Renovating Your Home? The Most Frequently Asked Questions.

How do I pick a contractor?

Ideally, you want to build the same kind of relationship with your contractor as you do with your real estate agent: one built on trust that makes you want to go back to that person for any future needs. Your contractor should be a very good listener and communicator. You want them to “get” your vision for your home, and to keep you in the loop every step of the way. Please do your due diligence by checking out contractors’ reputations, talking with other clients, and looking at work they have done previously before you make your selection.

How much will my project cost?

Of course, the answer depends upon the scope of your project, but to get the best estimate from your contractor, take time to write down each detail of your plan so that the contractor can include everything in their estimate. Renovations are famous for taking longer and costing more than initially planned, but this is often because the homeowner makes additions or changes along the way or they don’t realize that, for example, if you move a wall in your home, you may have to reroute electricity and outlets then. One item often leads to another, so you have to look at everything piece by piece. Working with a designer is helpful as they can help create your vision and communicate with the contractor these design features to avoid mid-stream changes! I recommend creating a spreadsheet that includes the scope of work, a column for the estimated cost, and a column for the actual cost. Include appliances, light fixtures, tiles, and other materials in your budget.

How long will renovations take to complete?

As I mentioned above, this depends on the amount of work being done – and how many changes are made along the way. The more pre-planning you do, the better estimate your contractor can give you. If you are remodeling a kitchen in Northern Colorado, cabinet companies take 6-8 weeks for delivery. Again, it will be helpful to hire an experienced interior designer to incorporate a plan.

How do I prioritize projects?

If you are living in your home during renovations, you may want to plan out the project in phases, so you can live out of some rooms while others are being worked in. You may also need to phase projects based on cost and availability of funds. I highly recommend not living in the home if a good amount of drywall is needed and make sure to cover all of your vents during the drywall process.

Where do I begin?

You begin by conducting a lot of research. Start a design board or project book for your home in a notebook or online, collecting pictures of the look and finishes you want. Talk to different contractors, and visit kitchen, bathroom, appliance, and flooring showrooms to get ideas on selections and pricing. Getting multiple estimates will help you decide which contractor you want to go with. It may not always be the contractor with the best price, but one that you feel understands your vision for the home. Houzz.com was my go-to for inspiration when we remodeled our main floor.

Do I need permits?

Your contractor will know what projects require permitting. Make sure that you do abide by permitting regulations, as failure to secure proper permits can come back to bite you if further work is needed down the road or if you plan to sell your home in the future, the buyers will require permits as part of the Due Diligence documents.

How much will renovations increase my home value?

Every homeowner hopes that making improvements will increase their home’s value, which is usually the case, but sometimes what homeowners view as improvement can be liabilities to future buyers. For example, don’t put so much money into the house that it becomes more expensive than the rest of the neighborhood unless of course, you know this will be your forever home. And be careful not to add personal style preferences that can’t be easily changed, like ornamental fixtures, radical architecture, or unusual landscape features. Each year in January, Home Remodel Magazine publishes the Best ROI for home improvements. To see how they rated home improvements last year, click here.

Stay tuned for my upcoming blog when they publish the new edition.

How should I pay for renovations?

If you have the cash to pay for your renovations, that’s certainly a good way to go. Otherwise, you might consider a home equity loan with a manageable monthly payment or a revolving line of credit that you can use for renovations as well as emergencies that may arise later.

Overall, remodeling can be stressful, but with good planning and a good contractor on your side, it can be rewarding! I have a great list of resources I am always happy to share with you - email me at joannc@remax.net, and I'll send a list.