Why remodel?
Remodeling your home
can modernize the style, make it more comfortable, improve
energy-efficiency and home functionality, increase the value of your
home, and help with upkeep and maintenance. Home remodeling is a sure
investment in your home to ensure longevity, usefulness, and home value.
Perhaps
it was that moment when you realized that avocado green and harvest
gold are no longer the "in" colors for today's trendy kitchens. Or maybe
you had an epiphany one day as you stood in line to use your own
bathroom. Whatever the impetus, the thought has crossed your mind: Maybe
it's time to remodel . . .
If you decide to follow through on that thought, you'll join millions of others who decide to remodel their homes each year. The reasons for home remodeling are as varied as the projects we undertake. Some of these include:
- Adding more space.
- Upgrading cabinets, counters, appliances, and fixtures.
- Creating a floor plan that's customized for your lifestyle.
- Improving energy efficiency with new windows, doors, insulation, and climate control systems.
- Increasing the resale value of your home.
Before you head too far down the remodeling path, it's a good idea to think through your wants and needs:
- Decide what changes you want to make.
- Ask yourself and other family members what you like and dislike about the house, then create a prioritized list.
- Look at magazines and collect pictures of what you like.
- Think about traffic patterns, furniture placement, colors, lighting, and how you want to use the remodeled space now and in the future.
The first step is to
develop an idea of what you want to do. Write a prioritized list of your
needs and wants. Look at magazines and websites and collect pictures of
what you like. The more clearly you can envision the project and
describe it on paper, the better prepared you'll be in making your
decision.
Think about traffic
patterns, furniture size and placement, colors, lighting and how you
expect to use the remodeled space. If your decision to remodel involves
creating better access for someone with limited mobility, you may want
to consider contacting a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.
Figure out how much money you have to spend on the remodeling job, furnishings, landscaping or any other cost you might incur.
If you’ve decided you want to hire a remodeler, learn how to choose a professional, avoid contractor fraud, and make your dream home reality.
One
of the most important considerations for your home improvement project
is financing. After all, the project will go nowhere if you can't pay
for it.
Fortunately, there are several options that can provide the dollars you need. Four of the most common are a home improvement loan, a home equity line of credit, a home equity loan (second mortgage), and a cash-out refinancing of your current mortgage. However, the simplest method of financing is cash.
When you hire a
remodeler, you are buying a service rather than a product. The quality
of service the home remodeler provides will determine the quality of the
finished product and your satisfaction with the result. To ensure your
satisfaction, make sure you hire a qualified, professional remodeler.
While remodeling can
be an exciting process, it can also present unexpected challenges. Many
problems can be avoided by planning ahead.
Owners of homes built
before 1978 who are contemplating any work that will disturb more
than six square feet of painted surfaces inside the home or 20 square
feet on the exterior of the home - for example, replacing a window,
installing cabinets, or adding on to the home - the contractor you hire
is required by law to be trained and certified by the EPA. Learn more about EPA Lead-Safe Certified Renovators and lead paint.
