7 Factors to Consider
About Home Remodeling to
Stay Cost-Efficient
Before taking on a large project, such as a home remodel, there are several factors to consider so you don’t waste your budget. You’ll need to be prepared for what a job like this entails. Establish goals for what you want to achieve with a remodel. You should also consider all aspects of your home, inside and out.
In the following list, we’ll cover all the factors you should consider to stay as cost-efficient as possible throughout remodeling your home.
First And Foremost
Prepare Yourself!
First and foremost, you need to prepare yourself for the journey ahead. Home remodeling can be a lengthy process depending on the condition of the house you’ve chosen. A significant amount of thought, time, effort, and money goes into a project like this.
Although, that doesn’t make it a bad decision. Whether this is your forever home or you plan on selling in a few years, remodeling a house is an investment in your future!
Is It Cheaper to Remodel or Start From Scratch?
One of the first factors to consider is if it’s cheaper to remodel an existing home or simply build a new house. In most cases, it typically costs less to remodel a home over starting new construction.
This can depend on the area your located and the existing house’s condition, though. If a house is a particularly poor state that still doesn’t mean you need to demolish and start over. Have the place inspected and learn what needs to be done to bring the house up to code.
If you realize this is going to go over your budget immensely, shop around for other projects before purchasing and demolishing the house for new construction. Save money, stick with the remodel.
Setting Goals and Making a Budget.
Before you run out and buy yourself a fixer-upper or start tearing down walls in your current home, set your goals for this project and come up with a budget. What do you want to accomplish with a remodel?
How much are you willing to spend on a remodel? The answers to both of these questions are related. Think about the house you plan to remodel.
Are you flipping it? Is this a forever home? If it’s not a forever home, do you expect to live there for at least 10 years?
My Goal is to Flip the House
- If your goal is to flip this house and sell it once the remodel is finished, then this lowers your budget plan.
- Your budget should be centralized around mid-range products and materials.
- There’s no need to go over the top with every light fixture and sink faucet in a house you plan to sell as soon as it’s finished.
- Remodeling using only mid-range products still greatly increases your home’s value.
- You will still make a profit from the remodel, without breaking the bank.
My Goal is to Make This My Forever Home
- If your goal is to remodel your home or purchase a home to remodel as your forever home, your budget should increase.
- This is going to be your space for the foreseeable future, so it needs to be how you want it.
- If you settle for cheaper products or materials to simply bring the budget down, you’re going to end up quite disappointed with the finished remodel.
- Don’t let your remodel become a regret by not creating the space you desire.
My Goal is to Live Here Less Than 10 Years, Then Sell
- If you do not plan on living there 10 years, but do plan on staying some time, then your budget should reflect the same as remodeling to sell.
- Just use mid-range products so as to not invest too much into a house you have no intention of keeping.
My Goal is to Live Here More Than 10 Years, But Not Forever
- If you plan on staying for more than 10 years, your budget should be similar to a forever home budget.
- 10 years is a long time to live somewhere, so why not make it your own?
- Settling for less than desirable products and living in a house that long can leave you resenting the remodel altogether.
The most important aspect of your budget to remember is to not be overly strict with it. Things come up, life happens and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. Sometimes problems arise during the remodel that need to be dealt with, such as discovering a room’s floor joists are structurally unstable and need to be replaced. That’s going to drive up costs, although it needs to be done. Or maybe that tile you started the bathroom with is discontinued and you ran out, so you need to tear it up and start with a new tile.
With all that in mind, a remodeling budget needs to be flexible, not a number set in stone that you can’t adjust.
Time to Bring in
The Professionals!
You may fancy yourself a veteran do-it-yourselfer and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, when it comes to projects as large as remodeling an entire home, it’s best to hire a professional contractor to get the job done.
There are too many variables involved in taking on a home remodel to do it alone. If something goes wrong or something unexpected comes up, it’s on you. Don’t take chances when your home is involved.
Find the Best Contractor!
You’re going to need a reliable, trustworthy professional to remodel your home. The best place to start is local. Check the newspaper for ads, search online for “contractors near me,” and always check reviews. When shopping for a contractor.
Do They Offer a Warranty?
- Warranties are typically one year for most contractors on a remodel job. If anything is done wrong, you will find it within a year.
- A warranty is a must when hiring a professional. Various problems can arise following a remodel that no one is to blame over, such as a piece of tile not adhering properly because the humidity was high when it was placed.
- Offering a warranty shows that a contractor is willing to stand by their work.
Do They Have a Reputation?
