Residing in the same house for decades or purchasing a place with an outdated structure warrants a change. Some people do it for aesthetics, as they want to switch up the flooring and wall colors according to modern designs, while others focus more on safety concerns. Old houses can have termites or faulty wiring, among other pressing issues that need to be taken care of.
Smaller cities like St. Joseph are known for their historic houses preserved in their former state. Such homes have a unique charm that attracts buyers but inevitably requires renovations to make them livable.
No matter the reason behind the change, a successful renovation project will take up plenty of time and effort. It can often be overwhelming due to the sheer number of tasks that must be considered while upgrading the home.
Here are some essential things to check off the list while planning a home renovation project.
Tips for Starting a House Renovation
1. Find A Storage Unit
If you are renovating your current house or moving to a new one, you must move the furniture to a different location before starting the improvement work. It can be a massive hindrance if it is lying around in the same house you are trying to renovate. Moving it around too much may get splattered with paint or chipped around the edges. The most practical option is to find a storage unit to store your furniture temporarily.
Smaller cities like St. Joseph also have storage facilities. If you think you need one, look up storage units St. Joseph and several viable options will pop up. You can then choose the one right for you. These storage facilities categorize the furnishing and charge you based on how much space it takes. Once your furniture is out of the way, you can get to figuring out how to give your house a do-over.
2. Find Inspiration
If you are not an interior designer, you will certainly have to conduct thorough research before visualizing what changes to bring to your home. The first step will require you to go through interior design or home furnishing magazines with pictures and descriptions. You can also browse through interior design accounts if you have access to Instagram or Pinterest.
It is the best way to know what is trending and what color themes to go for. Some people prefer neutral, earthy tones, while others like splashes of vibrant colors through funky furniture and art pieces. It also helps you decide if you wish to include solid colors or contrasting patterns.
The best way to organize all these components is to make a mood board you can refer to when choosing flooring, wall textures, décor, lighting and curtains for the house.
3. Determine The Duration Of Work
It is essential to know how long the renovation process will take so you can store your furniture and plan other details accordingly. However, the duration depends on the size of your house and the amount of renovation required. If you want minor fixes like color change and flooring, it will likely get wrapped up within a couple of weeks. However, if you need to demolish a few walls and restructure the house, it can take up to a few months.
The wisest course of action is to follow a precise order of work that can spare you unnecessary disruptions and delays. You will primarily have to get demolishing, electrical, and plumbing tasks out of the way. Then you can apply drywall and start the painting process, which may take a few days to dry. Then you can move in the furniture and install fixtures. If you want to install tiles, you should wait until the end so they do not get damaged.
4. Set A Budget
Setting a budget is difficult when many components contribute to a home’s improvement. Therefore, the first order of business should be to develop a rough estimate of costs by acquiring quotes from builders, tradespeople, and suppliers. The core costs that must be added to the list are labor, fixtures, permits, and the acquisition of needed materials.
You must also consider expenses like flooring, painting, lighting, or the addition of new countertops. It is wise to have some backup cash if any unexpected expenses arise. One method of devising a home improvement budget is to consider the value of the house and assign percentages of value to the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. It can simplify the process and help you determine how much to spend on each room.
5. Find An Alternate Accommodation
If the entire house is going to be renovated, it is impossible to reside there until the main work is over. In addition, renovations can be noisy and cause constant disruptions that can interfere with your family life and ruin your peace of mind. Furthermore, if you have a job that requires you to work remotely from home, it will be challenging to maintain focus. Moreover, children may start to get irritated and could project their annoyance onto you.
Finding a separate accommodation while the renovation is ongoing is better if you want to maintain peace. Consider staying with a relative or renting out a furnished apartment.
If the renovation is focused on a particular room or outside the house, you can invest in blinds and earplugs to minimize the noise and let you go about your day.
6. Acquire The Necessary Permits
Acquiring permits can be time-consuming as an inspection is done before they are granted. The best course is to hire a licensed contractor to determine whether your home renovation requires a municipal permit.
Projects that include changes in the house’s original structure require a permit. If you plan to make such changes, it is wise to complete work lawfully, or else the process will be hindered and may take longer, delaying your home improvements. For further guidance, you can contact St. Joseph Building Department; they can assist you regarding all the construction queries.
To Conclude
Home renovations can be tricky and time-consuming. Quite a few things need to be taken care of before the renovations start. They include setting a budget, finalizing the renovation details and sometimes municipal permits.
It would be best if you find temporary accommodation for yourself and a storage unit for the furniture. Then, once you make a detailed checklist and hire an experienced contractor, you can wrap up the home improvement work within the estimated time.
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