These 7 Tips for Smoother Home Renovation Might Surprise You

A home renovation is exciting, but it can also be stressful. From the time it takes to complete the project to the decisions to make, and the financial costs involved, a lot is going on. The house can also feel chaotic if you’re living there while the project is underway. To help make the process smoother, here are seven tips. Get ready for some insights that might surprise you!

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1. Get a Solar Tax Credit

You may have been considering installing solar panels, but you put it off because of worries about your budget. The project is much more reasonable than you might have assumed, with the applicable tax credit for solar panels. This incentive gives you plenty of reason to start the project, as does beginning to save money on home energy bills and having a more eco-friendly household. You’re also improving the resale value of your residence, which makes the project one to take on now. Many homeowners don’t know about the tax credit, so that’s why it’s on this list!

2. Think Ahead for Resale 

Continuing on the topic of resale value… Be sure to consider that with any home renovation you do now, even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon. Rather than putting money into an upgrade that will likely become outdated soon, choose one that holds its value over time. A floor plan with an open layout is a great choice, making the interior look bigger and providing an airy feel. When painting interior walls, choose neutral shades and ones that match each other from room to room to create a flow when walking through them.

3. Choose the Right People, Not the Cheapest

When hiring contractors and installers, it can be tempting only to look at the project's bottom line. But sometimes it’s true that the cheapest hire is also the one that does the least quality work. Instead, look for the best person for the job when you’re not able to do it yourself. While the individual or crew you hire may turn out to be affordable and do excellent work, which is the best-case scenario, the main thing to look for is the right person for the project. Choose someone who specializes in the particular thing you want done to get it done well the first time.

4. Get the Correct Permits

Neglecting to get the needed permits for the repair or upgrade in your home will do more than give you a headache. It can set you back time-wise in the process, potentially increasing overall project costs and creating a disruptive living environment for longer than originally anticipated. You might even have to pay a fee, depending on where you live, if you go ahead with the work without first getting the necessary permits to do it. Consult the relevant local authority early on in the project to avoid this mistake. Many homeowners wish they had heard that sooner, as it would certainly have made for a smoother project.

5. Put Aside More Money Than Expected

What does this mean? While you might never have to use it, having extra savings available is handy during any house-related project. That applies to smaller changes you’re doing and also to more significant ones. Having more funds available to you, if needed, can give you more peace of mind while going through the upgrade and allows for anything unexpected that might happen. For example, most people don’t expect to find mold behind their walls when they rip out drywall to expand a room, but it can happen, unfortunately. Having ample funds available makes that type of scenario more manageable (and significantly less stressful).

6. Don’t Neglect Storage

When you think ahead to what to build, it’s easy to overlook the details. Adding storage within an expansion or another type of reno can come in handy for years to come. What you choose is up to you and the design you like, from hidden cabinets to drawers under the stairs. More room for storing things out of sight can help the living area appear brighter and tidier, as well as larger. Having functional storage also makes daily living easier as you’re able to find places to easily organize things, from clothes to extra decor items.

7. Smart Solutions

A smart home is one with the latest tech. The gadgets, from smart lighting to thermostats, can be convenient and also modernize the house. Being able to control things around the house, such as the lights, using a remote, and while you’re away from home, can increase safety and energy efficiency. For instance, you could turn down the heat when you have to stay later at work than anticipated to save money or turn on the lights at night when you’re away to make it look like someone’s home, potentially safeguarding against a burglary. These gadgets make a home run smoother.

Bonus Tip: Consult with the Professional

A bonus insight! When is the expert you want to hire available to do the work you need done? Do they have multiple ways to get hold of them? These are questions to ask the professional before you hire them. While it may seem like you’re doing a job interview, the effort you take to think ahead about questions to ask and find the right person will help make the project go smoother. It will also significantly increase the chances of getting the results you want.

Conclusion: Tips to Help Make Your Renovation Better 

The tips above can help make your reno go more easily for you. From applying for a solar tax credit to choosing the right people, rather than the cheapest, there are a lot of ways to have a smoother home renovation. Which tips suit you depend on many factors, including the details of your project and where you live. Once the upgrade is done, take time to enjoy the improved living space, whether you plan to sell soon or will be there for a long time to come.

This is a contributed post.

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