- Warranties are typically one year for most contractors on a remodel job. If anything is done wrong, you will find it within a year.
- A warranty is a must when hiring a professional. Various problems can arise following a remodel that no one is to blame over, such as a piece of tile not adhering properly because the humidity was high when it was placed.
- Offering a warranty shows that a contractor is willing to stand by their work.
Find a Contractor Who Works With You, Not For You.
- Warranties are typically one year for most contractors on a remodel job. If anything is done wrong, you will find it within a year.
- A warranty is a must when hiring a professional. Various problems can arise following a remodel that no one is to blame over, such as a piece of tile not adhering properly because the humidity was high when it was placed.
- Offering a warranty shows that a contractor is willing to stand by their work.
Remodel Your Kitchen to
Revalue Your Home!
An exceptional method to increase the of your home is with a kitchen remodel! The kitchen is the epicenter of most homes, this is where all the action happens. Choosing to remodel your kitchen is the perfect place to start a remodeling project and add value to your home.
Choose the Kitchen Layout That’s Best for You!
There is a myriad of kitchen layouts to choose from. Pick the best layout for either your family’s needs or that best suit’s the size of the house.
Here are several examples of popular kitchen layouts:
One-Wall Kitchens
- Most modern designs also include an island creating a walk-through corridor.
- One-wall kitchens are frequently found in studio or loft spaces because of their space-saving qualities.
- Cabinets and appliances are fixed on a single wall.
- Best for one-cook kitchens.
L-Shaped Kitchens
- The branches of the L can be as long as desired, although commonly they are between 12 to 15 feet.
- The branches of the L can be as long as desired, although commonly they are 12 to 15 feet.
- Ideal for small and medium-sized kitchens.
- L-shaped layouts reduce traffic through the kitchen.
- Offers space to add a dining area.
Horseshoe Kitchens
- This U-shaped layout is made up of three walls of cabinets and appliances.
- It can also be formed from an L-shaped kitchen with an island creating the third “wall.”
- Horseshoe kitchens allow for traffic flow & workflow throughout the kitchen.
- Best for medium-sized kitchens.
Galley Kitchens
- The galley kitchen is characterized by two walls opposite one another or two parallel countertops forming a walkway between them.
- Best for one-cook kitchens.
- This practical, slim layout is best utilized in smaller spaces.
- Galleys make for one of the most economical layouts available.
Kitchens With Islands
- A working kitchen island can include appliances and cabinetry for storage.
- An island can turn a one-wall kitchen into a galley style, and an L-shaped layout into a horseshoe.
- It can provide a place to eat by using stools, to prepare food by including a sink, and to store beverages by installing a cooler.
- They offer an additional work surface in a kitchen.
- Best used for large kitchens.
Peninsula Kitchens
- Peninsulas function similarly to islands but offer more clearance in kitchens that don’t have the room for an island.
- Ideal for medium-sized kitchens.
- A peninsula kitchen is explained as using a connected island to convert an L-shaped layout into a horseshoe or alter a horseshoe kitchen into a G-shaped design.
When deciding on a layout, don’t forget to consider your workflow. Picking the right layout for your kitchen is an important decision because each individual or family uses the kitchen in different ways.
Consider your workflow in reference to everyday function and social use. Think about how you use the kitchen, how many people will be cooking there together, if your kitchen doubles as an entertaining or social space, and what your goals are for this remodel.
Don’t Forget the Countertops!
Keep the countertops in mind during the remodel as well. Remember the goals you’ve set for the remodel. There are various types of countertops available for whatever budget or aesthetic goals you have in mind.
Granite
- Granite is a natural stone that’s available in a broad range of colors and patterns.
- One of the most durable countertops available.
- Resistant to heat, scratching, and staining.
- Price ranges from $38 to $75 per square foot.
- Requires sealing every 1 to 2 years.
Concrete
- Concrete countertops are also manmade and can be made into a plethora of colors and finishes.
- Extremely durable, especially when finishing with an epoxy coating.
- Resistant to heat, scratches, and stains.
- Prices run between $65 and $135 per square foot.
- Requires annual sealing.
Soapstone
- Soapstone is a natural stone countertop available only in varied shades of grey, sometimes with blue or green undertones.
- Exceptionally durable countertop material.
Quartz
- Quartz countertops are manmade and available in various colors and patterns. Though the selection is not as broad as Granite.
- Highly durable countertop option.
- Resistant to heat, scratches, and stains.
- Price varies between $42 to $80 per square foot.
- It does not require sealing.
