12 Important Tips Before You Remodel Your Home in Tacoma
The moment has arrived when you decide that your home is either too small or too uncomfortable to live in.
There can be many reasons. Perhaps the family has grown, the pets have moved in, you want space for your home office, your grandparents, or more room to entertain. Maybe you’re looking at home improvements to increase selling value. Possibly the property is old and just needs an overhaul and update.
Is it just time to move altogether or what other options are there?
Remodeling your existing home or buying an old property to renovate are two alternatives. Here are 11 points to ponder.
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Neighborhood Benefits
Consider what are the benefits to you or your family by remaining in the same house/home. Schools, shops, entertainments, transport, local medical/veterinary facilities, or closeness to family, friends, and neighbors. Would some family members suffer in some way by moving?
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The Budget
The total expenditure of remodeling the home is of prime importance and may require research or professional advice. There are plenty of home planning apps available online to help work out sizes and styles to fit your finances before contacting a remodeling company. Planning well and keeping within the budget are the keys to a successful outcome.
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Additional Costs
More space will also mean more furniture, fixtures, and fittings. Here again, ideas and prices can be found on many websites to help achieve an overall costing plan. Although many of these items need not be chosen at this stage, allowing some leeway for extra costs can avoid panic stations later on.
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Environmental Concerns
Large-scale remodeling may mean cutting trees or other alterations to the landscape that might affect neighbors. Some structures do not fit in with the style of the neighborhood or block/spoil views from adjoining properties. Getting the neighbors’ opinions and involving them in the project could be a wise move.
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Balancing It Up
If the budget or plan is too small, it may turn out that the upgrades do not justify the expense and trouble incurred. They may result in only a partial or temporary improvement in the home and fail to add value to the property. Conversely, an overlarge extension may end up too expensive so a move to more suitable real estate would then have been a better choice.
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Legal Points
Local laws will need to be checked for planning permissions or restrictions. If a specialist lawyer needs to be engaged this will add to the costing list. A reputable and reliable building company will offer these additional services as part of a comprehensive remodeling package.
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Planning for Disruptions
If you go ahead with remodeling, home life is likely to be turned upside down for many months. It might be useful to make up contingency plans for all involved and make sure they are on everyone’s computers, tablets, or phones. Your pets may not be that savvy so you will have to think for them too.
There may be power interruptions or plumbing issues, bathroom, and kitchen may be off-limits temporarily and dust filtering through to bedrooms and living space. Perhaps it is time to rent elsewhere, move in with friends or family, or take that holiday you have been dreaming of for years.
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Planning for the Unexpected
If you are going to be away from the property it is essential to employ a remodeling company that you can trust. Choosing the right contractors is of paramount importance, keeping you informed but capable of coping with any unplanned issues that crop up. When homes are altered, underlying structural problems may show up and these too may involve further costs to allow for in the budget.
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When Walls Come Down
Sometimes seeing the house in its ‘bare bones’ may be a positive advantage, encouraging a re-think and improvements to the original concept. Be aware though that the price of materials may fluctuate during any delays caused by changes in plans.
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Doing it Alone
If you are an expert DIY enthusiast and choose this option, it is even more important to make out a strict plan and evaluate cost limitations.
- Will this be in your spare time or will you take some time off to do the work? Is it something to plan when you are thinking of retiring?
- When is the best time to start the project? In the summer the weather may be helpful and school/work holidays give the family the option to stay with relatives or friends.
- Set aside a leisure area with access to cooling and cooking facilities, dining table, and comfortable chairs.
- Create a workstation with all the tools, building apparatus and computer or outline drawings within easy reach.
- Check out local laws and get planning permission if necessary and advice on the rules for safety inspections.
- Contact any professional help needed and schedule times to fit in with your plans. Experts on plumbing, gas or electric connections, and roofing may be needed.
- Make sure everyone involved has protective gear for the duration and all safety regulations are adhered to.
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Renovating an Older Property
The advantage of a complete renovation means you can live in your existing home and schedule the work as your time and lifestyle allow. All the points for DIY are relevant for this type of conversion but with additional considerations for a more major project.
Unless sufficient funds are available, be sure that mortgage or loan companies are willing to help finance the project. Seek out relevant insurance policies and tax advisors.
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Hiring a Structural Engineer
Getting a full structural survey of the property and advice on project costs is vitally important.
Consider problems such as damp, dry rot, insect infestations, and the condition of the building. Major renovations may make it essential to hire a qualified structural engineer.
This is where we can help. We are your go-to structural engineer, design and inspection guides in Tacoma, WA.
Schedule an appointment with our consultant today so we can come review your property, assess and provide summary of findings along with a recommended game plan.
Takeaway
It is a well-documented fact that house moving is one of the most stressful experiences. Considering other options such as home remodeling or renovation may be a less traumatic and more satisfying choice. Let us do all the heavy lifting for you.
