Are you contemplating making some changes to your house? Preparing for a major home remodeling project is not an easy task. You may be decided on the style or design you want but there are a number of other factors that can make the venture frustrating.

 

There are a number of things you can do to dodge making mistakes that will make your major remodeling job more difficult than it has to be. Below we will provide you with some tips on how to manage the task at hand based on our experience remodeling in Jacksonville, FL; Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; Orange Park, FL; Atlantic Beach, FL; Jacksonville Beach, FL and St Johns County, FL. Keep these suggestions in mind before diving into your remodeling project and you will find your project can be quite enjoyable.

 

1. Find the right contractor. The professional you choose to go with when it comes to this undertaking is one of the most important decisions that you will make. When searching for the right contractor for a major remodeling job, you need someone you can rely on. Ask around and get recommendations for contractors. Meet them in person and get a feeling for what they are all about. You can quickly weed out the ones that are trying to make a quick buck and the ones that are trying to “make their bones” in this business. Smarter Investments Corp has been in business for over 13 years and successfully completed many major remodeling, room additions, kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling in Jacksonville, FL and we can provide you with as many references as you want.

 

2. Know what you want. Having an idea of the home renovations you’d like is crucial. A good plan can make or break your major remodeling project. A renovation, no matter the size, is a lot of work and takes up much of your time so you need to be sure of why you’re doing this. Take the time to analyze if you are renovating for functionality or maybe to increase the home’s market value? Knowing the reason behind the decision will allow you to make the right decisions and end up with something you can be happy with.

 

3. Discuss what you want. Be as specific as you can with your contractor and put every detail in writing up front. This will ensure that your contractor is aware of your expectations and they are also able to make some clarifications and recommendations. You will find having a good and open line of communication with your contractor is beneficial because you will be working together for months at a time.

 

4. Be creative. There are multiple solutions to achieve what you want. Discuss various options and be open to suggestions of your contractor. Their experience could end up saving you money.

 

5. Inspect your home. Having your home inspected prior to renovation will give you information on how to proceed with the household remodel. Being armed with valuable information on your home can help you make the right decisions during planning. It will prevent those little surprises that could delay the project or hike up expenses.

 

6. Consult with your family members. Talk the plan over with family members so you can get their input. A remodel is quite an undertaking and one will also affect the other members of the household. Find out the schedules and activities in the coming months so you can identify the best time to commence with the project. Aside from this, they might have some insights that you didn’t think of that will bring about an even better outcome.

 

As a side note, you may also inform your building administrator as well as your neighbors of the planned project. As a courtesy, tell those who will be affected early on and you will find they are more supportive if they are not taken by surprise.

 

7. Mull over your budget. Before proceeding, know how much you can spend on the project as well as the approximate cost of the major remodeling. This will show you where you stand in terms of funding and if necessary, arrange for financing options such as a loan. It’s important to arrange for contingency funds so that if unforeseen expenses arise, you will be ready. Remember, no matter how much planning you put into something, nothing turns out EXACTLY as you put on paper so it’s best to be prepared in case a situation proves unavoidable.

 

8. Think long term. When thinking about the design, layout and fixtures, it’s always best to ask yourself how this will all look in the next five years. For example, it’s exciting to design a nursery for a new baby but customizing newborn cabinets might not be practical for when your child gets older. Rather than think immediate needs and what is hip and modern, look for something that will stand the test of time because trendy oftentimes means short term.

 

9. Be style consistent. Remodeling can be a way to make your home more attractive. If you’ll be doing a partial renovation, be consistent in the home style so that your renovation will flow into the existing design of your home. For example, if you have a Spanish home, it wouldn’t be fitting to have a modern kitchen that sticks out like a sore thumb.

 

10. Green is great. Incorporate green design options that will bring forth savings in the long run. Going green is a smart investment. As an example, solar panels might be expensive but if you invest in the technology, you will be able to lower your monthly energy bill. In general, make it a point to remodel in such a way that you maximize air flow and ventilation as well as welcome natural light that will contribute to overall household savings.

 

11. Focus on quality. Price is a critical consideration but opting to go cheaper isn’t always the best choice. Always remember, you get what you pay for so if you’ve decided to go through with a remodel, do it well. If presently the funds aren’t available, wait until you can afford it so that you don’t spend on a remodel you’ll end up dissatisfied with.

 

12. Make sure the contractor you select has all its paperwork in order. This might seem as a small detail but an inadequate Liability Insurance coverage on the side of your contractor might lead to disastrous consequences if anything goes wrong. A qualified, honest and reputable contractor will have a proper Liability insurance covering exactly what he does. Many contractors tend to minimize the scope of their work to the insurance companies so they can pay lower premiums but if anything goes wrong and you need to make a claim, you might not be able to recover anything from your contractor insurance. Smarter Investments Corp carries a 2,000,000 aggregate liability insurance and it is covered as a full-fledged General Contractor not as a handyman.
13. Subcontractors. Your General Contractor might use subcontractors to complete parts or the entire job. You need to make sure that your contractor has a long and established relationship with his subs as to ensure the quality and warranty of the job they perform. You will also want to get partial and final lien releases from the subcontractors in the same measure you release payments to your contractor. This will ensure nobody will put a lien on your property for lack of payment.