Now that the new year has arrived, it is the ideal time to plan some home improvements. You can take the time to sit down and study magazines and the internet for ideas, or you might just find it easier to contact specialists who can come and evaluate your property and give you a cost for the project or tasks you want to do. Book them for the spring, and you’ll have plenty of time to save up the money and raise your budget if necessary, plus you’ll be able to prepare your house ahead of time for the upcoming remodeling work.
While it may seem that this isn’t anything you should be concerned about, it is. Without adequate preparation, you could feel stressed, your finances could run out, and your house may be even more of a mess than you anticipated. Preparing your house for a renovation is essential for everyone’s comfort and enjoyment; here are some ideas.
Work Out Your Budget
Financial planning may be tedious, and it isn’t for everyone, but how can you know how much you can spend on home improvements if you don’t have a budget? How would you know whether to accept an estimate from a builder or tradesman if you don’t know whether or not you can afford it?
The amount of your budget is less significant than the fact that you have one at all. Depending on what you have done, who you hire, or if you do the work yourself, even a tiny budget might be enough for some fantastic remodeling work. The essential thing to remember, though, is regardless of the size of your budget, you need to have one in place and stick to it. When you begin to believe that a little more here and there won’t hurt, you’ll quickly discover that you’ve added a large chunk of money to your budget that you just cannot afford.
Research Costs
Once you’ve established your budget, you can begin to consider how much certain things could cost you. Start by browsing home renovation websites to get an idea of the designs and aesthetics you prefer, and then, after you know what you want, figure out how much it will cost you in terms of supplies and labor (your own or someone else’s).
Compare that price to your budget to determine whether you can afford it. If not, you will have to make a compromise. The granite countertops may need to be replaced with tile, wood, or even something less costly. Your roll-top tub may need to be converted into a regular corner bath. Make minor alterations and revisions until your shopping list corresponds to your budget. The alternative is to put the job off until you have more money to spend.
Declutter
Once you’ve scheduled your home improvements, you’ll have plenty of time to get rid of unnecessary clutter. A clean and organized workspace makes it easier to get the task done on time and in a professional manner, no matter where it is being done. Look around the room and make three separate piles: one to keep, one to donate or sell, and the last one to throw in the trash.
If many rooms are being renovated simultaneously, you might want to think about skip bin hire. In this way, you can reduce the amount of ‘stuff’ you have in your home quickly and efficiently.
