations can bring down the resale value of a home, just as yesterday’s “big hair” and Farrah Fawcett curls aren’t marketable looks for today’s woman.

If you are planning to renovate for the purposes of increasing your home’s value, evaluate which renovations bring the best returns on investment.

Generally, kitchen and bathroom remodels generate the highest returns. New windows, roofing and energy-efficient mechanicals also optimize resale value. If the modern kitchen design is what you are after, an island placed at the centre of your kitchen can take the appeal several notches up. Islands allow for easy access from all the sides, which means more than one person can work on the same job simultaneously without causing hindrance to the other. With island at the centre of your kitchen, you get that extra space — across the edges — at your disposal, making it feasible for you to roam around the kitchen freely.

Take into consideration the property values of the surrounding neighborhood and the demographics before making changes. If for example, the residence is located in an area that is primarily occupied by younger, dual-income families, adding skylights, a gourmet kitchen and a wine cellar may make your property too pricey for prospective buyers. Similarly, the addition of a modular spiral staircase and loft bedroom will not be profitable in a neighborhood favoured by retirees. Renovations should stay in line with the ambiance of the area.

Finally, your upgrades should be done by professionals who have proven records of success. The kitchen renovators and timber floor polishing specialists possess flooring renewal, construction and decorating expertise. If you are pressed for time or do not feel like taking the plunge yourself, you can always turn to seasoned professionals in order to get the job done right the first time.