Some may have watched a home improvement program on television and thought, ‘Hey, I could do that.’ They seem to just pick up that sledge hammer and get right on it. But in almost all cases, a lot of planning happens first.
Before simply picking up a hammer and beating a wall ... or beginning any other phase of construction, consider these planning steps for a smoother home renovation process.
One of the first steps before beginning a home remodel project is to sketch a drawing of the desired outcome. Draw a diagram of planned changes or additions, suggests information from HGTV, though keep in mind it doesn’t have to be detailed or exact in this brain-storming phase. Drawing ideas also gives contractors a better idea of the desired outcome.
Once homeowners have an idea of what they’re looking for, the next step — and one of the most important — is to check the bank account. Remodeling does not always go according to plan and might have some hiccups along the way, so after homeowners receive a project estimate, HGTV home renovation experts recommend budgeting for unplanned expenses.
The next step is establishing a design plan with a licensed contractor, if you’re using one. Communication is crucial at this stage, when plans will become more concrete. This is where those rough sketches will come into play.
Mike Hauan of Litchfield Building Center says even ideas drawn on napkins help provide a better picture of the changes people want to make to their homes.
The contractor will assess the structure to ensure the intended renovation is feasible and can comply with building code. Homeowners planning an addition to a building may have to find the property line to be sure it can be extended. The design and assessment will decide what permits will be required to begin construction and any project limitations.
When the permit office provides the all clear, homeowners can research needed materials. This part of the planning may lead to additional spending. Hauan said he’s had clients who’ve planned an addition on their home, only to find out they don’t make the same kind of shingles anymore, and they end up having to re-shingle the entire roof.
If you are planning on doing the construction yourself, make sure to measure correctly.
“I can’t emphasize enough how an inch or even sometimes a half an inch can make a difference,” said Nancy Soriano, former editor in chief of Country Living in an article on hgtv.com.
Incorrect measurements can also lead to materials that are no longer usable and require replacement.
Plan the construction to begin in early spring, Hauan added, as you never know what delays you might run into along the way.
