A project that takes apart your entire home and puts it back together is going to cause you a few headaches. But, in an ideal world, hopefully, those headaches can be kept to a minimum.
We’re here to help you walk through these whole home remodeling projects, what to expect, and how to ensure that everything turns out just the way you want it to. These projects are expensive and time-consuming. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take it on and be successful. I can’t express strongly enough the importance of hiring an experienced project coordinator or design + build company.
DIY VS. HIRING THE PROS
There are a lot of whole-home remodeling projects that a seasoned DIY expert could take on. But there aren’t any whole-home remodels that we would recommend doing completely on your own, especially if you aren’t familiar with your area’s plumbing, electrical, and local building codes.
At the very least, you’re going to need an architect. But ideally, you’ll be able to split some of the work with a contractor you trust. Contractors are often more than willing to let you take on some of the demo or other simple parts of the project on your own. Doing this can also save a few bucks during the project.
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR FOR YOUR PROJECT
For your project to go smoothly and be an enjoyable process for you and your family, you’re going to need a number of good contractors. Your design + build professional will be your best source for this and all of the coordination of all of the other parts of the project needed for success.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CONTRACTOR BEFORE HIRING THEM
It is important to have good questions to ask a contractor before you decide to hire them or sign them for your next project. These are the questions that your design + build professional will have asked and have answers from any f the contractors and other professionals that will be required for your job.
· How long have you been in business?
· Do you have insurance and licensing to work in our area?
· Who will be obtaining the permits needed to complete the project?
· What does the payment schedule look like?
· Do they have real customer reviews and proof of good work?
After answering these questions either on your own or by asking the contracting team, you should have a really good understanding of who you want to work with and the quality of work that they’ll offer you.
FUNDING YOUR REMODEL PROJECT
Finding the funding for your project will go one of two ways. You’ll either be able to pay the majority of the project with cash out of pocket, or you won’t. Many investment advisers would say not to pay the project in full cash and invest extra money during the construction.
Securing the necessary loans for a project similar to this that could cost more than $100,000-$200,000 isn’t always easy. Here’s how we suggest you go about it.
BEST FINANCING OPTIONS FOR HOME REMODELS
Here are some of the best financing options to use for your remodel and Your design + build professional can help you with all of these:
1. Home remodel or repair loan
2. Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
3. Home equity loan
4. Cash-out refinance
5. Credit card loans (Not Recommended)
6. Government home improvement loans (FHA 203k)
If you’re looking for a more in-depth look at how much a home remodeling project will cost and the best ways to pay for it, contact a design + build professional.
HOW WILL THE REMODEL IMPACT YOUR HOME’S VALUE?
One of the main thing’s homeowners want to know before starting a remodel project is how it will impact their home’s value. Unfortunately, there isn’t a definitive answer to this question. A design + build professional because of their likely relationships with other real estate professionals are more likely qualified and capable of providing valued answer when determining the increase in your home’s value, including:
· Your neighborhood
· Location in relation to school districts and employment
· Size of home and usable space
· Age and condition of the home following the project
· Your local housing market
· Current interest rates
Obviously, updating your home is going to increase the value, but without some of the above factors also having an impact on your home’s value, there’s a chance that some improvements just aren’t worth it.
The ability to have GOOD COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR CONTRACTOR is invaluable.
Your design + build professional speaks the language of construction and remodeling and make no mistake; it is a specific language. When you’ve decided on the contractor you’re working with, you’ve got the funding you need, and you’ve determined how much you’d like to invest in the project, it’s time to start working with your contractor to get some plans in place.
One of the most important things to remember during this whole process is communication. You and Your design + build professional should be in constant communication, especially if there are any changes that need to be made to the original plan.
Miscommunication can lead to a lot of wasted time, money, and resources, so it’s always best practice to err on the side of overcommunication. Keeping expectations clear and straightforward.
REVIEW AND APPROVE THE DESIGN PLAN AND CONTRACT
design + build professional Before any work actually begins on your home, you and Your design + build professional should have a design plan in place that has been approved by all parties involved. This will help to avoid any surprises or changes down the road that could impact the timeline or budget of your project. should have a design plan in place that has been approved by all parties involved. This will help to avoid any surprises or changes down the road that could impact the timeline or budget of your project. Before any work actually begins on your home, you and Your design + build professional should have a design plan in place that has been approved by all parties involved. This will help to avoid any surprises or changes down the road that could impact the timeline or budget of your project. should have a design plan in place that has been approved by all parties involved. This will help to avoid any surprises or changes down the road that could impact the timeline or budget of your project.design + build professional should have a design plan in place that has been approved by all parties involved. This will help to avoid any surprises or changes down the road that could impact the timeline or budget of your project.
The same goes for the contract – Your design + build professional will make sure everything is spelled out correctly, very clearly, and with no room for confusion. If you have any doubts or concerns about the contract or timeline, make sure to discuss it with your contractor ahead of time.
HAVE A REALISTIC UNDERSTANDING of and expectation for HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE
One thing that many homeowners don’t realize is how long whole-home remodeling projects can take. If your whole home is being completely gutted and remodeled, then you can expect it to take anywhere from three months to a year.
This timeline will be impacted by the size of your home, how busy the contractor is, any changes that are made along the way (there likely will be changes), weather conditions, and keeping everything on schedule with multiple employees.
BE PREPARED FOR MESS AND DISRUPTION
No matter how careful your contractor is, there’s going to be some level of mess and disruption during a whole-home remodel project. This is especially true if your home is being gutted. Having a plan in place for this is essential.
DEVELOP A PLAN FOR YOUR LIVING SPACE DURING THE PROJECT
You might be surprised to learn that you’ll have a whole team of people working in your home on any given day. There could be anywhere from five to fifteen workers at one time, and they will all need access to the space that’s being remodeled. Having all of these contractors in your home will make it difficult for your family to go about their daily lives during this whole process. One way to combat this is by developing a plan for your living space. This could mean setting up an air mattress in the garage or basement and eating all of your meals there, sleeping in another room, or finding a friend or family member who can let you use their home for a few weeks.
YOUR DESIGN + BUILD PROFESSIONALS PRIMARY JOB IS TO MAKE YOUR REMODEL OR BUILD GO SMOOTHLY.
Undergoing a remodel project is difficult no matter what. It’s disruptive, expensive, and can take months to complete. Your contractor should help make your living situation easier and more comfortable. Entrueit has the experience and professionalism to make your project as painless as possible.
Well, if we haven't scared you, then the next step is to do it! Contact ENTRUEIT today to schedule a visit with one of our local professionals FOR your WHOLE-HOME REMODELING project.
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