The Dos and Don’ts of Home Remodeling

Your home aesthetic is a little outdated, and you’re itching for an upgrade. You love your neighborhood and its community, but you might not be sure whether its worth the investment to upgrade or to move entirely. You decide it’s time for a remodel—but where do you begin? Whether you’ve been Googling second story addition ideas or incredible home gyms, it’s best to first familiarize yourself with the dos and don’ts of a property renovation.

DO a Lot of Research

Go beyond your online reading and interview a like-minded contractor. Your home is your most valued possession—you want your supplier to reinforce your ideas but be honest about what’s feasible and what isn’t. Most general contractors will offer a free consultation via a site visit to your property. A common expression in our industry is “compare apples to apples”. You really should have a general idea of what questions to ask to ensure the contractor knows exactly what you need and what you are looking to get out of the remodel.

DO Consider Your Resale Value

While you may be perfectly content where you are, you may eventually be on board with the opportunity to sell if you decide to retire elsewhere. Landscape your renovation according to what sells, and marry the concept with your preferences.

Avoid outlandish elements such as a retro backsplash that may appeal to your senses but deter another. A little forethought will go a long way to ensure you recoup your investment in the future. You want your remodel to fit you and your tastes, but if you are looking to sell down the road these are elements you may want to consider.

DON’T DIY Your Renovation

Unless you’re a construction specialist and equipped with high-grade tools, a do-it-yourself remodel can become disastrous. Depending on the extent of the project, you should never go it alone. Why?

Think about your kitchen or bathroom remodel. Do you see a brand-new shower head or stunning marble tiles? Perhaps you’re considering a tub. Whatever the case, you’ll have to consider the plumbing and electrical infrastructures involved.

It isn’t as simple as avoiding exposed piping or tacking loose wires to the wall. Anything that involves a safety hazard calls for the watchful eye of an experienced specialist. With a structural engineer and architect on our team, we will be able to help you throughout the process with several plan options and all permits required from the city.

DO Stay True to Your Home

While it may appear counterintuitive, your home remodel should, to some extent, complement the existing fixtures in your property. How you perceive your home isn’t necessarily how potential buyers will see it down the line.

Don’t stray too far from your home aesthetic. A steel appliance in a rustic kitchen setting, for instance, will appear kitschy and careless.

Plan according to color schemes, textures, and patterns. Work with an interior designer to determine how best to maximize your space. Luckily, we have an interior designer that will work with you every step of the way with selections throughout your remodeling project.

DON’T Neglect a Design Plan

Larger-scale remodels may require an architect or interior designer. Though your ideas may be groundbreaking in theory, you’ll also have to consider how to put them into practice. Our team will ensure your ideas are realistic to your space, and even more importantly your budget.

A drastic remodel should never kick off without a detailed floor plan. Consider how each element will interact with any given space—you never know when you’ll come across a problem area.

While it’s entirely possible to create a functional space without a plan, working with one can thoughtfully combine form and function. Use your strategy to avoid costly catastrophes and leave room for adjustments.

Conclusion

Through a home remodel, you can achieve your dream property without having to move out of it. By keeping essential dos and don’ts in mind, you and your design professional can breathe life into your ideas.

Work with our experts at Incredible Homes and Renovations for a breathtaking garage conversion, second story addition, gym, theater, patio addition, or attic conversion in Houston. With years of experience, we are confident in our ability to deliver on time and on budget – guaranteed.