Professionally Remodeling Your Home
Category Advice
Many homeowners at some point ask themselves if their home is in need of major interior upgrades, some more often than others due to ever evolving style trends. The thought may be spurred by the need to de-clutter their living space, the desire to live more comfortably, to achieve a higher resale value when entering the property market or by giving some TLC to a work-in-progress that was purchased for a reasonable price.
Stylistic Theme
If you decide to professionally remodel your home and not go the DIY route, its most likely going to cost you a significant amount of money that you won’t want to go to waste come five years later when certain fads have become outmoded. The goal is to go with a timeless theme inspired by global design principals that would boost your property value once completed, as well as retain that value in years to come where contemporary style trends would not impact it severely.
DIY vs. Skilled Professional
Although some improvements can be cheap DIY tasks, when dealing with a home (which is an asset that should ideally appreciate in value), it’s advisable to loosen the purse strings and hire skilled and experienced contractors as you may incur additional costs to repair major damages you’d unintentionally cause. We’ve all heard the line, “you should have just hired a professional”, and so it’s best to get it done right but not necessarily fast. Bare in mind that remodeling is literally one of those processes where its going to get ugly before it gets pretty, and you may have to get used to the inconveniences if you’ll be occupying the space for the duration of the remodel. Also remember that going the DIY route may cause you to lose motivation if you have to see your commitment through over an extended period, and nobody likes unfinished work.
Common Renovations
Firstly, you’d need to have some sort of idea as to what exactly you’d like to do. Planning and design is the first phase of setting the foundation for your home improvements. Start your search for reliable and recommended contractors and get permits where necessary. In cases such as extensions where your property may obstruct your neighbors’ view, you’d have to get their written consent to go ahead with your plans. Municipal permits may be required for plumbing, electrical work and demolition.
In order to protect your improvements, large projects such as fixing or repairing roofs and foundation, installing/repairing wall cladding or windows and stopping water infiltration. Plumbing and electrical work will have to be carried out first, as they would impact the subsequent projects.
Structural carpentry supports other work such as moving or constructing walls, enlarging window/door openings or adding beams to support greater weight from upper levels. Fine carpentry is what gives homes a finished touch, mainly things such as built-in elements like cupboards, bookcases, serving hatches and so on.
Approaching the last stages of the remodeling project, you’d be pleased to know that you can take it from here if you desire. Painting and adding other surface finishes is a simple DIY job although it isn’t recommended that you task yourself with it. You will however need a professional to do your flooring and its best to leave that for as late as possible during the remodeling process in order to prevent damages. Lastly you would add your upgraded appliances, fittings and furnishings where desired to give your living space a fresh look and feel.
Renovating your home benefits you as a homeowner in more ways than one. Beautiful and timeless remodeling offers higher resale value and a more comfortable living space. Dormehl Phalane Property Group offer a helpful variety of tips and advice for homeowners regarding improvements and many other property related trends.
Author: Dormehl Phalane Property Group
