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What to expect during construction and remodeling 

A home remodeling project consists of two main stages: planning and construction. During the planning stage, speak with your home remodeling contractor to decide on a process. Discuss how their team will complete the project and the timeframe required. To ensure you are prepared for the construction stage, plan ahead:

• Make a plan for your family. Decide if you and your family will stay off-site during construction.
• If necessary, take time off work to oversee the construction or be prepared to step away to occasionally check on the state of the project.
• Expect delays or other hang-ups. Check with your home remodeling contractor before the project begins to ensure they are prepared. However, some things are out of everyone’s control. Bad weather and hidden foundation damage can delay or change the nature of the planned project.
  
  

Open communication between yourself and the contractor can help you be aware of any twist and turns that could arise during the project.

 

Cost vs. value: Which projects increase your home value?

When it comes to reselling your home, a high return on your investment is likely a priority for every homeowner. While no project is guaranteed to boost home value, here are some of the most common construction and remodeling projects that have the potential to increase home value:

• Aesthetic: For the exterior of your home, consider a fresh coat of paint and landscaping upgrades. For the interior of your home, opt for neutral paint colors, replace worn carpet, or hire a professional floor cleaner.
• Energy Efficiency:  Replace outdated appliances. Potential buyers may be attracted to a home that boasts lower monthly bills.
• Kitchen: New cabinets and countertops are a nice touch.
• Siding: Remove the old siding. A new, environmentally-friendly and energy efficient siding could show potential buyers your home has been invested in from all angles.

 

Tips to avoid surprise costs

Contruction and remodeling projects are often large and detailed. Here are a few ways to stay within your budget and avoided surprise costs:

• Study the contract before agreeing to it. Talk to your home remodeling contractor about any potential issues that could arise during the project, and make sure the agreement is reflected in the contract.
• Discuss the cost of materials. The contractor may be able to attain the items for a lower cost or know of a way to reduce costs.
• Stipulate the contractor will provide clean-up after the project is complete.
• Always make sure the contractor is covered by insurance to avoid any lawsuits that could arise after an accident.
• Accept that some costs cannot be avoided or predicted. Paying for labor during a bout of bad weather could be a negotiable cost in your contract. Paying for additional labor and material because of an unforeseen issue, such as termite damage, will be a necessary added cost to the project.
  
  

As with any project, nothing is for certain. To really anticipate costs, plan for every outcome and discuss the project with your contractor.

 

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