Why Your Home Remodel Won’t Be Like HGTV

Home remodel concept

Have you ever been inspired to tackle that bathroom you know is dragging down the value of your home? Or maybe your kitchen? Have you seen a show on reality TV that shows a couple, along with one designer, ripping out and remodeling their bathroom in one weekend and thought, “Hey, I could do that. How hard can it be?”

The truth is, they make it look easy and that’s for a reason. Networks like this exist to advertise products and make money. It’s no coincidence that the commercials associated with these shows are for home improvement goods. And that’s all fine, except when homeowners get in trouble thinking it really is as easy as it looks.

If you’ve never done a home remodel before, you are in for a surprise.

Home Remodel Fantasy to Reality Tips

There are a few tips to help ease the transition from fantasy to reality.

A Home Remodel is Always More Than You Think

Real home remodels will always be more expensive and more time-consuming than you think. According to one designer who participated in one of those DIY-in-a-weekend shows, the bathroom they remodeled actually took about three weeks to complete with a professional designer and a whole crew of workers.

If you plan to pay for it from your own budget rather than trying to participate in an HGTV show, be prepared to spend more than you think it’s going to cost. In addition, be prepared to wait longer than you think – even when professionals are doing the job. It will be well worth it in the end, but you can prevent the pain and suffering of disappointed expectations by remembering these two things.

Can you prevent some angst by planning your remodel in the summer when grilling is easy and a vacation can take you away from the worst of it? Or does it make more sense to do your remodel in the fall when the kids are away at school most of the day? Either way, know that it’s going to be a major hassle or that your house will get dirty.

Hire a Professional Designer

The last thing you want in your new kitchen is a dishwasher door that blocks the cabinet you intend to put clean dishes into. And that’s one of the minor things you could be facing if you try to design your new space yourself.

Designers know what they are doing. They have insider tips and tricks of the trade, and they can educate you about all the materials you have your eye on. Plus, with their objective eye and training in planning out 3D spaces, you are going to get the most for your money by hiring a designer beforehand.

Find a Good Contractor

The way to find a good contractor is to make sure you can talk to people they have worked for in the recent past. You want someone who has the reputation of being honest and doing good work. In this case, the least expensive option may not always be the best.

So many homeowners end up wishing they had spent the money on the best company up front so they wouldn’t have had to deal with the headaches that came with unprofessional contractors.

Any contractor you hire should be licensed, insured, and bonded. They should:

  • Be able to offer references and warranties.
  • Be good managers of all employees and subcontractors.
  • Pull permits and provide a detailed contract in a timely fashion.
  • Provide a payment schedule in place that works for both parties.
  • Have a clear understanding of lien waivers.

In addition, you should feel comfortable with all workers coming to your home. Find more information on any contractor through the local chamber of commerce and your state’s attorney general.

Takeaway

Any home remodel is going to be a bigger deal than you think. However, if you hire professionals who are good at what they do, you will save yourself a lot of headaches.

If you live in Southeast Michigan, please give us a call. We would be honored to help with your home remodel project.

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