Being a homeowner in Chicago, it’s important to keep your house in tip-top shape. Renovation projects can not only increase the value of your home, but they also improve its aesthetics and give you a way to customize your home to suit your personal needs.
However, with so many options available for additions and changes, it can often become overwhelming to determine where you should begin. Many Chicago homeowners jump into renovation projects without prior planning, which causes them to incur extra costs, turning the whole process into more of a headache than an exciting venture.
Fortunately, you’re in luck! This article rounds up some of the most important things to consider when renovating your home as a Chicago homeowner. Let’s dive in!
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Hiring a Pro!
Many homeowners take on their renovation projects on their own, hoping to save money on labor costs. While going DIY for small projects is a lucrative idea, some projects will require expert attention, such as electrical repairs or plumbing.
When you don’t use experts, you risk spoiling the project by mishandling repairs or installations. Hence, before starting any DIY project, ensure that you have the experience required to pull it off alone. If you are unsure about completing the project yourself, it’s best to go with a trained professional.
Hiring experts like Baethke Plumbing will allow you to complete the project seamlessly and save you from incurring any additional costs resulting from mishandling.
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Kitchen Renovations
If you’re looking for a place to start your renovation project, the kitchen is the place to be. Apart from decreasing your home’s value, an outdated kitchen gives it a bland look. Renovating your kitchen will infuse the space with new energy, making it fun to cook your favorite meals.
Another reason that makes kitchens a good place to start is the dust and debris they create. The mess from kitchen remodels can significantly affect your renovation plan if you plan on getting a new paint job for your home.
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Getting Estimates from Multiple Contractors
Reviewing your contractor options is one of the basic things you must know about hiring a contractor. Getting quotes from multiple contractors can help you find one that suits your needs while also fitting within your budget.
For example, let’s say you want to remove the old water heater and place a new one elsewhere. When you get a quote from the first handyman, he might quote you $ 5,000 and also suggest an elaborate scheme of rerouting your water lines.
However, another plumber’s quote is half that of the first. He also disregards the need to reroute your water pipes, allowing you to save a considerable amount of money on your project. You can use this money in other areas, such as getting better lighting or getting new furniture for your home.
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Budget
Having a budget helps in keeping things realistic and protects you from overspending. Most renovation projects in Chicago also fail because owners don’t find it necessary to set budgets beforehand.
Creating a budget will also allow you to shortlist specific installations and fixtures you can afford. One important thing to keep in mind when creating your budget is to factor in all your expenses. These charges can include contractor fees, required materials, equipment rentals, and permit charges.
Another tip to ensure a successful renovation project is to create a secondary budget. Think of it as a contingency budget. Ideally, it’s best to set apart 10% of the maximum amount you plan on your budget to deal with any unforeseen challenges that may arise.
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Design
Budgeting and designing your renovations go hand in hand. With so many interior design options, it isn’t easy to choose the style that fits your preferences without breaking the bank. Be sure to research the most appealing designs before you start your renovation projects. Choosing a design beforehand will also allow you to work out the costs you’ll incur on your renovation project.
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Waste Removal
Waste removal has to be the most overwhelming task in home renovations. The debris and dust from the projects could trigger allergic reactions and asthma, making it unpleasant for you to see through the whole project.
The debris can also cause unexpected complications with your project, causing you to incur additional costs in the renovation. So, it’s important to contain the debris and waste created by any remodeling projects in your home.
While you can always store your waste in bags or trash cans, some construction materials or waste may not fit them. In such a case, renting a small dumpster can be significantly helpful in containing waste during your project.
Final Words
Home renovations can be a great way of improving your home’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. However, these projects can turn bad really fast if you jump the gun and go in without a plan. Keeping these tips in mind will not only help you save money on your project but also ensure that everything goes the way you’ve envisioned it.
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