Tip 1:

Hire the correct contractor. Deciding who to hire for your remodeling project may be the most important decision you will have to make. Employing a professional contractor is a safeguard that your home improvement will be done right, within budget, and on time.

Tip 2:

When hiring a contractor, check to make sure he or she is bonded, insured, meets all state and local licensing requirements, and is a member of a professional.
Don’t hesitate to set some boundaries for the people working on your home. Let them know which areas of the house you will need to restrict access to depending on where they will be working that day. This includes setting rules about the use of bathroom and kitchen facilities.

Tip 3:

Proper planning. Your finished project will only be as good as the design and planning that went into it. Whether you are doing the remodel yourself or hiring a contractor, it is important to look over the blue-prints and schematics to make sure the design is exactly what you want. If you are building and addition, be sure your current heating and air conditioning system has the capability to heat and cool the extra space. If a contractor is handling the work, her or she should know if current systems need to be upgraded.
Without proper planning, you probably won’t end up with the home improvement you’ve been dreaming about. Not only can the project look unsightly, it can also end up costing you a lot of money to fix unexpected problems and make changes. Planning is essential.

Tip 4:

Consider all options. Even if you think you have the perfect design for your home, be open to suggestions. Avoid picking new colors for your home based on a sample card from a paint store. The small cards are not enough of a guide to judge color intensity. Instead, paint a poster board your desired color and put it on the wall. Look at it during different times of the day and from various distances to decide if this is the color you really want.
Increasing your imagination and visualizing alternative choices allows you to make better, more informed decisions. It also helps to talk to your contractor or interior designer about the different options available on the market. Their expertise can save you a lot of time and frustration.

Tip 5:

There are going to be “big days” in the construction process, such as when the marble countertops are delivered, or the floors are put in. It will be easier for everyone involved if the professionals are permitted to do their work without worrying about little hands, feet and paws underfoot.

Tip 6:

Pick the best products for your budget. Your home is your most valuable asset, and it pays to protect that asset. This means not using low quality products when remodeling. Even though there are a variety of design techniques and products available on today’s market, you don’t want to cut corners in the hopes of saving a few dollars and put quality at risk. This is especially true if you plan on staying in your home for a long period of time.

Inferior products can be a hazard to you and your home. They can also end upp costing you more in the long run through increased energy bills, maintenance costs, and replacement fees.