April 10, 2022
If you’re planning on remodeling your home, now is the time! Prices for materials will likely only increase, so you may save money by starting your project now. A whole house remodel can be a big decision, but it can significantly add to the value of your home (if done correctly) and you’ll love living in a space you can call your very own. Deciding to remodel your home can be daunting so here are some tips on how to start:
Having the money to start (and finish) your home remodel is probably the most important aspect of renovating a home. You don’t want to run out of money before the house is complete! Consider signing up for an equity loan (second mortgage) to make sure you have enough money to complete your remodel.
If you hire a contractor, you will need to consider both the price of materials and the price of labor. Many contractors get great discounts on materials which could save you some money in the long run. If you want to try saving money on your remodel there are some tasks you may be able to do yourself, like painting a bedroom. However, you’ll definitely want to consider hiring a professional contractor when it comes to building an addition, renovating a bathroom, or anything else to do with plumbing or electricity.
When you hire a contractor, it’s important to research and meet with several different contractors to determine which one can achieve the vision you have for your home remodel. Make sure to check out our blog post “What to Look for in a Contractor” so you know how to find the best contractor for your needs. Make sure your contractor is properly insured before they get to work. If something happens to your house because of a mistake, then you might end up paying the price. RSU Contractors has up to a million dollars in insurance coverage, so you’ll never have to be worried.
Before hiring your contractor, it’s important to know that you’ll be comfortable with them. They’re going to be in your house, and you will consistently communicate with them. Your contractors should have a plan on how they’re going to tackle your remodel. Make sure you know which days they’ll be where and plan your day accordingly. You might not want workers in every area of your house at any given time, so have a timeline of when and where they’ll be working. This will help both you and your contractors stay on schedule and have a clear understanding of what to do.
It might seem like a no-brainer, but if you’re going to be living in the house while it’s being remodeled, you’ll want to make sure you have areas that are still habitable and usable! If you’re renovating the bathrooms, make sure your family has at least one bathroom to use and remodel it when the others are completed.
RSU will make a personalized schedule for your project and you’ll get your very own team with a project manager that will oversee your remodel. We’ll work with you to make sure the project goes how you want and we can work together to make your perfect schedule.
There is always a chance that something surprising might happen. If you’re remodeling an older home, there might need to be more updates than you had in mind. Make sure you have extra money saved in case anything goes wrong. Your house may no longer be up to code, there could be issues with the foundation, or you might need rewiring or new plumbing. Your contractor might find something else wrong that you’ll need to be prepared for.
Depending on your home remodel, it might take a few weeks to get a building permit. Permits also add to the cost of the project, so be prepared and have some monetary padding so you’re not caught off guard by the price. You might also have to pay for special gear to tackle tasks you may not have considered. If you were going to sand off old paint from the house you might need to get it tested for lead. If it contains lead, you’ll need masks and other equipment for your workers to prevent lead poisoning. Or, if you live in the South like we do, you might be surprised by a termite infestation and a costly exterminator bill.
RSU Contractors has been working in Middle Tennessee for 40 years – with high-quality results and impeccable service, you can trust us with your dream renovation.