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10 Tips for Getting Started with Home Renovations‍

Do you want to improve your house but have no idea where to begin? Renovating a home can seem like a huge undertaking, but it doesn't have to be if you're well prepared and know what you're doing.

Here are ten tips for starting home renovations that will help make the process easier and more enjoyable.

Definition of Home Renovations

Home renovations are any changes to a home that improve its appearance, functionality, or value. It could be anything — a fresh coat of paint, new flooring, a complete kitchen or bathroom overhaul, or even a full room expansion.

These home renovations can be as simple as a few minor updates or as complex as a full-scale remodel.

Regardless of the scope of the project, it's important to plan and have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish.
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Benefits of Home Renovations

You can meet both functional and cosmetic needs by making some upgrades to your home. Some of the benefits are:

Renovations can make your house more livable and more pleasant.
You can start saving money on utility bills by upgrading inefficient windows with newer, more energy-efficient ones.
Making cosmetic upgrades, like painting the walls or installing new fixtures, can also raise your home's value and appeal.
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10 Tips for Getting Started with Home Renovations

Knowing the right tips and tricks when undertaking a home renovation project is key in ensuring that you get the results you want and don't spend too much.

See below for the top 10 tips for starting your home renovations.
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1) Create and follow a spending plan

Improving your home requires careful planning and budgeting. Before you start any project, take the time to research the costs of materials and labor so that you can set a realistic budget for your project.

In addition, it is crucial to budget for any unforeseen expenses that may crop up throughout the refurbishment. This will assist in keeping your project on schedule and on budget.

If you are over budget, consider scaling back or postponing certain aspects of the renovation until you can afford them.
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2) Research your options

Start by researching different materials, such as flooring, paint, and fixtures. Consider their durability, cost, and aesthetic appeal when making your decision.

Then, evaluate different design options and consider how they will fit into your existing space.

Next, research different contractors and companies that offer home renovation services. Look into their experience, customer reviews, and pricing.

Finally, research local building codes and regulations to ensure your renovations comply with all applicable laws. This is especially important if you plan to make structural changes to your home.
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3) Hire a professional contractor

Hiring a qualified contractor can be crucial. A professional contractor will have the experience and knowledge to ensure that your project is completed on time, within budget, and with quality results.

The appropriate contractor may make or break a project, so here are some things to keep in mind as you search:

Ask people you know and trust for recommendations. A referral from your connections who have successfully worked with a certain contractor can be reassuring.
You can also look for potential contractors online. Remember to check their ratings and reviews to get a feel for how well they deliver on their promises.
See if the contractor can provide references. You should call their references and inquire about their experiences with the contractor.
Obtain numerous estimates from various service providers to evaluate the market and find the best value. In addition, comparing different estimates will help you budget.
Always verify the contractor's credentials, including licensing and insurance. A complete compliance guide is available online to guide you in checking a contractor's licensing and permits.

4) Get organized and stay on track

Making a strategy is crucial before beginning any home improvement project. Without one, it's easy to become overwhelmed and spend more money than necessary.

Here are some tips for making a plan and sticking to it when getting started with home renovations:

Set a budget. Before you start any project, make sure you set a budget and stick to it.
Create a timeline. Establish a timeline for the project and make sure to stick to it as closely as possible. This will ensure that your project is finished on time and within the allotted spending limit.
Make a list of priorities. List the most important aspects of the renovation and prioritize them accordingly. You can organize your timeline by order of importance and guarantee the crucial ones are executed first.
Research materials. Researching is, again, essential. So take the time to study different materials and products for your project. Consider their cost, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

5) Consider the impact on your home’s value

When it comes to home renovations, it’s important to consider the impact that they will have on your home’s value. While some renovations may increase the value of your home, others may not be as beneficial.

Follow these steps to ensure your renovations positively impact your home's value.

Research local market trends. Get ideas of what renovations are most beneficial in your area by researching local market trends.
Consider resale value. Renovations will affect the resale value of your home. If you plan on selling in the future, ensure the renovations you choose will attract potential buyers.
Talk to a real estate agent. Speak with a real estate agent to get their opinion on the best renovations for increasing your home’s value.
Consider energy efficiency. Look into energy-efficient upgrades that can help reduce your utility bills and increase the value of your home.
Invest in quality materials. Investing in quality materials will ensure that your renovations last longer and add more value to your home.
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Renovations that add the most value

Some home renovations will help your home's resale value. Find out what they are below.

