Budgeting

If you're planning to renovate your home, you'll need to consider several factors, including labor costs, materials, and contingency budget. This is important because unexpected costs often arise during a home renovation. The best way to determine the total costs of a project is to discuss the plans with a contractor. If you're doing the work yourself, you can research contractors in your area through online research. Contact their references and ask for project estimates and timelines. Compare the price quotes you get from different contractors.

Another factor that often gets overlooked is the time needed to coordinate jobs and deliveries. Even though it may not seem like a large factor, a delayed fixture delivery can be a significant slap in the face to your budget. If you're renovating a bathroom, for example, fixtures may not arrive until the last minute, so plumbers will charge you for their time and labor. If they do finally arrive, they may not be able to install the fixtures.

Timeline

One of the most important parts of any home renovation is a timeframe. In New York City, if you're renovating an apartment, you'll want to have an idea of how long the project will take - and whether it'll interfere with your daily life. Most home renovation projects fall into two categories - planning and construction. The timeframe for standard renovations is usually four to eight weeks, although major architectural changes may take even longer.

Once you've determined the number of days the various stages of your renovation will take, it's time to decide what parts of the process will take the longest. You should estimate the amount of time each part of the renovation will take, and then factor in time for preparation and delivery of materials. When planning your timeline, adjust it by a few days if it takes longer than expected. The longer your renovation takes, the higher your carrying costs.

Finding a contractor

It can be a challenge to find a trustworthy general contractor to complete your renovation. One way to find a contractor is to ask friends or family for referrals, as well as check with those who have recently completed a renovation. By doing this, you can judge the quality of the renovation and craftsmanship of the contractors. It can also help you find out if there are any location-specific rules for contractors in your area. Some matchmaking services will even screen general contractors for you. Sweeten is one such service. Its multi-step application process screens contractors for license, insurance, references, and client service skills. Sweeten is also a licensed intermediary that brings together mortgage lenders and contractors.

When interviewing contractors, try to choose at least three or four that seem to fit your budget and meet with you to discuss your needs and expectations. Be sure to ask them any questions you may have to put your mind at ease. You'll be spending hours with these people, so it's important to be comfortable with them before hiring them. Also, be sure to check out the contractor's credentials with the local Better Business Bureau and your state consumer protection agency to ensure that they are reliable and trustworthy.

Permits

Before completing a home renovation project, you should pull permits. This is necessary for both structural and electrical projects. In most cases, a building permit is required for a home renovation project. To get one, you need to prepare a detailed site plan, which details the current and desired state of your property. In addition, you should seek the services of a building permit-certified contractor if you don't have the experience to complete the application yourself.

Before you start your home renovation project, you should check the local building department's website for permit requirements. Many cities and counties have FAQ sections that can guide you on what permits you need. If you're not sure, visit the Department of Buildings to get an overview of the requirements. Some areas will allow you to start work before the permit is issued. But you should also remember to check with your local city or county before you begin your project.

Staying in your home during construction

Before you start a home renovation project, you should know exactly what you can expect. If you can stay in your home during construction, you can save money and stay close to your workers. It is also a good idea to plan a vacation. If you can't leave your home during the renovation, your home insurance policy may be cancelled. Depending on your contract, staying in your home during the renovation can be beneficial in several ways.

If your home doesn't have a backyard or a garage, you can consider renting a mobile home or recreational vehicle. If you can, make sure you have access to utilities. Otherwise, you can live in a trailer, which is not ideal for your family. However, if you can't stay in your home during construction, you'll need to find a temporary place to stay.