Thinking about home remodeling: Start here

Sooner or later you may join the millions of people who remodel their homes each year. Perhaps it was that moment when you realized that avocado green and harvest gold are no longer the “in” colors for today’s trendy kitchens. Or maybe you had an epiphany one day as you stood in line to use your own bathroom. Whatever the impetus, the thought has crossed your mind: Maybe it’s time to start a home remodel. The reasons for home remodeling are as varied as the projects we undertake.

Some of these include:

* Adding more space
* Upgrading cabinets, counters, appliances, and fixtures.
* Creating a floor plan that’s customized for your lifestyle
* Improving energy efficiency with new windows, doors, insulation, and climate control systems
* Increasing the resale value of your home

Where to begin

The first step is to develop an idea of what you want to do with your home remodel. Write a prioritized list of your needs and wants. Look at magazines and Web sites and collect pictures of what homes or remodeling projects you like. The more clearly you can envision the project and describe it on paper, the better prepared you’ll be in making your decision.

Think about traffic patterns, furniture size and placement, colors, lighting and how you expect to use the remodeled space. If your decision to remodel involves creating better access for someone with limited mobility, you may want to consider contacting a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.

You may want to improve home efficiency and hire a remodeler for green home remodeling. Consider replacing windows and doors, upgrading heating and cooling systems, adding insulation, and other remodeling to make the home more energy-efficient, easier to maintain, and comfortable.

Figure out how much money you have to spend on the home remodeling job, furnishings, landscaping or any other cost you might incur.

– Courtesy of the National Association of Home Builders.

Choose your options

Once you have created a list of what you would like out of your home, the next step is deciding how to accomplish your vision.

Hire a professional home remodeler. The best way to ensure your home dreams become reality is through the work of a professional home remodeler. These remodelers are of the highest integrity and standards in the industry.

Can you do it yourself? For the handyman or woman, a do-it-yourself project is both rewarding and cost-effective. However, more than 30% of all jobs home remodelers perform come from failed do-it-yourselfers. Make sure you are ready for the job.

Should you move instead? Your needs may exceed what you can or want to do with your existing home. Learn more about the costs involved with moving versus remodeling.

If you’ve decided you want to hire a remodeler, learn how to choose a professional home remodeler, avoid contractor fraud, and make your dream home reality.

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