We’ve been living in our new home for about 4 years now. I’m still totally in love with it, but am feeling a little itchy to make some changes. Nothing major, thankfully, but a few coats of paint, rearranging some rooms, that kind of stuff. A friend of mine is in the middle of a big remodel and I’m just a tiny bit jealous of all the fun changes she’s making!
If you have been thinking about finally completing those long overdue home improvement projects or renovating your house, there are certain things you need to carefully think through. Careful planning ensures that you can improve your living quarters for a long time to come, reduce your running costs, and feel good in your relaxing place. You might be hesitant to get started for various reasons. Maybe you have no time, limited budget, or simply can’t decide on your priorities. (Or maybe you’re just a total procrastinator. #guilty) Whatever the reason is that you’ve held off, there’s not time like the present to get started! Here are find a few pointers you might want to consider before you can get started.
The Condition of the Home
Raise your hand if you LOVE the look of old cottages and farmhouses! There’s just something about that rustic charm that I just adore. In so many of these older homes, the rooms can be small and choppy. This isn’t exactly convenient or space-effective for most modern families. But before you grab that sledgehammer and try knocking out a wall for that open concept you’ve been hoping for—hold up. Older homes, while typically super sturdy, don’t necessarily have the straightforward, streamlined structure that newer homes do. You’ll want to check with a contractor prior to getting to excited with that hammer to make sure the wall you’re hoping to remove isn’t a supporting wall. As houses get older, they shift and “settle”. This can sometimes throw off the alignment of walls, floors, cabinets, and so forth. Any reno work could really cause a big issue if you’re not 100% sure what you’re doing so be sure to get an expert opinion prior to starting.
Heating Efficiency
Does your charming old farm house seem a little drafty? When all that settling occurs, insulation is not excluded. Over the years, it loses its effectiveness. Windows also tend to settle and let a breeze in (or the humidity in summer). While you’re in the midst of your remodel, it might be time to consider looking into new heating and cooling options. Installing a new heat pump or eco-friendly heating options are a good choice! At the same time, another great choice might be to look into having an underfloor heating system installed, especially if you have an open plan layout downstairs. My parents have floor heat, and let me just tell ya—it’s like heaven for your toes on those cold winter days!
Insulation
Of course, once you embark on a journey to renovate your home, you will need to improve its look and efficiency, too. While upgrading your heating might help, you might also want to make sure that you are not losing heat through inefficient windows, doors, gaps, and your attic. You can get grants for attic insulation, and get all your windows and doors changed on a budget. There are some long term finance options to consider, including bad credit loans in case you have limited experience with finance. When it comes to insulation, there are many options. Many people are familiar with the big rolls of pink stuff, but there is also blown in insulation as well as a foam-type spray in that works wonders! You can never over insulate your home so if you’re doing work in the attic or around doors/windows, it doesn’t hurt to add some.
Natural Light
If there is something that will make your home more appealing forever, and doesn’t cost money, it is natural light. That big ol’ sun comes out every single day for FREE! Once you are ready to start your renovation and remodeling, find a way to let more light in through opening up spaces. Get rid of the small alcoves, dark corners and corridors, and you will make your house brighter and more spacious as well. Again, when opening up any area, always get the advice of a contractor! In my opinion, the best thing you can do is have big beautiful windows to filter in natural light. If you don’t want to add more windows, you might try installing glass bricks that will let light in without compromising your privacy.
Consider Long Term Needs
Obviously, your home has to work for the life you’re living now. That might be with schoolagers or toddlers, or you might be the parent of a college student. While it’s important to make sure everyone has appropriate space to live right now, it’s crucial to consider the future. Will you still have enough room when your toddlers are teens and need more space? Will you have too much room when they go off to college? There’s a lot to consider, but it you intend to reside in your home long term, it’s something you have to look at!
Budget
This should be a four letter word. The main limitation of remodeling for most people is their budget. If you have limited savings, or can’t spare more than a couple of hundred dollars each month to spend on your home, you might want to take it slow and prioritize tasks. It is also crucial that you logically build up the renovation project, so you never have to touch the same thing twice. This will make your home improvements faster and cheaper.
Chaos Will Ensue
Not all of us are good with dealing with chaos and mess. Personally, I teach elementary school, have two kids (and am in the process of adopting more), and two dogs. Chaos is my middle name. I realize that’s not everyone though. If you are generally a tidy person, and can’t stand the sight of things lying around or walls being unplastered, you will certainly need to book a vacation and leave the job to the professionals who can complete every job in just a couple of weeks. However, if you are not bothered by giving up your spare bathroom, kitchen, and your bedroom for the duration of the renovation, you can save a lot of money by doing a few of the jobs yourself.
Potential Toxic Materials
Before you decide to join rooms, knock down walls, or make any structural changes in your home, you will need to get a full assessment to find out whether or not there are dangerous or toxic materials in your home. If your house has previously suffered from condensation, or had a leak on the roof, chances are that you will need to deal with the problem before you can start the remodeling. At the same time, you will have to talk to an asbestos assessor to find out whether the material was used in any part of your home, or you can expose yourself and your family to health risks.
Sustainable Development
It is important that you invest in materials that last longer than just a few years. When choosing your new kitchen, you might want to opt for real wood, instead of chipboard, and hardwood floor, instead of laminate. Have I mentioned I love windows? They’re another place not to skimp. If a plan calls for a large window—buy the large window! Cheaping out now just makes for bigger issues later. This will not only save you money long term, but also give your home a superior and luxurious look. Not to mention, quality products increase the value of your home.
Adding Value
One of the main things you need to consider to make your home renovation a success is how much value you can add to your property. You might think that you will never leave, but circumstances change. This means that you will need to increase the value of your real estate by more than you spent on it. Talk to property experts to find out which home improvements can add the most value to your family and your home as well, and decide based on the facts and figures.
When it comes to renovations, most of us are worried about the costs spiraling out of control, and unexpected issues turning up. If you would like to make sure that you will achieve your goals, talk to experts, consider your long term plans, and create a detailed plan and budget. Oh, and don’t forget to have a little fun! This is your home. Make it represent you and your family!
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