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Before You Decide on Interior Renovations-Things You Need to Consider
When one thinks of interior renovations, they often think of adding a room on to the home or undertaking a kitchen remodeling project. Many other projects, however, fall into this category such as taking an attic and converting it into an office or extra bedroom or creating a wine cellar in a portion of the basement. Most renovation projects work to enhance the value of the home or family time. Other popular remodeling projects involve transforming a basement into usable space or bathroom remodeling. What should one think about when taking on interior renovations, and how should one go about choosing a professional to assist with this type of project?
Create a Budget
Before you decide an interior renovation is the right move, you'll want to create a budget, and then, add an additional 20 percent to that budget for any unexpected surprises which may arise. If you find you don't need the additional funds, you can always use the money to decorate the newly renovated room or put the money aside for the next home renovation project you choose to undertake. It's always better to have too much than not enough when completing a project of this kind, as anyone who has ever run short on cash during a home renovation will tell you.
Set realistic expectations. If your home only has eight foot ceilings, you won't be able to put a three foot crystal chandelier in the entryway. It's not going to work. Your budget plays into this also as you need to find items you love that don't exceed the amount you have saved for the renovation. Most find they need to pay attention to the details of the project as one overlooked detail can end up delaying the project for an extended period of time, possibly a week or more.
Remodeling Project
One thing you should never do is take on a remodeling project because it is the latest fad seen on the Internet or on TV. It may not look good in a year or two, but you are stuck with it due to the money you invested in having the work done. Look at pictures from the 1970's. Back then, olive green appliances, burnt orange shag carpet, and brown furnishings weren't uncommon. Imagine them in your home now. If you are like most people, you wouldn't like them and would want to do some remodeling. Now, do the same with the project you wish to undertake. Is it something you can live with for five, ten or fifteen years? If the answer is no, or you aren't sure, don't do it. It's better to wait and only complete those projects you are 100 percent sure about.
Don't choose the contractor with the lowest bid or estimate. This is your home, and you want to ensure the work done increases the value of the home or benefits the family in one or more ways. The best way to find a contractor is to ask others who they have used in the past with great success. Be sure to interview a number of professionals before choosing, and ask to see examples of their work before you sign on the dotted line. Doing so ensures your remodeling project is everything you want it to be.