Where To Start When Renovating A House

So, you’ve decided to make some changes to your house, but have no idea where to start with the renovating process?

Renovations can take a lot of time to complete, and that usually means having to relocate someplace else; depending on the type of renovation of course.

This is done to keep the house in peak condition and to prevent it from breaking down easily. You might be getting a new roof, new flooring, the walls re-painted, etc.

But oftentimes, we have absolutely zero knowledge of what to do first. Sure, you might be updating the walls, but have you ever actually done it before to know what needs doing?

Analyzing your needs is always a good thing. Knowing what you’ll need for the job is also a priority. This will not only determine how much money the renovation will cost, but you’ll have a general idea of what needs doing, how long it will take, and the required budget.

So, if you have zero experience with such a task, we’re going to help you determine where to start when doing house renovations. Without wasting too much time, let’s begin.

1. Make an Assessment

You could make an assessment on your own, or you could hire a professional to do it for you. The latter option is the recommended one since the person charged with making an assessment will know exactly what needs doing.

The person will do a full check on your home, starting from the bottom and going all the way to the top. And don’t think that a licensed inspector won’t get his hands dirty. He is experienced enough that knows the areas of your home that need inspecting.

He will check the attic, he will check the garage, and he will check any other place for mold, dampness, leaks, etc.

Safe to say, a professional inspector will find what’s wrong with your home and provide a solution for those problems.

2. Check Your Systems

Your home has various systems that need regular maintenance to work in peek condition. Some of those include your plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, etc.

Again, you might want to do this yourself, but it is advised to hire a professional to make a full assessment.

This one is particularly important as you’d want to know whether a system needs fixing or a complete replacement. Depending on the state, and depending on your budget, you can easily make a decision on the matter.

Not only that, but you’d want these systems to operate in full capacity. For example, a properly running air conditioning system will prevent mold from ever becoming a problem in your home.

3. Your Interior

Do you want to replace old furniture or do you want to add more space? Focusing on the interior is important, but not before you prioritize the two we just mentioned.

If you’re looking to add more space to your living room, then you need to start taking down walls to increase its space. This isn’t as straightforward as you think since the expanded room needs a foundation. Furthermore, you cannot simply make a hole in the wall without previously calculating and determining that it is a viable option. Expansion is most viable when you have an unused neighboring room.

There are various interior renovations that can be done. Another example of such renovation is your flooring. You might need to change your previous floor and change it something new and modern.

If you happened to be looking for experts that specialize in flooring, then make sure to visit the guys over at GypCrete to give you a helping hand in determining what’s best for your home.

4. Insulation

Insulation is very important for any home, as it can either rack up or eliminate costs for heating.

Making your home energy efficient is all down to the level of insulation. And while there are various other aspects that can certainly help, this one should be one of your priorities. When enquiring about it, do know that there are a few very important things to consider.

The first one is the type of insulation and the second is how long the job will take. As a general rule of thumb, fiberglass for the walls and the attic is your best option.

5. Window Replacement

Having quality and air-tight windows will further decrease the heating bill. Upgrading on your existing windows could prove to be a sound investment.

Not only, as we said, you’ll significantly decrease your heating bill, but you’ll also make your home more energy-efficient and safer.

When thinking about getting the best windows for your home, there are various factors that play a role in the buying decision.

For starters, you need to think of whether you’ll be installing windows for the entire home, or making changes in a certain room. This certainly plays a huge role, as the more units mean you’ll have to spend more money.

When you think about it, this is one of the most expensive types of renovation, but it comes with a lot of positives.

6. Any Additions

A very important thing to consider when doing home renovations is whether you’re actually making any additions to your home.

You might be thinking about adding a pool, a Jacuzzi in your bathroom, a completely new roof for the baby, etc.

This is by no means something cheap, and it will cost you quite a lot. For example, pools are some of the most expensive additions. A minimum that a pool can cost you is around $40,000; depending on the size and type.

So naturally, you should count your money before thinking about making such an addition.

However, an addition could also mean clearing a room and creating a bedroom for your kid. This is by no means a hefty addition as you already have the space needed and you’re not actually creating it.

But, as with anything, you might need to go out shopping for necessary furniture such as a cradle, a bed, toys, etc.