10 Home Remodel Tips for a Successful Renovation

Creating new spaces or additions to your home allows your property's beauty and potential to truly shine. Whether you are adding a brand-new pool or enhancing a bedroom space, your home renovation is bound to keep you on your toes. Planning ahead is one of the best ways to ensure that the project is as seamless and stress-free as possible. These 10 remodeling tips for a successful home renovation will help keep you on task and within budget.

Keeping to a schedule can be a challenge for even an experienced renovation expert. Here are five ways to help your home renovation go off without a hitch.

Always opt to work with a licensed contractor for your home renovation project. Appropriately licensed contractors are extensively trained and carry insurance that protects you and the contractor from any issues that might arise down the road. Licensed contractors are also likely to be well-connected. They can offer insights and advice regarding other home professionals, such as landscape designers and architects.

It can be easy to throw caution to the wind and agree to every upgrade that your contractors suggest when caught up in the throes of a home renovation project. However, this strategy may mean that you end up spending much more than you initially anticipated. Adhering to your financial plan is one of the most important remodeling tips you don’t want to forget.

Establishing and sticking to a budget can keep you from going overboard and allows you to prioritize those elements of the renovation that are most important to you. Consider organizing a special filing folder containing information related to your renovation, such as quotes, receipts, and other important information, which will help you stick to your project budget.

You should have a cleared, empty, clutter-free space for the work to take place well before the contractors arrive at your property. Not only will this help keep your valuables secure and out of the way, but it will keep the renovation area free from clutter so that your contractors can better do their job. Set aside some time several weeks before the renovation starts and begin packing away items in and around the renovation space. This way, you won't have to worry about any fragile items getting harmed once construction starts.

Anyone who is considering building an add-on to an existing property should look into the necessary permits and building codes in their area before hiring a contractor. You'll want to allow plenty of time for this process, as it can take weeks or even months to finalize and approve permits. The last thing a homeowner wants is to embark on a renovation only to find out that the project can't be completed due to strict local ordinances and permits that haven't yet been filed.

One of the most valuable home remodeling tips is to know which home improvements and renovations you can do yourself. If you enjoy design projects like painting and decorating, consider tackling those yourself rather than hiring a professional. Aside from the financial benefits, it can also be a great way to get creatively involved with the renovation of your dream property.

Saving money is as essential to many homeowners as staying on track with a project timeline. With that in mind, here are five tips for saving money on your home remodeling project.

There are two good reasons to incorporate recycled fixtures and building materials into your home build. Recycled materials are good for the environment and can help to make your home more "green." Using certain recycled materials can also save you money on your renovation project. Certain areas offer tax credits for environmentally-friendly home additions, so be sure to inquire with your local city council as to what you might be eligible for.

Hiring an architect to work on your home renovation project can be expensive. Opting for an architectural consultation rather than a commission can be more cost-effective in the long run. A consultation can give you some fantastic ideas to work with and add significant value to your project without the commitment and hefty price tag of a full commission. After your consultation, you can always opt for a full architectural commission if you wish.

If you have the time to spare, purchasing and picking up construction materials yourself can help you save money on your renovation. Consider broadening your search for home renovation materials so that you aren't relying on goods provided by the contractors. Even driving a few minutes out of your way to pick up pre-purchased materials yourself can be a big money-saver. These kinds of quick trips and tasks can go a long way toward streamlining your overall costs if you're sticking to a strict budget.

You can shave hundreds or even thousands of dollars off your home renovation by doing some of the demolition yourself — as long as you can do so safely. Never work too closely to electricity or water lines without the guidance or supervision of a trained professional. Additionally, never risk your health or safety by doing tasks outside your comfort zone. Consider enlisting experienced friends or family for this step if you feel comfortable doing so.

Your contractor could have dozens of projects going on at any one time. Consider asking your contractor if they have any leftover materials from previous builds or renovations that could be used for yours at a slightly lower price. In addition to saving money, this strategy might also give you a unique perspective on new materials and design styles that you might not have otherwise considered.

Whether you’re seeking remodeling tips or embarking on a home search, lean on the guidance of professionals that you can trust to steer you toward making wise decisions. Turn to the real estate experts at Morrison Home Team. John Morrison with Morrison Home Team is a leading expert in the real estate industry, with the passion, knowledge, and insight that promises results. Contact John today to learn more about luxury homes for sale in Illinois and how you can find the right property for your needs!