Do your homework before you begin your home project is key to making informed decisions and bypassing any surprise expenses.
1. What is the project scope ?
Start by defining the scope of the project. Make sure these elements are clearly defined. This way, everyone can understand the work being done, including you, general contractors, subcontractors, and specialists.
2. What are your objectives ?
What are you really hoping to achieve with this project ?
The house is yours or rented ?
You’re simply updating or it’s a part of your home that you want to enjoy it for as long as you choose to live there ?
3. What are your projected costs ?
Is the style you initially envisioned the best one to pursue?
And what about materials, is anything especially hard to source right now?
Are some materials significantly more expensive?
* Set aside money for an emergency budget. Unforeseen circumstances like wiring issues, asbestos detection, or pest removal can be an unfortunate part of the home improvement experience, especially if your home is older ?
4. What are your future needs ?
Are you a new homeowner or you rent ?
You expect to grow your family soon?
Do you plan to spend your retirement years in your current home?
Answers to those questions could, and likely should, alter your home improvement project plans.
5. What is the best value ?
Finding the best value is an important part of shopping.
Getting quotes from contractors is an essential way to find that value.
Having several quotes (at least three) to compare makes it easier. Make sure that you’re requesting the same to all of them. A review of quotes can also be a way to spot opportunities for saving money.
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6. What permits will you need ?
Depending on your home improvement project's size, scope, and location, permits may need to be obtained before any work can be performed. Common home improvement projects that could require permits include:
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Changes made to the structural support of your home (removing load-bearing walls or adding a new room).
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Adding or altering electrical circuits, upgrading electrical service, or installing new electrical fixtures.
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Modifying plumbing systems (adding new pipes, relocating fixtures, or installing a new water heater).
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Performing HVAC work, such as installing new heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems.
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Replacing or repairing your roof.
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Installing new windows or doors may require a permit, especially if they alter the structural integrity of your home.
Any questions to find the types of permits you’ll need before starting your home improvement project must begin at your local building department or permitting office. Connecting with a trustworthy contractor who’s up to date on code can also guide you through the permitting process.
7. What will you need to communicate ?
Home improvement projects, especially large ones, can invade every area of your daily life. A kitchen renovation, for example, consumes more than just your kitchen when the project gets underway.
Partners, kids, pets, and if you’re a remote employee, even coworkers, can each feel the disruption that arises from a home improvement project.
Timelines, work schedules, living arrangement adjustments, and potential safety concerns should be some of the items you need to anticipate communicating.
8. What contractor will you choose ?
You’ll be relying on your contractor to help you stay within your budget, secure any necessary permits, communicate updated timelines and troubleshoot issues to reach the finish line of your home improvement project with your dream result realized?
When you hire a general contractor who is experienced, licensed, and insured, you are better protected if something goes wrong.
If you're not right which contractor you’ll choose to take your project, you should consider the qualities you want that company or individual to possess:
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Do they get rave reviews from previous customers?
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Have they been responsive to any complaints they’ve received?
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Are they current on all their contractor licenses?
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Most importantly, is the contractor trustworthy?
9. Hiring a designer or architect or not ?
Sure, you have the vision for your home renovation, and your contractor has the know-how to tackle the work, but a designer or architect’s expertise could be critical.
Projects involving entire room remodels, reimagined floor plans, elevations, and additions require professional insight. These professionals provide valuable information regarding the project's aesthetic, functionality, and structural integrity. They’ll also work with you to add the personal touch that fits your aesthetic, scope and budget.
10. Having a signed contract
For deadlines, scope of work, warranties, materials, payment terms and beyond, you can always go back to this document.
Even when a project is completed, keep your contract and any relevant receipts, plans or paperwork should you need to reference them in case disputes or misunderstandings arise.
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Make sure you read and understand everything before signing.
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Confirm the contract includes contact information, start and completion dates.
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Identify a detailed description of the exact work to be done, any material costs, payment schedule, and warranty information.
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Specify who will obtain necessary building permits and who is responsible for clean-up.
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Make sure all verbal promises are included in the contract.
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Ask how much work will be subcontracted and ask for information on the subcontractors.
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Ask questions if you do not understand any part of the contract.
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Never sign an incomplete or partially blank contract.
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Hang on to your contract for future reference.
What to include in your home improvement
The question is: What exactly do you need to get in writing?
What is the schedule?
There’s nothing like having a deadline to keep expectations on track. After discussing the scope and projected labor with your general contractor, work together to identify how the following elements fit into the calendar.
Advise*: Every home improvement project is a way to boost their home’s resale value.
Setting the goals of your home improvement project
Decisions related to timeline and budget
Know your objectives, and be able to communicate your expectations clearly