Home improvement projects often begin with
someone saying, "Wouldn't it be nice if... ?" usually followed by a
wish for a remodelled kitchen or a room addition for space to accommodate every
family member's needs. More often than not, reality and dreams don't coincide,
due to limited funds for realizing the dream, or limits on the available space.
The trick: turning your dreams into reality. Begin with a realistic evaluation
of your needs. Homeowners usually consider NJ Home Improvement for one of the
following reasons.
You may feel the need to update something that is
out-of-date. If your kitchen colour scheme was perfect a few decades ago but no
longer works, now may a good time to update it.
Some home improvement projects grow out of an
immediate need to replace broken or inefficient fixtures. If a sink, tub, or
toilet needs to be replaced, consider taking advantage of the opportunity to do
a makeover on the entire bathroom.
If you're preparing to sell your home, you'll
want to be sure to get top dollar from the sale. That's great motivation for
some Home Improvement NJ projects.
You have decided that staying put and improving
your home is a better option than moving.
Your family has grown and you need more space.
Improving to Move? or Improving to Stay?
Evaluate your plans carefully if you're improving
your home to list it for sale. Cutting corners may hurt your prospects rather
than helping them. But don't go overboard either. Potential buyers may prefer
not to pay for some of the extras, such as a hot tub or pool. You're better off
keeping the changes simple.
And remember that buyers who view your home may
not share your tastes and may not appreciate the care you took to find just the
right shade of green paint for the walls.
You'll find that improving to sell is easier if
you can think about it from the prospective buyer's point of view: What is
important to the home buyer? Here are a few remodelling projects buyers are
likely to find valuable:
Adding or remodelling a bath
Improving the kitchen
Adding a new room
Landscaping
Adding a bedroom
Adding or enclosing a garage.
If you're remodelling because you want to stay in
your home, you should still avoid over-improving it. You'll probably want to
sell it someday, and even if your house is the best on the block, it may be
difficult to convince potential buyers to pay for the things you considered
important. And when you consider making improvements, keep in mind the value of
other homes in the area. Your home's value should not be more than 20% above
the average, which means that a $10,000 kitchen improvement project well could
be a better investment than a $10,000 hot tub, especially if yours will be the
only home in the area with a hot tub.
Home Maintenance versus Home Improvements
It's unfortunate that some home improvement
projects are undertaken because something has broken. Replacing a leaky bathtub
may be the first step to a major bath remodeling: since the tub has to be
replaced anyway, why not do the whole room?
While that might be a legitimate reason to
remodel, avoid basing your home improvement projects on immediate needs. You'll
be better off if you minimize problems with proper maintenance. Examine every
part of your home at least once a year. Check the roof, the plumbing,
electrical wiring, etc. As soon as become aware of a problem, fix it. Making
repairs when you're first aware of them will help you avoid larger expenses
later on. Keep in mind that maintenance does not add to the value of your home.
Usually repairs are not improvements; they are necessities.
Hiring Professionals May Save You Time and Money
It should go without saying that home projects
can be expensive, so you may be tempted to tackle them yourself as a way to
save money. That may be a smart move for small projects. You won't have to wait
for someone to fit your house into their busy schedule, and you can boast about
having done the work yourself.
But unless you're very versatile, major home
improvements are better left to professionals. If you decide to remodel the
kitchen and plan to do the work yourself, will you be able to handle the
plumbing, electrical, and carpentry work on your own?. And don't forget that
you'll need to finish it quickly, because you won't have a kitchen as long as
it's a "work in process" and eating three meals a day in restaurants
could get expensive. Keep in mind, do-it-yourself jobs generally take more
time. And you'll be responsible for getting all the necessary permits and
inspections.
Hiring people who have the required experience
can save you money and time, too. For example, these professionals can help you
get a custom look using stock products, and that can be a significant savings.
Getting something done right the first time will give you value that lasts for
years.
To find qualified and dependable Home
Remodeling NJ specialists, check with friends, business
associates, and neighbours for recommendations. Always get at least three
references, and check them out thoroughly. Also check with the local chapter of
the Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce. Their numbers can be found
in the community services section of your telephone book.
Once you've located the necessary home
improvement specialists, make sure everyone is in agreement about the design,
the schedule, and the budget, and get the details down in writing in a signed
contract.
It's also wise to check on professional
certifications and licenses, where required, and be certain that the
contractors you hire are fully insured and bonded. Your town or city Building
Department can provide that information. And it's very important that you make
sure contractors carry workers' compensation insurance: if workers are injured
on the job, you won't be liable if the contractor is covered. Request copies of
their insurance certificates. And make sure that either you or your contractor
have gotten any necessary permits before the work begins. Contact your local
Planning and Zoning Commission for information.
Here's a quick overview of some of the
professionals you may need to work with when you remodel your home:
Architect: Architects design homes or additions
from the foundation to the roof. If your project will require structural
changes such as adding or removing walls, or if the design is complex, you will
probably need an architect. Since architects may charge an hourly or a flat
fee, make sure you get an estimate of the total cost: drawing up the plans for
a major remodeling project can take 80 hours or more.
Contractor: The contractor oversees the home
improvement project, including hiring and supervising workers, getting the
necessary permits, making sure inspections are done as needed, and providing
insurance for work crews. It's always a good idea to get proposals from one or
more reputable contractors, based on the specific details of your project.
Be sure each contractor bids on exactly the same
plan so that you can compare their bids more easily. When you've chosen a
contractor, make sure the contract specifies that you will pay in stages.
You'll usually pay one third when the contract is signed so that the contractor
can buy supplies. The number and timing for making the remaining payments will
depend on the size of the project. Do not make the final payment until all the
work is successfully completed, inspected, and approved.
Interior Designers: Interior designers are
specialists who will provide advice on furnishings, wall coverings, colors,
styles, and more. They help save you time by narrowing your selection, and save
money because they usually receive professional discounts from their suppliers.
When meeting with an interior designer, be sure to tell them about your
personal style and preferences. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 per
hour, or you may be able to negotiate a flat fee of approximately 25% of the
total project cost.
If we can help you or anyone you care about
understand the processes of selling, purchasing, or improving a home, contact
us to schedule a free consultation. We'll sit down with you for about half an
hour and show you the latest technologies and strategies for buying a home. No
high pressure; just plain, honest talk. Your consultation is completely free
and does not obligate you in any way.
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