Remodeling can be expensive and time-consuming. However, it can also be a great investment and allow you to have the home of your dreams. With careful planning and by hiring qualified professionals, you can soon have the home of your dreams.

Realtor Candis Carmichael of Charles Rutenberg Realty in the Clearwater, Florida, area helps her clients live their dream of buying and selling properties. Reach out to Candis, so you can rest assured that you’ll have a professional in your corner.

Creating a Budget

It can be exciting to get caught up in planning your remodel, but the first step should be making a budget to see exactly what you can afford. And keep in mind a renovation will always cost more than you anticipate, so factoring in an additional 20% as a hedge against the unexpected to your budget will keep you from having to scramble to finish.

There are many factors that go into the costs of remodeling, but a good rule of thumb is to expect to pay about $10-$60 per square foot, although some renovations can be as much as $150 per square foot. Most renovations will cost homeowners between $10,000 to $30,000.

When you hire a contractor, they’ll almost certainly have access to software for general contractors that will enable them to estimate the cost more effectively. With it, they can also create 3-D models for you to look at when they’re planning the project and will even be able to produce your detailed invoice so you can keep track of your expenses.

Hiring a Contractor

Hiring a contractor is not as easy as it sounds. Three are a lot of factors to take into consideration. What kind of contractor will you need, how much do they charge, and what is their experience? There are certain licenses and certifications you should expect them to have.

Ask for their certificate of insurance, which will ensure you’ll be protected should anything go wrong on the job. General liability insurance will make sure you or anyone in your family will be protected in case of an accident or injury.

Find out if your contractor is licensed as a home improvement contractor, a limited licensed electrician, or a limited licensed plumber. You can visit your state’s licensing board’s website to verify their license.

Getting the Right Permits

If you hire a general contractor for your home remodeling project, they’ll be in charge of applying for the right permits. But if you’re overseeing the project yourself and are hiring subcontractors or even doing the work yourself, you should be aware of what types of remodels require permitting. Generally, issues of personal and public safety will require you to have a permit. Those will include projects that touch on electrical, plumbing, and natural gas.

Most cities will also require you to have a permit for changing your roof line, demolishing a load-bearing wall, building an addition, or installing a new HVAC. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so contact your city’s permit office and see if your particular remodel requires a permit.

Creating Your Home Office

A great many home remodeling and renovations involve creating home offices. With more and more people working from home, the home office is becoming a staple of home design. You may be installing an addition to your home or renovating a basement to accommodate your new work-from-home situation.

You’ll want that office to be as far from the rest of your living space as possible and have adequate lighting, including natural light. It should have good ventilation and enough space to avoid feeling cramped and isolated.

While pale colors are great for relaxation and are recommended for your bedroom, your home office should have at least one wall painted in a vibrant color to give it the feeling of energy.

Adding plants to your office can be great for reducing stress, making your office feel more natural, and can even help purify the air.
Purchasing ergonomically designed furniture is not only important to prevent severe and chronic back pain, but it also increases your productivity.

While remodeling your home is both exciting and daunting, having a plan and a budget can keep you on track. Using a contractor who can guide the project and keep you updated with software tools can eliminate surprises. And finally, if your remodel involves a home office, make sure it’s a place where you can be comfortable and productive.

Article provided by Seth Murphy of PapaDIY.com