Whether you’re re-modeling your home or renovating it from the ground up, there are a few common challenges to face. These include: a budget that is out of reach, a flooded basement, neighbour complaints, outdated or hazardous appliances, and more. Here are some tips to help you overcome them.
Budgeting
Budgeting for home renovation can be stressful. There are many considerations to take into account, from the cost of materials to the time it will take to get the project done.
Choosing a reliable contractor can help you achieve your vision without breaking the bank. In addition, keeping tabs on every detail can ensure that you don’t end up with unnecessary reworks.
A home renovation will cost you a pretty penny. This is especially true if you have an older home. The price of labour, materials and even civil works can add up to thousands of dollars.
Home improvements are a great way to boost the value of your property. However, if you don’t know where to begin, you could wind up spending more than you have. To avoid this, start by asking around. Read up on local contractors and check out online reviews.
Creating a home renovation budget will help you plan your remodel around your budget rather than letting your dreams fall by the wayside. Once you’ve established your budget, you can then use it to negotiate with the contractor. If you are planning a large project, try to have at least 10 percent of your available funds on hand.
Before you commit, it is a good idea to get more than one quote. You should ask about any fees and make sure you understand the repayment schedule. You can get a customized quotation for renovation works
from Pro Renovation Contractor. Taking out a loan can also be a smart move. But you need to make sure you can afford the monthly payments.
It’s also a good idea to budget for the unexpected. Many homeowners have been surprised by the cost of renovation. As a rule of thumb, a budget for unexpected costs should be at least 20 percent of the total estimate.
Hazardous or outdated
Before you undertake a home renovation project, be aware of the potential health hazards associated with hazardous or outdated materials. You should contact your local authorities to learn about regulations and requirements before disturbing the material.
There are a number of common materials that can pose health risks to you and your family, including asbestos, lead, heavy metals, and mold. By identifying these risks before you begin your renovation, you can minimize the risks and keep your family safe.
Hazardous building materials are subject to both federal and state regulations. A licensed environmental consultant should conduct a hazardous materials survey before you start your construction project. He or she can also perform an assessment of your entire building.
If you are working with an older home, you are at risk for exposure to lead paint, asbestos, and radon. Older homes can also harbor Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs. These compounds cause respiratory ailments and are considered dangerous for children.
Lead-based paint is especially dangerous for children. To reduce the risk, you should clean up dust frequently and take precautions to keep the air in your home clean.
Asbestos is another risk, and a professional should be hired to remove it safely. This can require the use of personal protective equipment and exposure monitoring.
Many structures contain mercury, which can cause serious health problems. This is present in emergency lighting, fluorescent light bulbs, HID light bulbs, smoke detectors, relays in pneumatic controls, and many other building elements.
Renovations of older homes may also have a number of other hazardous materials. Mold and mildew, for example, are a common source of respiratory ailments. When mold grows, it can cause unpleasant odors and can rot your wood and other building materials.
Unrealistic expectations
There are many reasons to embark on a home improvement project. Perhaps you want to upgrade your kitchen or redo your master bathroom, or you just need a new coat of paint. Whatever the reason, you will likely want to get the most bang for your buck. The best way to do this is to choose a reliable contractor that can be counted on for all of your remodeling needs. It also helps to be in the know before you begin so you don’t end up spending more on a shoddy job than you would have if you were upfront and honest from the get go.
You will probably find that you will need more than one contractor for your home improvement project. One of the most challenging parts of the equation is having enough time to do a proper job. While you may not be able to go full steam ahead on the renovation, you will still need to budget time for a little fun in the sun. Having a positive attitude goes a long way. For a homeowner, that is a miracle in itself.
Choosing the right construction contractor is an art in itself. Thankfully, the best contractors in the business are happy to oblige. If you need some help, do not hesitate to ask for a free estimate. A good contractor will not only give you an accurate quote, but they will also be there for you when you are done and dusted.
Water damage
Water damage can ruin the appearance of a home and the structural integrity of the property. It can also be a serious health threat to the people living there.
If you notice water damage in your home, you should act immediately to prevent any additional damages. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all water damage is visible. This can make it harder to repair.
The first step in addressing water damage is to find out where the water came from. A leaky roof, burst pipes, or flooding can all cause water damage.
Once you have identified the source of the damage, you can begin drying out the structure. To do this, you will need special equipment. Large-capacity dehumidifiers can be helpful.
Once you have gotten the majority of the water out of the house, you need to clean and disinfect the space. A bleach solution can be used to treat the affected areas. Remember, it is best to get rid of any materials that are affected by mold.
You may also need to hire professionals to help you with water damage repair. They have the right tools and experience to handle the situation.
When hiring a professional, you should check the company’s credentials and reviews. Make sure that they have experience working with the type of water damage you are experiencing.
Another tip is to avoid attempting to repair water damage yourself. If you do, you could end up injuring yourself or worse. Wear protective clothing and latex gloves, and be sure to wear safety goggles.
Water damage can be an expensive repair. In addition, it can cause damage to your belongings.
Neighbour complaints
Neighbors complaints during home renovation can be a real bummer. However, you don’t have to let them win the argument. You can take proactive steps to reduce these interactions.
To begin with, you should have a firm grip on the rules of engagement. Do not expect your contractor to stand around and wait for your e-mails. The best approach is to establish a frank and open dialog. Your next step should be to explain to your neighbours that you’re not looking for a slugfest. If you can’t reach a consensus, a community board may be able to intervene.
While you’re at it, you should also do your homework on the local noise laws and regulations. This is especially true if you live in a condo. Some cities are more stringent than others. In fact, the city of Montreal has specific rules governing the timing of certain types of work, including construction.
While you’re at it, make sure you introduce your reno team to your neighbors. This will ensure they don’t feel intimidated. Similarly, you should do a little research on your own to find out the best time of day to do your work. There’s nothing worse than having to deal with a noisy and disruptive neighbor.
Finally, the best way to prevent these issues from occurring is to establish ground rules for yourself and your neighbors. Having a set of clear expectations will make the process easier on everyone. After all, a friendly neighborhood is a happy and productive one.
Of course, you should also be cautious with your choice of home improvement projects. Although you may have the best intentions, there’s a chance that you may end up wasting your money on a mediocre renovation.