[READ A BIT BLOG] Getting Started on a Remodeling Project
(Checklist for Hiring A Contractor is included)
Remodeling projects with the best ROI are those that make a home stand out from other homes in the area and leave a strong impression with potential buyers. It’s also a great way to increase your home’s equity. After you decide on why you’re doing it, you can take a step back and decide what is worth the cost to you. Keep in mind–anytime you alter the footprint of a home—such as moving walls or adding square footage—you’ll incur higher costs and lower returns.
We know starting a remodeling project can be daunting and feel overwhelming. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
How to Get Started on a Remodeling Project
1. Outline Your Project Goals: Before you dive into the nitty-gritty of remodeling, take a step back and clarify what you hope to achieve.
Are you remodeling to improve aesthetics? To improve functionality or comfort for your family? To prepare your home for the market or boost your resale value? Is it an essential repair?
2. Get inspired: Take time to gather ideas and give shape to your vision. Whether you’re updating a single room or tackling a whole-house remodel, these resources can inspire you:
- Houzz – A go-to platform for home remodeling ideas, complete with photos, product links, and even local contractor recommendations.
- Pinterest – Create mood boards for different rooms by pinning your favorite designs and layouts. You can also add ‘-pinterest’ to Google searches to find more targeted boards and collections of remodeling ideas on Pinterest.
- This Old House – Packed with articles, videos, and guides on home renovation projects, from DIY fixes to large-scale remodels.
- YouTube Channels: Follow popular home renovation YouTubers who share real-life projects, product reviews, and practical tips.
- Visit Local Showrooms: You can visit the showrooms or warehouses from local manufactures for ideas on fixtures, cabinetry, and counter tops.
- Open Houses – Stop by open houses in your area to get a feel for what’s popular and what other homeowners have done.
- Local Remodeling / Contractor Websites: Many will post galleries and before/after images of their renovations, and these galleries can be a goldmine for practical remodeling ideas!
3. Prioritize your wants vs. needs: Once you’ve gathered ideas, it’s time to separate the essentials from the extras.
- Must-Haves: These are the non-negotiable items—structural fixes, code-compliance upgrades, or critical repairs.
- Nice-to-Haves: These are aesthetic choices or features that you’d like to include if your budget allows.A prioritized list will help you make tough decisions if costs start to climb or timelines get tight.
4. Create a scope and timeline: Clearly defining what’s included (and excluded) in your remodel is critical for staying on schedule and within budget.
- What’s Included: Are you only updating finishes and fixtures, or are you changing the layout and moving walls?
- Project Phases: If you’re remodeling multiple areas, consider breaking the project into phases to manage timelines more effectively.
- Expected Timelines: Be realistic about how long the project will take, especially if you’re working around major life events or seasonal weather.
5. Set a realistic budget: Start by researching the typical costs for your specific type of remodeling project in your area. Resources like Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, HomeAdvisor, and NAHB provide national and regional averages for popular renovations like kitchens, bathrooms, and additions.
6. Include a Contingency Fund: Even with thorough planning, unexpected costs seem to always arise. Many experts recommend setting aside 15% – 30% of your total budget for contingencies.
7. Research contractors & Get Multiple Quotes: If you’re hiring contractors, request at least three detailed quotes to compare prices and scope of work. Make sure to clarify what’s included in each quote to avoid misunderstandings. And use your checklist below for some tips on hiring a contractor!
Our Affiliate, Erbauer Built, can
assist you during all phases of the home building process:
from the idea and design stage, to helping you establish budgets,
to coordinating and scheduling specialty contractors
in a timely fashion.
Checklist for Hiring a Contractor
Finding the right contractor is crucial for a successful remodeling project. Here’s a quick checklist to help you hire the right professional:
- Get recommendations from friends, family, neighbors, and your real estate agent. Word of mouth is one of the most reliable ways to find a trusted contractor. Ask people you trust about their experiences and if they would hire the contractor again. After you have a recommendation, you can also search for reviews online.
- Check credentials, licensing, and insurance. Verify that the contractor is licensed to work in your state. Most states have an online database for checking contractor licenses. You can also look for contractors certified by reputable organizations, such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
- Review past projects and ask for client references. Ask to see a portfolio of previous projects similar to yours. Pay attention to the quality of work and whether their style aligns with your vision.
- Request detailed bids from multiple contractors. Ask for written estimates that break down costs into categories such as labor, materials, permits, and any additional fees. Compare bids carefully to ensure all contractors are quoting on the same scope of work.
- Ensure the contract includes a clear scope of work, timeline, and payment terms.
- Check references – A reputable contractor should have no issue providing references. Contact past clients and ask about their experience.
- Avoid red flags
- Unusually Low Bids: If a bid is significantly lower than others, it could indicate corner-cutting or hidden costs.
- Pressure to Pay Upfront: A small deposit is normal, but never pay the full amount before work begins.
- Lack of Written Contract: Never agree to verbal agreements only.
- Poor Communication: If a contractor is difficult to reach or dismissive during the bidding process, this may continue during the project.
New Century Real Estate
Our team helps you fully understand the process of purchasing and/or selling a home. We work with homebuyers, home sellers, and investors in Sauk Rapids, Sartell, St Cloud and the surrounding area.
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