If you’ve lived in the same home for years, it’s hard to let go of it and simply move to another house.
But sometimes you need to make a change, and remodeling an old home is a great way to keep that house up and running even as it ages.
With that said, home renovation is a big undertaking. What are some things to take care of before starting a renovation project? And what’s the cost of remodeling an old home?
That’s what we’re here to answer today. In this article, we’ll be covering 5 key decisions you need to make before remodeling your old home.
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Benefits of Remodeling an Old Home
But why should you remodel your old home in the first place? You’ve lived in there for decades – is it worth remodeling an old home?
One reason might be that you want to live somewhere new but want to sell your home before moving out. Remodeling your house can certainly boost its market value.
If you’re selling a house that hasn’t been remodeled, Harry & Sons can take them off your hands. As they proclaim, “We buy houses as is!”
Remodeling also provides your house with a new look. You might even need more space for more family members. Tweaking some of its air conditioning can even improve energy efficiency.
Tips for Remodeling an Old Home
Once you’ve decided to remodel your old home, there are a few things to consider before going forward with your plans. Let’s take a look at those considerations below.
Create a Timeline
Every house is different in size and every remodeling project has different priorities.
On average, remodeling takes about 3 to 6 months. The timeframe also hinges on whether you decide to do the work or if you hire contractors.
A common remodeling timeline can look like this:
- A month for planning
- 2 weeks for demolition
- A week for HVAC and plumbing
- 10 days to install drywall
- A week for trim and finish work
Creating a timeline helps you understand what you need to tackle next and how long each step will take.
Research Local Codes and Regulations
Before you start remodeling, check your local codes and regulations to make sure you aren’t violating any statutes.
Depending on the scope of your project, you might need to fill out some paperwork before installing or demolishing a part of your home. There are environmental and noise considerations for these projects as well.
Check Home Insurance
If you have home insurance, it’s best to not only read over your insurance papers but also talk to your insurance agent well before you start remodeling.
You never know if your insurance policy doesn’t cover you during a renovation. Every insurer is different, so it’s good to iron out these details prior to tearing anything down.
DIY or Not?
There’s no denying that remodeling your house yourself can save you money. For those with plenty of experience, this decision might be a no-brainer.
But some parts of home repair, like plumbing and electrical work, isn’t always DIY-able. Decide which parts of the process you want to handle yourself and which ones you’ll contract out to professionals.
Select a Contractor
If you hand the remodeling duties over to a contractor, you need the best of the best.
Make sure they have experience doing the work you need from them. Ensure that they’re properly licensed and can get the right permits to legally work on your remodeling project.
Remodel Your Dream Home Today
Remodeling an old home is undoubtedly a big project, but handling the details ahead of time will make it go much smoother. Leverage this article to make all the right moves before you start the remodeling process.
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