Wagner Realty
August
28
28
Mastering Your Remodel: A Comprehensive Planning Guide
There are plenty of Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale that will meet your needs, but some people prefer to customize their new home to their exact specifications: an extra room, a new kitchen, etc. A remodel is a significant undertaking; doing it well takes planning. Here are a few tips for how to do that.
- Scope
The first step in planning a remodel is to map out exactly what you're looking for. If you're adding a room, what will it be used for? A guest room? A den/rec room? A room for your hobby? If you're updating your kitchen, what kind of features do you want in it? Knowing the scope of your project will give you a better understanding of how to make it happen. - Budget
Depending on your home's value and what you're having done, a remodel can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $200,000. Plus, in any renovation project, there will nearly always be unexpected costs to deal with. As a rule, the cost of remodeling a kitchen shouldn't be more than 16% of your home's value. A master bedroom, 13%, and a living room, 10%, while bathrooms range from 3-5%. Keep those figures in mind when you consult a contractor for an estimate so you have an idea of how much is too much. It's also essential to know how much you can actually afford to spend on the project before you even start thinking about estimates. - Timeline
How long will the remodeling project take? Part of that depends on how much you're remodeling and whether you want to do it all at once or one room at a time over a longer period. If you're doing just one room, such as your kitchen or bathroom, remember that it will be out of commission while it's being worked on. How long will that take, and what other arrangements can you make in the meantime? If you're remodeling the whole house at once, you may need to find an alternative place to stay during the process - which may, in turn, factor into your budget. Finally, when planning your timeline, remember that these projects often face unexpected delays and can go on for weeks, even months, longer than you anticipated. If there's an event you're hoping to host in your new space, don't set the invites in stone until the work is completed. - Estimates
Once you've got a clear idea of your project's scope, budget, and timeline, it's time to talk to contractors and get estimates for the work. There are many other considerations besides just money, though. Make sure they're licensed, bonded, and insured for the work they're doing. Ask how many years of experience they have as contractors and if they have any relevant certifications, such as in plumbing or electrical work. - Permits
Do you need any permits for the work you're having done? If so, what type of permits, where and how do you get them, and how much do they cost? Your contractor can help you with this, but it's important to have it on your radar.
Whether you want a home you can remodel or prefer to find one that's perfect as-is, our real estate agents can help you get what you're looking for. Contact us to learn more.