The Girl Guide's Map to Home Renovations: Be Prepared!

Deciding to renovate your house can be an enormous decision - and not one that should be taken lightly. After all, we are talking about invested funds, and in most cases, lots of it! So, don't jump into such an extensive project without first following these guidelines that'll help your renovation run as smoothly as possible, cause the least disturbance to your every day life, look as professional as they can be, and help you remain within your initial budget parameters.

(Expect the Best) BUT - Be Prepared for the Worse!

Like any marginally qualified girl guide, you'll want to "be prepared" for the myriad, personal, and financial challenges that large renovations may bring into your life. Of course, you can avoid the likelihood of too many hurdles, by being as organized as possible. Make sure you select and order all your necessary products ahead of time. Things can happen with suppliers, and it's better that they occur in advance of your renos - no one wants to be stuck without appliances for a month! So cover your bases, order all products well in advance, and you'll be that much further ahead of the game.

You'll also want to be prepared for any and all unexpected delays and inevitable inconveniences. A reputable renovator can sit down with you and give you the "full meal deal" on all the possible difficulties that could arise. You'll want to fully know what you're getting into, so you can adjust your life and your expectations appropriately.

Budget for the Present and Beyond....

Whatever the estimates are for your renovation project, try to add on a buffer of at least twenty five percent. This cushion can help you cover unforeseen difficulties, expenses, and challenges that may happen along the way. Remember that this buffer is ideally not to be spent on spontaneous and superfluous upgrades along the way - keep this amount set aside specifically for unexpected expenses, as they may very well happen.

Research Your Contractors

Choosing a good contractor is paramount. Ideally, if you can find someone through word of mouth than this is truly the best research. Perhaps a friend, or even a friend of a friend had some amazing renos just done and were very happy with their contractor. Talk to these folks about their experience and find out all you can about why they would recommend this particular contractor. If you don't have any direct referrals from people you know, ask potential contractors to offer referrals from previous clients and follow up on these referrals.

Beyond referrals, investigate that they have liability insurance, and belong to the Better Business Bureau. Another great way to know more about a contractor is to visit a job site they are currently working on. You can learn a lot just from watching them work, and by observing how they organize the site and their work.

Once you've hired someone you like, the key to a positive experience is communication. Along the way communicate if anything whatsoever is unsatisfactory so it can be dealt with immediately. With good communication you'll avoid small problems exploding into much larger ones.

Insist On Detailed Contracts

Contractors are as notorious as roofers for not finishing a job on time. And, really if you do not have a legally binding and detailed contract, then you'll have no foot to stand on should problems arise with your expectations on the work. So, in your contract make sure to include a start date and a completion date, and a detailed report on all the work that is to be completed. If changes occur along the way, make sure to go back to the contract with your contractor, agree and make the necessary changes to the initial contract.

Set-up Camp Before Your Renovations Start

You'll experience some serious upheaval of your living space during your renovations and the hardest one to work around will be your kitchen. Set-up a temporary kitchen with all the things you'll need for preparing light, quick and easy meals over the duration of the contract. Ideally if you can have at least one room in your home and a bathroom that are set up as untouched refuges, then you won't feel so displaced by all the changes.

Know Why Your Renovating

It's very important to prioritize your intentions for renovating. There are two basic categories. The first is that you wish to improve the resale value of your home. These sorts of renovations need to be carefully evaluated in terms of what you decide to alter, how much it is costing you and the potential re-coup from the sale of your home. Not all renovations will be recouped in the final sale. Kitchens and bathroom renos have the greatest potential to effect the final ticket price on your home. You'll also want to be careful about the materials and supplies you use. Are they universally appealing? In many cases you'll want to avoid materials that are either too expensive or too cheap. The middle ground is usually your best bet in terms of recouping your investment.

On the other hand, if you're renovating because you want to improve your own home, then your choices need to reflect your needs, wants and desires 100%

About the Author:

Portland is full of many diverse areas, and finding the right home may take some time. Start looking for your ideal Metro Portland real estate at PortlandUrbanLiving.com.