WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES MAY 16, 2019 17
Seven steps to plan a remodel
Remodeling your home can be one
of the most exciting projects to
undertake. Whether you’re
thinking about a bathroom update,
kitchen overhaul or a new room
addition, planning and setting realistic
expectations are critical in ensuring
your project goes as smoothly as
possible.
Consider these steps from
the National Association of the
Remodeling Industry (NARI) before
you get started:
1. Determine your goals and
needs. Understand why you are
undertaking the project, whether
it’s for resale value or so you can
enjoy your home more. If looking
to increase resale value, consider
the neighborhood and potential
upgrades that can have the highest
impact when going to market. If
remodeling can make for a more
comfortable space, create a list of
“must-haves” and “nice-to-haves”
then evaluate what’s feasible. Being
realistic about needs and wants can
help you create a budget.
2. Get inspired. Whether
watching home improvement shows
or browsing the internet, finding
photos of styles and looks you admire
can be beneficial when sharing
your vision with a remodeling
contractor.
3. Understand your budget.
Setting a budget and staying within
it is critical to the project’s success.
Be sure to build in a contingency
fund for unforeseen expenses.
Project expenses should factor
in the cost of products, labor and
project management. There are
also possible additional costs such
as long-term maintenance, repairs,
energy use and a dining out budget
if undergoing a full kitchen remodel
or hotel costs sometimes necessary
with large-scale projects. To avoid
any unpleasant surprises, be sure
to get a written estimate and scope
of work once you’ve selected a
contractor.
4. Determine timing. If there is a
specific event driving your remodel,
work backward through the various
project stages to determine a realistic
timeline. Build in additional time as
a buffer for unexpected delays and
recognize remodeling contractors
typically have long lead times and
may require flexibility to deliver
optimal results.
5. Find a contractor you trust.
Home remodeling can be stressful
no matter how well you plan, but a
dependable partner can make the
process go smoother. While some
of the best references may come
AT HOME
from neighbors, friends or family
members, a trade association like
NARI can help with its online “Find
a Remodeler” tool. Make sure any
contractor you’re considering has
several years of relevant experience,
as well as liability insurance.
6. Check references. When it
comes to remodeling your home,
you can never be too careful when
choosing who to work with. Be sure
to follow up on references, read
reviews online and even check out
the work of any remodelers you’re
considering hiring, if possible.
7. Prepare for the process.
Regardless of the size of the
project, there will almost surely
be inconvenience, noise, dust and
potential delays. Your daily routine
will most likely be disrupted.
Because it can be especially stressful
when redoing the kitchen or an
essential bathroom, you’ll probably
need to consider a backup plan or
other arrangements throughout the
duration of the project. Remember
to also declutter the work area and
protect or pack away any belongings
that might be in the way during the
renovation.
Find more tips for planning a
remodel at RemodelingDoneRight.
com.
Courtesy Family Features
/WWW.QNS.COM
