How To Approach A Home Restoration Project

Whether planning a restoration, renovation or remodel, preparing ahead of time is important. It will help reduce stress and save you money. Getting a handle on your design preferences before meeting with a designer is also a good idea.

Build A Plan

Building a plan is one of the first steps when starting a home restoration project. It will help ensure that the result is what you want and will prevent future problems. Restoration involves returning a house to its original state, usually to a specific date. History buffs and architecture enthusiasts prefer it.

Find A Reputable Contractor

Your restoration project’s success or failure often depends on the contractor you choose. Gathering multiple quotes, checking the contractor’s reputation on your local Better Business Bureau, and speaking with current clients are recommended. You can ask a Denver restoration company to provide itemized bids that detail materials, overhead expenses and a typical profit margin. If a contractor dodges these questions, consider it a red flag.

Create A Budget

The first step to starting your home renovation project is to create a precise budget. It’s important to think about all the costs that may be involved, including materials and labor. It’s also a good idea to leave some room in the budget for unexpected expenses. It will ensure you can complete your project on time and within budget. It’s also worth considering what parts of the restoration you can do yourself. It will help you save money on labor costs.

Hire A Designer

Hiring a designer is an important step in a renovation project. They can help you hone your design preferences and ensure your renovation aligns with the home’s original goals. They also have access to “to the trade” materials at a discount, saving you significant money on your renovation. Ask them to see examples of their work and their challenges on each project. It will give you an idea of their creative solutions and problem-solving skills.

Get A Building Permit

Home renovations without permits can delay your home sale or cause issues later. It can even invalidate your homeowner’s insurance. Check your neighborhood zoning regulations and determine if you need a permit before starting. Doing this can save you a lot of time and money. It can also prevent future problems that could be costly.

Schedule A Demolition

You’ll need to start by determining what stays and needs to go. Before beginning the demolition process, label and place reusable items into storage so they aren’t inadvertently destroyed. It’s important to stay involved throughout the project so you can keep an eye on how things are going. A good home restoration contractor will happily accommodate your schedule and lifestyle.

Hire A Cleaner

There can be a lot of dust and grime produced during home renovations. To minimize this, hire a cleaner to clean your space at the end of each day. It’s also important to store personal items away from the renovation site, such as picture frames and furniture. Tackling a home restoration project can be overwhelming, especially without the proper planning.

Schedule An Inspection

It’s important to schedule an inspection for your restoration project. It will allow you to find any hidden issues that need to be addressed.

It is also a good idea to factor in a contingency for unexpected problems during the project. It can include things like plumbing issues or unforeseen structural damage. It will help you stay on budget and ensure your restoration project succeeds.

Hire A Painter

If your home improvement project involves a paint job, it is best to hire a professional. It is especially true for projects involving new materials you must familiarize yourself with. Mistakes can be costly and may even detract from the overall quality of your home’s appearance. For instance, a sloppy paint job could leave behind visible brushstrokes.

Hire A Flooring Contractor

Before hiring a contractor:

1. Get multiple estimates.
2. Ensure each assessment includes start and completion dates, a breakdown of costs and work to be performed, waste management details and warranty information.
3. Ask for referrals and reviews.

Well-qualified contractors are happy to share references and work history. Be suspicious of contractors who don’t offer these details. Check insurance coverage and workers’ compensation as well.