What Goes Into A Complete Home Renovation?

This is a guest post that speaks about the importance about hiring an architect but most of this applies to hiring an interior designer as well!

Have you ever watched a home renovation show and thought "I could do that."? Maybe after you then begin thinking about all of the work that goes into a home renovation and quickly changed your mind. 

There are many reasons why homeowners might choose to renovate their homes. Maybe their family has grown and they need the extra space. Or maybe you are just tired of the same old space. Home renovations can be a daunting task, as there are plenty of factors to consider when planning a home renovation, ranging from the scope of the project to your budget. But not only are home renovations a great way to improve your quality of life, but they may also increase the value of your home. 

By taking your home renovation one step at a time, you can achieve the look and feel you want for your home. In this article, I'll outline some of the most important steps involved in renovating your home, from planning to execution. Here are a few key steps you'll need to take to ensure the process goes smoothly:

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Hire A Skilled Architect

Hiring a skilled architect is often the first and most important step in ensuring a successful home renovation. Finding the right architect can help you turn your vision into reality. A professional architect will work directly with you to understand your vision and develop a detailed plan that takes all of your objectives into account. An experienced architect will be able to help you navigate the permitting process, and make sure that your renovation complies with all local building codes. This will not only save you time but also save you money from any unexpected building fees. Partnering with the right architect is one of the most important steps in the renovation process, so take your time and hire an architect who you feel will confidently be able to bring your vision to life. Be sure to review past projects and ensure they have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve.

Get Multiple Quotes  

Any major home renovation can be a large investment, so you want to be sure that you get the best possible value for your money. One of the best ways to do this is to get multiple quotes. Once you have an idea of what you want to do, it's essential to get accurate estimates from different companies so that you can compare costs and find the best deal. Ensure that you speak with different architects and contractors to get detailed quotes before making any final decisions. Not all companies are created equal, so it's important you have a good sense of the market rate for the work required, Once you have decided on an architect, be sure to get everything in writing before any work begins. This will help ensure you avoid any misunderstandings and that your home renovation project runs smoothly. 

Budget Your Project 

Budgeting your home renovation project is essential to avoiding surprise expenses and ensuring you don’t break the bank.  Work with your architect to develop a realistic budget and timeline for your home renovation. Factors within your budgets should include, labor, cost of materials, permits, and any other associated costs. In addition, be sure to budget a bit of a cushion in case of any unexpected expenses. A structured budget will ensure you stay on track and avoid overspending or getting far behind schedule.
There are also a number of ways to save money on your renovation, so be sure to speak with your architect in order to find the best prices. By developing a plan, you can ensure that your home renovation project stays on track and stays within budget. 

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Start With A Bang 

Whether you're tackling a full-scale renovation or simply making a few cosmetic changes, start with the most important steps first. You may be feeling overwhelmed and tempted to complete a few small steps until time for decision-making, however, this can often lead to low-quality work or make the project duration even longer. Structural work and any major changes to the layout of your home should always be done first.  Once you have completed these steps, you can begin moving on to cosmetic updates like paint colors and finishes. Whatever type of project you take, starting off with a bang will help you make the most of your home renovation.

Plan For The Unexpected 

No matter how well you plan, there's always a chance that something will go wrong during a home renovation. Always be prepared for unexpected costs and delays. No renovation project is ever perfect, so it's important to be flexible. For most people, homes are one of their biggest investments, so have a contingency fund set aside in case something goes wrong. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Don't underestimate the cost of labor 

• Plan for permits, inspections, and building code requirements

• Account for the cost of material

• Expect sudden problems and delays

By being prepared for the unexpected, you can ensure that your home renovation gets completed smoothly, on time, and within your budget.

Final Thoughts

So, whether you’re currently tackling a home renovation project or are just getting started to plan around it, be sure to follow these tips. Speak with an architect, get multiple quotes, stick to a budget and set realistic expectations for yourself and your architects.  By planning ahead and considering all of the necessary steps, your renovation will go more smoothly and you’ll end up with the home you always dreamed about.