What to Expect When It Comes to Gainesville Home Renovations – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling. Home renovations are a great way to add value to your home while improving comfort and aesthetics. But before you start any renovations, it’s important to carry out your research and set realistic expectations. It’s also best to consult with local realtors to understand what renovation projects will bring you the highest ROI (return on investment). So, here are some tips from Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling to get you started.
What to Expect When It Comes to Gainesville Home Renovations
Types of Home Renovations
The renovation you choose will depend on your needs and budget. These are some of the most common types of renovations:
- Extensions: these are a great way to add extra space to your home without moving. Common home extension projects include building an addition to your home, finishing your basement, or converting your attic into a usable space.
- Remodels: kitchen or bathroom projects usually involve updating fixtures, floors, cabinets, and countertops and can modernize your home without breaking the bank.
- Energy Efficiency: making your home more energy-efficient is great for the environment and can save you money on your energy bills. Consider installing solar panels, upgrading your insulation, or replacing your windows.
- Home Office: a home office can make a world of difference if you work remotely. When designing your home office, be sure to locate it near natural light to maximize productivity. If your office doesn’t have enough natural light, be sure to invest in overhead lighting. And locate this space as far away from common living areas as possible to ensure more quiet and fewer disruptions.
Budgeting
The cost of your renovation will depend on the scope of the project. To get an accurate estimate, it’s important to consult with a qualified contractor.
When budgeting for your renovation, be sure to factor in the cost of materials, labor, permits, and any other unexpected costs. You’ll need to acquire permits for most home renovation projects, especially if you’re making structural changes. It’s also a good idea to set aside 10-20% of your budget for contingency in case of unforeseen problems.
Also look at the ROI for each project before you start. Check out local listings for fixer-uppers to see if the updates you are planning will likely yield a high enough return rate. You can estimate your own rate of return by comparing the price of your fixer upper with the average sale price in your area. You can also look up comparable properties with the upgrades you are planning to see how far above the average prices they are listed.
Hiring a Contractor
It’s essential to hire a qualified and reputable contractor, so be sure to ask for referrals from friends or family, search online, or check with your local home builders association. If you’re in the Gainesville area, Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling can help you with your remodeling, restoration, and roofing needs.
Once you’ve found a few contractors you’re interested in, check that their licenses are current and that they have adequate insurance to make sure they’re qualified to do the job. You should also ask for references and read online reviews to get an idea of their work.
When you’re ready to hire a contractor, be sure to sign a written contract that includes the scope of work, timeline, and price. This will protect you in case there are any problems with the project.
HVAC installers need to use HVAC software to obtain more accurate quotes. This software allows them to create and send estimates easily, accept online payments, and send invoices, so be sure to ask your contractor about this.
Things to Remember
There are several steps that you’ll want to take beyond the renovation itself:
- Be Neighborly: you’ll want to be considerate of your neighbors during your renovation. Let them know about the project in advance and schedule work during reasonable hours.
- Protect Your Home: take steps to protect your home during the renovation, such as covering your floors and furniture and sealing off any areas that aren’t being worked on.
- Keep Little Ones Safe: if you have young children or pets, you may need to make arrangements for them during the renovation.
- Protect Your Investment: once your project is complete, you’ll need to update your insurance and warranties. If you operate a business out of your home, you’ll need to purchase business insurance in addition to your homeowners policy. Homeowners insurance will not cover your business-related assets in the event of a loss.
- Invest in a Home Warranty: every insurance and warranty has different coverage, so consider investing in a home warranty that will fill in some of your current coverage gaps. You’ve invested a lot of time and money into your renovation, so make sure that you have the right coverage for your home.
Plan for a Rewarding Reno Experience
A home renovation is no small task, but with proper planning, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience. Take the time to include elements that will make your home more comfortable, like a home office, and choose contractors who use tools like estimating software for greater accuracy. Most of all, ensure your investment is not wasted by properly insuring and warranting your newly renovated home.
What to Expect When It Comes to Gainesville Home Renovations