When you’ve bought a home in Utah, truly settling down can sometimes mean making further adjustments. Whether it’s the lack of a second bathroom making everybody a bit more conscious of how long they spend in the shower, or a sudden leak that seems to be coming from the roof, you can end up making a further investment in your home sooner than you think – and sometimes the project can be a big one. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for major home improvement.
Set your schedule
As you begin to plan your new home addition or renovation, establishing a timeframe is one of the first things to block off on your schedule. The average project can take around eight weeks. Since we get all four seasons in the Beehive State, and winter can be pretty harsh depending on the location, you’ll want to make sure that any outdoor construction is done during favorable conditions.
For many people, scheduling isn’t only about time – it’s dealing with the potential disruption to our lifestyle and relationships. You’ll have to determine whether you need to find temporary accommodations, depending on the extent of the construction – particularly if you work from home or telecommute. You’ll also need to consider the impact of the noise and activity on your kids and pets, if applicable, and prepare the best solutions for their needs.
Determine your budget
Any home improvement project has the potential to scale up – and costs can get out of hand pretty easily. A simple bathroom or kitchen can start with fixture repairs and end with upscale cabinets and designer tiles. You need to have a firm grasp of your budget so that money is well spent.
Consider your source of funds – will you simply pay with available cash, or do you need a home equity loan or mortgage refinancing from a Utah lender? Which home improvements tend to bring in the most return on investment (ROI) down the line? And what are the repairs or additions where you don’t want to sacrifice on the quality of materials?
DIY or contractor?
Unless you have a professional level skillset, chances are there will be many tasks where a DIY job might not achieve the quality of the result you need. Most people can apply an even coat of paint across their walls, but how about electrical work or plumbing installation? And safety should also be a consideration; anytime the job calls for extended work on the roof, for example, even experienced DIYers run the risk of falling.
Large scale work can be achieved with a DIY approach only if you have a lot of experience, and probably a bit more time to play with. For many people, hiring the right contractor ultimately simplifies the task at hand. They can secure any necessary permits, carry out demanding tasks, and provide advice if unexpected situations come up based on their extensive experience.
Prepare the home
Whether you end up hiring labor or going all out DIY, you’ll want to clear out furniture and other stuff that gets in the way as people move about the areas where the work will take place. Fragile items should be stored, as well as valuables. Set limits on areas where workers can and cannot go; no matter how trustworthy, this is still your home and private personal space.
Additional work on your home is often required, but shouldn’t take up more time and effort than needed. Recognize that it can be a major project, and organize and plan so that you get the desired results as hassle-free as possible.