Home Improvement Tips: Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home
It doesn’t matter if you are selling your property or just want to make some changes to bump up the value.
Hiring Professionals May Save You Time and Money
It should go without saying that home jobs can be expensive, so you might be tempted to handle them yourself as a way to save money. That might be a smart move for small jobs. You won’t need to wait for somebody to fit your house in their hectic schedule, and you can boast about having done the job yourself.
But unless you’re very versatile, significant home improvements are better left to professionals. If you choose to remodel the kitchen and intend to do the job yourself, will you be able to take care of the plumbing, electrical, and carpentry work on your own? And don’t forget that you will want to finish it quickly, as you won’t have a kitchen so long as it’s a”work in process” and eating three meals a day at restaurants could get expensive. Bear in mind, do-it-yourself projects generally take more time. And you’ll be responsible for getting all the necessary permits and inspections. Same for the garden! Landscaping and even really giving the wood and paving to look like new you’ll need a pressure washing professional.
Hiring People who have the required experience can help you save money and time, also. By way of instance, these professionals can help you to get a custom look using stock goods, and that may be significant savings. Getting something done the first time correctly will give you value that lasts for several years.
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To find qualified and dependable home improvement pros, check with friends, business partners, and acquaintances for recommendations. Always get at least three references, and check them out thoroughly. Also, check with the local chapter of the Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce.
Once you’ve located the essential home improvement experts, be sure everyone is in agreement about the design, the program, and the budget, and get the details down in writing in a signed contract.
It’s also wise to check on professional certifications and licenses, where required, and be sure the contractors you hire are fully bonded and insured. Your town or city Building Department can provide that information. And you must make sure contractors carry workers’ compensation insurance: if workers are injured at work, you won’t be responsible if the contractor is covered. Request copies of their insurance certificates. And be sure that either you or your contractor have gotten any necessary licenses before the job starts. Contact your Regional Planning and Zoning Commission for advice.
Here’s a quick overview of some of the professionals you may need to utilize when you remodel your home:
Architect: Architects design homes or additions from the foundation to the roof. If your project will require structural modifications like adding or removing walls, or if the design is sophisticated, you will probably need an architect. Since architects may charge an hourly or a flat fee, be sure you get an estimate of the complete price: drawing up the plans for a significant remodelling job can take 80 hours or longer.
Contractor: The contractor oversees the home improvement project, including hiring and supervising workers, getting the necessary permits, making sure inspections are done as needed, and providing insurance for work crews. It’s always a good idea to get proposals from one or more reputable contractors, depending on the specific details of your project.
Be sure each contractor bids on precisely the same plan so that you can compare their bids more easily. When you have chosen a contractor, be sure the contract specifies that you will pay in phases. You’ll usually pay one third when the contract is signed so that the contractor can purchase supplies. The quantity and timing for making the remaining payments will depend on the size of this project. Do not make the last payment until all work is successfully completed, inspected, and approved.
Interior Designers: Interior designers are experts who will provide advice on furnishings, wall coverings, colours, styles, and much more. They help save you time by narrowing your selection, and save money since they usually get professional discounts from their suppliers. When Meeting with an interior designer, be sure to inform them about your personal style and tastes. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour, or you might be able to negotiate a flat fee of approximately 25% of the total project cost.
Any of these will add to the value of your home, and are always worth the investment when they are done properly.
