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We all have a dream home. If your property isn’t how you envisioned it to be yet, then there’s one course of action for you to take: home improvement. However, home improvement is not an all-in-one venture. There are multiple projects and aspects to consider and look into if you want to have the perfect home. It may sound like a lot of work--well, it is--but plan home improvement carefully and you’re sure to achieve your goals. In this ebook, we aim to provide you with insights that will help you plan and accomplish your home improvement easier, focusing on great upgrades for you to invest in, mistakes to avoid and how to get the most out of working with a home improvement contractor.
Part 1: Great Home Upgrades to Invest In When planning for home improvement, it can be difficult to pinpoint where you should get started. Let’s get real--home improvement can be a significant investment. If you want to make the most of every dollar you’ll be spending then, it will be best to tackle projects that promise considerable returns on investment (ROI) first. Typically, these projects are those that not only improve your home’s appearance but also boost your property’s energy efficiency and overall, year-round comfort. There are a lot of things you can do to give your home a much needed upgrade, but we suggest prioritizing these three: 1. Roof Repair or Replacement Other than getting a significant ROI, a very good reason to prioritize roof repair or replacement is the fact that your roofing system protects your home. Once its condition and stability is compromised in any way, it will slowly but surely lose its ability to completely protect your home from the elements and other damage factors. For instance, a small leak today will eventually grow bigger in the months or years to come, if not addressed immediately. This is why we recommend that you get your roof inspected regularly, ensuring issues are fixed as soon as possible.
For optimum ROI, Remodeling Magazine’s Cost Vs. Value Report of 2018 states that a midrange roofing replacement project can help you recoup at least 60% of the project cost. 2. Siding Replacement If we’re talking curb appeal, then replacing dilapidated and unappealing siding should be at the top of your list. As an exterior cladding material, siding wraps around your home beautifully, all while serving as an insulating layer that helps prevent unintentional heat loss and gain. A mid-range siding replacement project has an average ROI of 70%.
3. Window Replacement Replacing old, drafty and damaged windows is a cost-efficient way to make your home visually appealing both inside and outside. When chosen carefully and installed properly, replacement windows can also aid in cutting down home heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer. On the average, window replacement helps you recoup 60% to 90% of the project cost. You can’t go wrong with any of these projects but choose what to do first depending on your needs. This will help you make the most of your home improvement efforts, guaranteeing best results for you to enjoy. In Part 2, we’ll outline a few mistakes homeowners make to show you what you should avoid with your home improvement project. Stay tuned!
Part 2: Home Improvement Mistakes to Avoid In the previous post, we’ve shared with you the top three projects we think can help you make the most of your investment in home improvement. At this point, we assume that you already have an idea as to which projects you want to tackle first. We know you’re excited to get started, but before anything, we want you to take note of these common mistakes so you know what to avoid in your home improvement project. 1. Focusing only on appearance When upgrading the home, it’s natural for aesthetic improvement to be one of your primary goals for doing so. However, if you put too much focus on appearance, so much so that you forget about other important aspects not easily seen, then you might waste the opportunity to truly upgrade and improve your home. For instance, you decided to get new siding to enhance your home’s exterior and curb appeal. However, you chose the material based on looks alone, not considering its durability, maintainability and insulation capabilities. True enough, your new siding will look good, but there is no guarantee that it will last long and help make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.
2. Choosing a short-lived design Still in line with aesthetics, another mistake you should avoid is going for a trendy yet potentially short-lived design. If you really want to make a statement and make your home stand out, it’s best to consult a design expert. 3. Hiring the cheapest contractor Cheap is never synonymous with quality and this is especially true for home improvement. Just focusing on the savings you’ll get puts you at risk of a contractor cutting corners, which doesn’t only affect how your home will look and function but also your family’s safety and security. Instead, go where you’ll get the most value for your money.
4. Constantly changing your mind It’s easy to get too excited and get carried away when upgrading your home. However, if you keep changing your mind, the project will take longer to finish and resources might be wasted in the process. Experienced contractors will have no problem accommodating changes you want, but you also have to know when to rein it in.
Understanding the pitfalls of home improvement is important in ensuring its success, no matter the scope of the project. This is because mistakes can not only be costly but timeconsuming as well, taking away from what could have gone to your home improvement project instead.
In Part 3, we will be taking a look at how you can make the most of working with a home improvement contractor to get best results for your project. Stay tuned!
Part 3: Working With a Home Improvement Contractor You’ve probably heard it before but we’re saying it again--the best way to ensure home improvement success is to hire a reliable contractor. Projects such as roof repair and window replacement are not for the inexperienced do-it-yourselfer. There are many considerations that go into these types of projects, all requiring extensive experience and knowledge that only professionals can offer. Now that we’ve established the importance of hiring a professional for your home upgrades, we’ll share with you a few tips on how you can get the most out of working with a contractor. 1. Establish good communication This is key to home improvement success. From start to finish, you must be able to freely and confidently communicate with your contractor, ensuring the two of your are on the same page when it comes to goals and expectations. Transparency is important. The only way your contractor will know what you want is if you tell them directly about it. Meanwhile, the contractor should show that they are willing to establish and maintain a good relationship with you as well. After your initial consultation, you should be assigned a project manager you can constantly communicate with should any concerns come up.
2. Track everything in writing When you hire a home improvement contractor, they will have to provide you with a detailed, written contract outlining everything your project will entail. This is the first step to tracking everything in writing. As you go along, make it a habit to keep your own account of what’s happening with your home improvement project. Track any changes. Note down any concerns that you might want to talk to your project manager about at a later time. Record unusual occurrences, such as if you notice the contractor using a material or product not specified in your contract. You should also take note of exemplary behavior and actions. This way, you will not forget about the matters that you want to clarify or commend. 3. Be nice and responsible Contractors are committed to your 100% satisfaction but they are more inspired to do their best when you are a joy to work with. Aside from being approachable, you should also make it a point to fulfill your end of the bargain. This involves preparing your home and family for the project, as well as paying promptly at intervals agreed upon.
4. Check their work The only way to know if the contractor is doing a good job and if you can expect project success is to check the work being done. This way, should you notice anything you don’t like, changes can be made before the project is completed. However, you should also have an idea what to check in the first place. This is why it pays to do your homework and learn as much as you can about the project itself.
By learning the basics of home improvement and knowing how to best work with your chosen contractor, you are sure to make the most of your investment and enjoy its benefits for the years to come. We hope this three-part blog series helps you in having a fulfilling home improvement experience!
HomecraftÂŽ Inc. 1407 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809 (302) 798-2790 www.Homecraftinc.com