In a survey by Trulia, it was revealed that 90% of homeowners have plans of remodeling their home, with almost 40% of them planning to have it done within the next two years.
People want to renovate for many valid reasons, but how do you know when it’s the right time? Before you approach an architectural design firm in Los Angeles, here are some things you need to consider.
If You’re Planning to Sell
With renovations, you can improve your property’s value on the open market, making it a good investment for your time and money. However, it needs to be executed well so that it can attract the right paying homebuyers.
Before pushing through with the remodeling, talk to a local real estate agent first. They’ll let you know what features the market is looking for so that you can invest your money wisely.
If Safety is an Issue
If you’ve lived in the same house for more than two decades or so, there will most likely be damage. Some common types of property damage are water and freezing damage, wind and hail damage, fire and lightning damage, and theft.
Boosting safety is always a good reason to renovate, especially if there are children or senior citizens in your residential property. You don’t want people to get hurt, so it would be best to remodel to prevent serious injuries or even losing your home.
If You Want to Make Your Home Eco-Friendly
Going green is getting more prevalent these days as more people finally realize the importance of protecting our planet. One of the ways you can be more environment-friendly is by making changes to your home.
One route to take is solar power. Renewable energy is a good way to make your house more eco-friendly. Initially, it may look like installing solar panels costs a lot of money, but you can potentially save more in the long run. Some people even depend on solar panels completely after some time.
If You Want to Restore Your Home
There are many old houses out there that are incredibly beautiful with the most appealing structures, but they have been abandoned and are seemingly uninhabitable. Some of these houses can be old property in your family.
Remodeling historic houses to their former glory can turn out to be a good investment. Old houses with unique architectural designs can be quite profitable, especially if these properties have been built a long time ago.
If You Want to Upgrade Function and Efficiency
If you live on your own, you don’t have to worry about sharing or privacy. Living with other people, however, is another story.
For big households, sharing a bathroom can be stressful, especially on busy mornings. You might even need a room where you can work away from distractions.
Renovating to add space and function for residence is always a good idea as long as it doesn’t decrease the home’s value.
Tips for Renovating
Regardless of the reason you have behind remodeling your home, it’s going to cost a lot of money. So with this much investment, you’d want to avoid making mistakes you’ll regret later. Here are some tips for minimizing risks.
Budget
When it comes to budget, get an estimate from local contractors. Homeowners often underestimate the costs since home-makeover TV shows can be misleading.
It’s also important to factor in the budget for your temporary housing while your property is being renovated. Some are fortunate enough that they can stay with family or friends, but it’s always good to play it safe and allocate money for when you need to rent a place.
Crew
Part of the fun with remodeling is you get to design your home. However, consider still hiring a designer so you won’t get bogged down or paralyzed with decisions. This way, you can get your beautiful dream home without dragging on for months.
Supplies
When you can, see and touch materials in person. Doing things online is tempting due to convenience and health concerns, but remember that these materials will last for decades.
You wouldn’t want to be stuck with something you regret, so request samples and swatches for everything.
Space
Plan your space with 3D mockups so you can visualize everything better. Sometimes that L-shaped counter looks incredibly appealing in our head but when you incorporate it in the floor plan, it might cause a lot of problems. Additionally, try to not make your home too kid-friendly since they’ll inevitably outgrow everything, including that low kitchen sink.
