Many homeowners focus on curb appeal when it comes to home renovation, and while this is important, there are other less visible items that deserve attention. It is crucial that homeowners considering a renovation put emotions on hold and put pen to paper to identify prioritized home improvements. We know paint like the back of our hands, but we also know the proper ways to go about a full renovation.
Prioritizing Home Renovation Projects
When working within a budget, you will want to get the most bang for the buck. Here are some things to consider:
Home electric and safety.
Does your home have dangerous aluminum wiring or need a subpanel installed to compensate for an additional electrical load? A qualified contractor or home inspector can perform an evaluation and make recommendations. According to The American Society of Home Inspectors, an inspector can provide insight on your electrical system and many other aspects of your home’s condition. Do you live in an area susceptible to crime? Alarm systems are good to consider. These systems can often be bundled with other benefits.
Plumbing.
Prioritizing your potential plumbing expenses should be at the top of your list. Obviously, if you’re renovating a guest bedroom or an area where piping isn’t an issue, you can skip this. But most areas of the home, including the outside, has some form of pipes behind a wall or buried under the lawn. One reason for keeping your plumbing stable is that even the smallest leak can cause enormous damage and expense. Homes built with galvanized pipes have systems with a definite life span. The good news is that it is not always necessary to rip out walls to re-pipe, but you’ll always want to factor in costs to get a professional on site.
HVAC and insulating materials.
Today’s air conditioning and heating systems are superior to older ones and cost less to operate than versions in the past. This is especially true with systems with higher SEER ratings that qualify for the Energy Star label according to the EPA. Adding attic insulation is one of the most inexpensive cost-lowering home renovation tasks you can do. And sometimes opting for newer AC units and thermostats can help save you costs in the long-term. Regardless of the area of the home you’re renovating, don’t skip out on getting proper ventilation and air.
Foundation repair.
Especially during times of drought that many of us are currently experiencing, home foundations can experience cracking and separating. If you are experiencing structural problems evidenced by drywall cracks and doors and windows that do not open or close properly, get this checked. This should be one of the top priorities in your renovation because it could end up costing the most to repair. At the same time, leaving it alone can end up costing you big time in much more severe damages and repairs.
Aesthetic or Additions for Convenience
Now is the time to think about the type and colors for new paint. It’s also the time you’ll want to incorporate new cabinets, new flooring options, appliances, or even more modern furniture that will really bring the renovation around full circle. You can always find ways to save whether it’s buying lightly used, refurbished, or brand new. Places like Morris Home Furnishings can offer full sets that are cheaper bundled together than buying separately. Flooring providers often offer discounted flooring for excess materials. Cabinetry can be bought at a discount if you opt to install the pieces yourself. It’s more work, but it could be worth the extra savings if you’re on a tighter budget.
Onward on Your Home Improvements
Once you have your priorities written down, you should have a good idea at the type of budget you’re working with. A friendly piece of advice here is to ensure that your calculated costs fall under your budget. It’s very common for the unexpected to occur midway through a renovation when you realize a particular area needs better insulation, or that there’s severe termite damage on the other side of the wall or you’ve revealed a leaky pipe after tearing through a wall. While it is tempting to take advantage of low-cost home improvement loans, do not fall victim to taking on extra debt that, when added to the mortgage payment, can put you in the danger zone if you have a bad month. Just remember to list everything out and attack each task one at a time to keep things moving smoothly rather than trying to do everything at once. With this all in mind, once you’ve done all your other renovations and you’re finally at the point of applying that fresh new coat of paint, you’ll soon realize you’re just about to hit the finish line.