Are you considering a house remodeling project in the Birmingham, AL metro area? It’s an exciting time! Whether you’re planning a small renovation or a major remodel, it’s important to take some time to plan and prepare. Reliable Design-Build-Remodel wanted to share a few helpful remodeling tips to keep in mind.
In descending order of importance, here are a few remodeling tips and tricks:
Consider Your Routine
Humans are creatures of habit, so it’s important to note that your daily routine may be disrupted during a remodeling project; it’s important to plan accordingly. Consider things like meal prep, work schedules, and even your pets’ routines. Making adjustments in advance will help to minimize potential stress.
Pack Up
A remodeling project can be more than a little disruptive, so it’s important to not only remove large or weighty objects from the area you’re looking to have renovated, but also to pack up any fragile or valuable items in advance. This will help to protect your belongings and make the remodeling process go more smoothly.
Consult the Calendar
Timing is everything when it comes to house remodeling. Consider factors such as holidays, special events, and even the weather. You don’t want to schedule your project during a busy time, or during a season when inclement weather could cause delays. It is also important to note that many general contractors and remodeling companies schedule projects many weeks in advance, so if you’re at all confused about the timeframe of your remodel, simply reach out to your remodeler! They’ll be happy to answer any questions and concerns you may have.
Key Remodeling Tips: Due Diligence
Before you start your remodeling project, take some time to research and plan. Look for inspiration in home design magazines or online, and make a list of materials and supplies you’ll need. Doing some research in advance will help you stay organized and avoid unexpected surprises. If you’ve hired a professional, they can also keep you appraised of everything from permits, safety concerns, and latest trends.
If you are planning on remodeling a rented space, or live in an area with any special regulations, like in a neighborhood with an HOA, be sure to communicate and check whether there are any special rules you will have to follow.
Plan a Renovation Free Room
Remodeling can be an extremely taxing experience, and as subject matter experts, Reliable wants to stress the importance of having a space in your home that’s free of renovation clutter and dust. This will give you and your family a place to relax and unwind during the process. Consider designating a room or area that will be free of any remodeling work, or even an area that is off-limits to any contractors or remodelers you’ve hired.
Check the Weather
As anyone living in Alabama can tell you, the weather can be as fickle as it is undependable. Inclement weather can cause delays and setbacks during a remodeling project. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly. If necessary, consider rescheduling your project if bad weather is in the forecast. If you’ve hired a professional, contact them and ask what they can do for your project during less than ideal weather. Any remodeler or general contractor worth their salt won’t wait for you to contact them, they’ll keep you appraised of every potential roadblock your project might encounter.
Key Remodeling Tips: Communicate Clearly
Good communication is key to a successful remodeling project. If you’ve hired one, make sure you clearly communicate your expectations and goals with your contractor, and keep the lines of communication open throughout the project; it’s also important to communicate with your family, friends, and neighbors about your remodel, in order to make sure everyone knows what is happening in your home, and to avoid any potential misunderstandings.
Key Remodeling Tips: Prepare for the Unexpected
Despite careful planning and preparation, unexpected issues can arise during a remodeling project. It is recommended that your budget be expanded to include a “emergency” fund, because likely you’ll require it before the project is over. Be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Hire a Reliable Contractor
A remodeling project is a big investment, so it’s important to work with a reliable and experienced contractor. Look for a contractor who is licensed and insured, and who has a proven track record of success. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or check online reviews, or a contractor’s social media page.
Key Remodeling Tips: Stick to Your Budget
Remodeling projects can quickly become expensive, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. As stated above, be sure to factor in any unexpected expenses, and consider setting aside a contingency fund just in case. Some remodels and renovations are far more expensive than others, so be sure to keep that in mind.
Google Sheets is a great way to set up a completely free spreadsheet, not just for a remodeling budget, but for anything!
Protect Your Kids/Pets
Remodeling can be a very hazardous venture, so it’s important to take steps to protect your children and pets during the process. In addition to any safety features you might have already installed in your home, it would be wise to keep them away from any dangerous areas and make sure they can’t access tools or equipment left by either you, or anyone you might have hired to assist you. Reliable recommends utilizing tools like baby gates to keep toddlers away from any potential danger, as well as any pets like cats or small dogs; for larger animals that could jump over a gate shield, such as bigger breeds of dogs, you’d be best off leaving them in a separate room, or outside in a fenced area.
If your remodeling or renovation opened up a portion of your house, like the inside of your wall or crawlspace, it would be wise to double-check to make sure more agile animals, like cats, didn’t sneak inside.
Take Safety Precautions
If you’re tackling a project by yourself, you don’t want to do it unprotected! Remodeling projects can be dangerous, so it’s important to take safety precautions. Wear protective gear such as goggles and gloves, and be careful when working with tools and equipment. If you’ve instead hired a professional, don’t interrupt them while they’re working with or are around machinery or utilities, lifting heavy objects, etc. Unless if it’s an emergency, if you need to ask a question or inform a remodeler of something, ask them either before they start working on your remodel, when they take a break, or after they’ve completed a task.
Know Your End Goal
Before you begin any remodeling project, it’s important to know exactly what you want to accomplish. Are you looking to update your kitchen or bathroom? Or perhaps you want to add an extra bedroom or home office? Knowing your end goal, and always keeping the big picture in mind, will help you stay focused, on track, and on budget throughout the project. When planning your remodeling project, it’s important to think about the long-term. Consider how your needs may change over time, and plan accordingly. A well-planned remodeling project can add value to your home and make it more functional for years to come.
Key Remodeling Tips: Enjoy the Process
Finally, it’s important to enjoy the process of remodeling your home. This is your chance to create a space that truly reflects your style and needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with your remodel!
We hope these house remodeling tips have been helpful. If you’re planning a remodeling project in the Birmingham, AL area, be sure to contact Reliable Design-Build-Remodel! Our team of experienced professionals can help you plan and execute the perfect remodeling project for your home.
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a full service general construction firm and remodeling contractor operating in the Birmingham metro and Jefferson and Shelby County areas and surrounding communities, including Birmingham, Helena, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, Montevallo, Alabaster, Vestavia Hills, and Pelham, with over 30 years of servicing our valued clients. Offering full service suite of general remodeling, design and build services. Our specialties include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, exterior renovations, interior renovations, painting, and more!
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