Remodels take a considerable amount of time, and it’s more than you might think. Remodeling a single room can take up to 5-6 weeks, and that’s if you’ve streamlined your schedule and know what ducks go where in your row. If you’re ready to take the plunge, here are the best tips on remodeling your home.
1. Contractors Will Give You Your Weekends Back
You might save on contractor fees when you do your kitchen or bathroom cabinets and other renovations yourself, but most DIYers can only devote time on the weekends, drawing out a half-year project into a multi-year endeavor.
2. Avoid Costly Mistakes
If you’re new to renovation, there are many things that need to happen before you can do something else, or you have to take out what you’ve done and start over again. An example of this is installing kitchen cabinets before your lighting and other electrical work. Research common problems with installing bathroom and kitchen cabinets and how to avoid them.
3. Consider Ready to Assemble Cabinets
If you’ve renovated before, you might benefit from doing the installation and painting yourself. Custom cabinets are well built and installed by experienced renovators and professionals, but ready-to-assemble cabinets work well for those who are newer to the craft. These discount cabinets work great for those who want to save a bit of money.
4. Get Free Advice
Many suppliers offer installation guides and tips that teach you how to renovate your kitchen or bathroom cabinets by yourself. Their customer service representatives will gladly listen to your case and help you get the dream renovation you desire.
5. Bring a Friend
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets are heavy, so it’s highly recommended that you install with one or two other people if you’re going the DIY route. Small installation projects, like Rev-A-Shelf improvements, can easily and safely be done alone.
6. Get All Your Permits
Many renovations require city permits, and keeping track of all the rules takes a considerable amount of time. Skipping out on permits, even by mistake, is risky and will result in fines and other consequences. If you need multiple permits, it would be wise to hire a general contractor.
7. Use Professionals and Save the Headache
If your project requires the assistance of multiple professionals, such as plumbers, electricians, etc., it would also be worth your while to hire a general contractor. You’ll spend less time in a cluttered home because the contractor can dedicate his entire day to your project and have multiple subcontractors working on different things at once.
8. Use Your Contractor to Get the Best Deals
Contractors are in the know about the best value on electricians, painters, cabinetry installers, and other subcontractors. They know how to get good work for less money, because they have been building their professional relationships for years. They also know how to get surplus materials for cheap, and they might pass those savings on to you.
9. Determine Your Purpose
Are you renovating for your own happiness or are you planning to sell your home in the future? Choosing eccentric colors could lower your chances of getting a buyer when you’re ready to sell.
10. Enjoy the Process
Renovating can be hectic, but it’s exciting as well. Don’t lose sight of your vision, and take problems one step at a time.
Spend your remodeling budget on more things by spending less on cabinets. Ready-to-assemble cabinets are easier to ship, and will cost much less than fully constructed cabinets. These cheap cabinets can be installed by either a professional or the home owner.
