One day we realize it’s time to undertake a home improvement project. Most people admit it can be challenging to have parts of your house torn up and lose your home’s habitual spaces for some time. However, in the end, it is rewarding to see your house renovated and better than ever.
Before you take on your own home renovation project, look through the tips we put together so that you can complete your home improvement successfully (and stress-free).
Table of contents
Tip #1 Make your home improvement as stress-free as possible
Home improvement projects can be challenging. Multiple factors, from planning a budget to making some new alterations, can contribute to us feeling stressed. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can deal with the whole home improvement project successfully and not go crazy.
The first thing you should take care of is your own expectations. Make sure your expectations for the project are realistic. Of course, we all want to have a perfect space — that’s understandable. But not everything you see on television or in Instagram/Pinterest accounts can be implemented in your home in the way it is shown. So, you can work with what you’ve got or try to achieve the impossible and be stressed out, disappointed, and frustrated.
Setting a budget is another major point in the home improvement process. Consider what financing options you have, and then, look at the home improvement project of your dream. Once you’ve figured out how much money you have and how much money you may need for your project, match these two numbers together to set a realistic budget. According to www.sccu.com, if you don’t have enough money, then you may cut your costs or apply for a home-equity line of credit (HELOC).
To make your home remodeling as stress-free as possible, be flexible. While renovating, there’s no such thing as perfection. There will always be some mixups, time, money, and deadline issues along the way. A rigid deadline and unrealistic expectations will only cause anxiety, rather than lead to perfection. To make your home improvement process as stress-free as possible, stick to the plan, but be versatile at the same time. Finding this balance will help you complete the project successfully.
Tip #2 Choose the right contractor
The single most important element of a smooth-running remodel project is finding a good contractor. Websites like HomeAdvisor and Angie’s List have an extensive database of home remodeling contractors reviewed by verified members.
You can also contact your insurance company, as most of them have agreements with trustworthy local contractors. This way you won’t just take advantage of the recommendations, but you may even get a price break based on the partnership between the insurance company and the contractor. Once you’ve done your research, make a list of highly-rated contractors you would like to work with and contact them directly.
At first contact with contractors, ask for their license numbers and certificates of insurance. Regardless of the state they operate in, all contractors are required to have a business license and insurance coverage. Having a business license number will allow you to find out if the contractor has a legal operation. The certificate of insurance will ensure that you are not responsible for a contractor’s medical bills if that contractor is injured while performing work on your property.
When it comes to meeting each contractor, create a short-list of questions. Here are the examples you can use:
- What local trade associations do you belong to?
You can call these organizations and check whether the contractor is indeed a member in good standing.
- How long have you been in business?
Ask for proof, since some contractors can claim “20 years’ experience” which can be a total lie.
- Can you provide me with at least 3 recent references?
The keyword here is “recent”. Reputable contractors will be ready to share the contact information of homeowners they’ve worked with over the last year.
- What timeline does he/she have for the project? Are there any projects he/she works on that could affect this timeline?
You can also ask them about recent bids they’ve made with other homeowners.
Tip #3 Zen out your living space
When life gets stressful and busy, we all need a place to relax and regain our strength. That’s why it’s essential to make your living space a sanctuary. If you want to add some calmness to your home, you should opt for a zen-inspired design. It’s all about creating a calming atmosphere featuring simplicity and clarity of lines that fosters harmony and balance. This kind of design is all about natural colors such as white, grey, shades of green, beige, or pink beige. A simple color palette and unсluttered furnishing designs make the place more energetic and free.
Walls painted in white can make the space feel airier, while pieces in beige are relaxing and easy on the eyes. Harmony in colors is essential. So combine a dominant color with two or three matching ones and play with tones to create some diversity.
While minimalism is all about the “less is more”, there’s a chance your interior design feels too cold and sterile. Do not be afraid to mix fabrics and add some texture. However, you should mix no more than three textures as that may lead to a design disbalance. As for materials, invest in natural and eco-friendly materials such as wood, marble, granite, bamboo.
The key to a zen-inspired interior is to put away or hide every unnecessary interior piece. Keeping a tidy, organized space benefits your mental health by creating a positive environment and lowering your stress levels. De-cluttering a messy room feels amazing — it’s a kind of detox for the mind and spirit.
Tip #4 Focus on things your family needs
Last, but not least. Remodeling should be practical and first and foremost serve the needs of your family. Figure out what bothers you and your family members most about your current home design, and try to fix those things. Think about design solutions that will make your home more comfortable for your family, and only after that consider adding bling to your home improvement project. The takeaway is to try and find a balance between practicality and chic when planning your home improvement project.
Thanks for the great tips.