We are happy to hear from Danny Knight (fixitdads.com) this week. Our contributing author is here to let us know some of what to expect in all steps of a home renovation project.

Things You Should Expect Before, During, and After a Renovation

A home renovation is not necessarily a one-time event. Instead, there are many things that take place before, during, and after a remodeling project. Today, we take a look at a few of these so that you know what to expect.

Contractors have different prices.

No two contractors will arrive at exactly the same number when quoting your project. They might use a different brand of paint, for example, or they might use contract labor, which can be more expensive than having dedicated employees. Before you go with the lowest price, do make a point to compare their quality and look at examples of previous, similar projects completed. You’ll also want to touch base with people who they have done work for before, and this checklist is a great reference when you need to ask questions.

Design after-the-fact matters.

You can spend tens of thousands of dollars remodeling a bedroom, kitchen, or bath only to be completely disappointed when the work is done, and the dust has settled. One reason may simply be the scale of the objects and accessories you’ve put back into your room. As Contented Interiors has explained before, art that’s too small, massive sofas, and even the wrong size accent furniture can wreck your vision of your perfect space.

A guest room and office combination may require very little.

If you’re looking to get the most bang for your renovation buck, consider adding a guest room and home office combination. This may be as simple as clearing out a bedroom and replacing the furniture with a sleeper sofa and storage ottomans. If the room has very little natural light, add a full-length mirror, which will give your guests a way to see if they’re presentable while also making the room look larger and brighter.

You can buy a home warranty at any time.

Many people choose to invest in a home warranty after the renovations are complete. This is a smart choice to add an extra layer of protection to your plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Further, some home warranties also provide coverage for appliances, such as a refrigerator or dishwasher. Determining best-in-class service isn’t always easy, so look for reviews and weigh your premium and service fees against the potential for unexpected repairs within the next year.

Spotting a fraudulent or bad contractor isn’t always easy.

Sure, that duo of handsome hunks that gave you the quote on tearing out your kitchen cabinets might look great in a toolbelt, but are they really qualified for the job? Maybe… but ask yourself a few questions. Are they much lower than your other quotes? Do they communicate well? Do they keep putting your job off? If you don’t get the right answer to any of these questions, that’s a good indication that it’s time to find someone else, according to the GreatBuildz website. 

Your home renovations may help you sell faster.

The Her Money blog explains that there are many low-cost updates that can help you sell your home faster. These include landscaping, painting, and a quick bathroom update, which may cost as little as $3000.

The average home remodeling project comes in at around $14,000. That’s not chump change, and you want to protect your investment as well as you can. A home warranty can help you accomplish this, but there are also ways to reduce your expenses, such as adding new furniture to a spare bedroom to create a guest room and office combo. Perhaps most importantly, don’t let your money go to waste with poor interior design choices, and make sure that your new furniture and art match your new space.

If you’re looking for a professional interior designer, contact Contented Interiors today. We serve the greater Richmond area and can help you make the most out of your space.