Kitchen remodel

Remodeling your kitchen is one of the most popular and effective renovations for adding value to a home.

This renovation involves updating the cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring to create a modern and stylish look.

Upgrading the appliances to energy-efficient models will help reduce utility bills and make the kitchen more attractive to potential buyers.

Bathroom renovations

Bathroom renovations are also great for increasing the value of a home. This includes replacing old fixtures such as toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers with modern ones that are more efficient and stylish.

Installing new tile or laminate flooring can also give the bathroom a fresh look, while adding insulation in walls and ceilings can help reduce energy costs.

Exterior updates

A home's exterior is often overlooked when it comes to renovations but can have a major impact on its resale value.

Updating siding, windows, doors, decks, patios, landscaping, and lighting can all add significant value to a home’s exterior while making it more attractive to potential buyers.
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6) Choose quality materials and products

When it comes to home renovations, buying quality products and materials is essential for achieving the desired results.

Investing in quality materials is also important for ensuring the safety of your home. Poorly made products and materials can be a hazard, leading to potential accidents or damage to your home.

In contrast, quality materials are designed with safety in mind, so you can rest assured that your renovations will be safe and secure.

Plus, using quality materials is a smart investment that will pay off in the long run, especially if you plan to sell your house in the future.

Potential buyers will appreciate the attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship. As a result, they'll likely make an offer on your property.
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7) Get permits and inspections when necessary

In the United States, getting the necessary permits and inspections is essential for ensuring that your project is up to code and safe. Without these permits and inspections, you may be subject to fines or even have to redo the work.

What you must do to get the necessary permits and inspections for your home renovation project are:

Research local building codes. Before beginning any home renovation project, it’s important to research local building codes to ensure that your plans comply with all regulations. This can help you avoid costly mistakes or delays due to non-compliance.
Contact your local building department. Once you’ve researched local building codes, contact your local building department to get the necessary permits and inspections for your project. Be sure to provide them with detailed plans of your renovation so they can properly assess whether your plans meet all requirements.
Hire a professional inspector. It’s always a good idea to hire a professional inspector who can assess the safety of your renovation project before it begins.
Follow all instructions. Once you’ve obtained the necessary permits and inspections, follow all instructions provided by your local building department.
Keep records. Finally, keep records of all permits and inspections for your home renovation project. Documentation will prove that you or the contractor completed the work correctly and safely. It will safeguard you against potential future problems.
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8) Prepare for unexpected costs and delays

You should always be prepared for unexpected costs and issues, especially during more complex renovations.

Some of the most common issues and delays that homeowners face include:

Unforeseen structural issues. During the renovation process, you may discover structural problems that weren't visible before the project began. These issues include water damage, mold, or structural instability.
Out-of-budget supplies. Prices often change when we least expect it. So certain materials for your home improvement may be more expensive than planned. Or you may need to purchase additional supplies to complete the job correctly.
Poor workmanship. Poor workmanship can lead to costly repairs and delays. If a contractor is not experienced or does not take their time with the job, it may result in mistakes that need to be corrected later on.
Weather delays. Extreme temperatures or inclement weather conditions can cause delays in completing outdoor projects, such as painting or roofing repairs. But they may also affect indoor projects, such as plumbing and electrical work.
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9) Take safety precautions during the project

Safety should always be a top priority when undertaking any home renovation project. Before beginning the work, take all necessary safety precautions to protect yourself and those around you.

Always use appropriate safety precautions when handling dangerous equipment or substances, such as gloves, goggles, and face masks.

Also, to prevent injuries, make sure to keep kids and animals out of the workspace.
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10) Have fun while doing it

While home renovations can be stressful, it doesn't have to be that way. Relax and take pride in the work you've accomplished so far.

Gather your loved ones around you as you reach each new milestone, and bask in the knowledge that you're helping to create something wonderful.

Remember, home renovations are an investment in your future, so don't forget to have fun along the way.

Conclusion

With the correct mindset and skills, making home improvements doesn't have to be a nightmare. Instead, creating the home of your dreams is within reach if you follow these ten guidelines as a starting point for your improvements.

From obtaining permits and inspections to taking safety precautions and enjoying the process, these tips will help ensure that your renovation project is successful and stress-free.

Before starting your home renovations, find out how Housetable can help finance your project. We offer home equity loans that can provide not only the funds you need to get started but also a peace of mind due to our thorough vetting of your proposed contractor.

Contact us today and let us help you turn your vision into a reality with our competitive rates and a loan amount calculated on your home’s after-renovation value.
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