Summer is a great time to invest in home improvement projects, whether you need a full bathroom to remodel or simply need a contractor to install new flooring. The warm weather and long days make it easy to work, especially when your kids are out of school. However, there are some common mistakes that homeowners make when they hire general contractors and start projects. Follow this guide to have a stress-free remodel this summer.
Focus on your long-term goals
If you have a renovation project in mind this summer, make sure you are focused on the long-term goals of that home. For example, if you plan to list your house for sale soon, consider replacing your old carpet. You can spruce up your home on a budget by installing new carpet—especially in high-traffic areas. However, if you plan to live in your home for several years, you might choose a different type of carpet for your family’s needs.
There are short-term costs associated with your home renovations—like your carpet installation cost—but also long-term effects to consider. The choices you make today can determine if you need to redo the updated rooms in a few years or if your remodel choices will last into the next decade.
Have a plan for the rooms under construction
When a contractor takes over a room, it’s pretty much unusable. If you are opting for a kitchen remodel, then you might not have a stove or refrigerator until they install new units. This can be frustrating if you are still living in a space that is under construction.
Before you start the renovation process, think about how you can avoid these inconveniences. For example, you can allocate hotel room stays into your additional costs if your home is briefly unlivable. If you are investing in bathroom remodeling in Tampa, FL you can send your kids to a summer camp during that time or enjoy a staycation on the beach while your contractors work. This way you return to a new bathroom instead of stress and mess.
Design rooms to accommodate your geographic region
It’s easy to get caught up in gorgeous home photos by award-winning interior design firms, but these companies rarely design for your specific state or region. A paper room divider can be a nightmare for humid locations. The wool carpet might not be realistic in your area.
You know your region better than most home decorators and you know your family. Choose materials that are fashionable but also durable. If you aren’t sure what to use, ask your general contractor or carpet installer for recommendations. They know what works locally.
Keep an eye on material prices
Even if you want to start a home renovation this summer, it might be in your best interest to wait a few months. Material prices have shot up as more Americans take time to invest in home improvement. Lumber prices, in particular, were incredibly high in May and just started falling in June, making the average cost of hardwood floor installation much higher than normal. In most cases, the labor cost is the same, but contractors can’t get materials for fair prices.
Seek out multiple free estimates from professional installers before you start a project. You might be able to save money by waiting for the materials bubble to burst.
Whether you need a carpet installer to help with flooring or want a completely new bedroom, summer can be a great time to complete home improvement projects. However, you still need to do your research and carefully plan your project so you don’t gove over budget. Planning allows you to get the quality materials you want at the prices you need.
