This article originally appeared on La Jolla Light.
Home remodeling is a big step, and if you’ve decided to undergo residential construction in La Jolla this fall, congrats – you’re one step closer to your dream home. When it comes to home remodeling, although you may try to economize as much as possible to make the most of the project, sometimes it makes better sense — both logically and financially — to do things conventionally. On the other hand, some money-saving ideas make sense.
To ensure the very best outcome of your home renovation project, here are 10 things you can do to ensure timely and efficient completion of your project
without any added stress thanks in part to a recent article at the Huffington Post.
1. PURCHASING MATERIALS TO SAVE MONEY
Some homeowners believe that saving money comes from doing the groundwork in shopping prices. This isn’t the case. Residential contractors get discounts on materials that are not ordinarily available to consumers. Plus, when more hands are dipped into the pot, more things can go wrong such as ordering the incorrect materials, late arrival or poor quality products.
2. LAST-MINUITE PLANNING
Projects can go awry when details are not appropriately planned. Don’t delay decision-making like floor plan ideas or where an entry door is decided. These factors will only delay your project.
3. PREPLAN THE “LITTLE THINGS”
Make sure to get details in place even when it comes to simple things like counter top color or material, backsplash color, paint colors and fixtures. Don’t decide on these factors last minute. In the event you choose an item that’s out of stock, you’ll either be forced to go with Option #2 or you’ll have to wait for the item to arrive – two factors that can be completely avoided with preplanning.
4. THINK (AND CHOOSE) HOLISTICALLY
Many homeowners think that the best idea when it comes to choosing a residential home contractor in La Jolla is going with a so-called specialist. For example, you may be tempted to find someone who specializes in kitchens or baths, and that’s just fine for a fairly small project. But when it comes to your project start to finish, including additions, ceiling and frame adjustments and the overall look and feel of your home down to the last detail, go with a contractor that can see your vision and adopt the same concept for your home for the very best results.
5. USE REPUTATION AND COMPLETED PROJECTS AS A DECIDING FACTOR
When you choose your contractor, don’t go based on reviews alone. Sure, reviews are great and they give homeowners reassurance. But they certainly aren’t the end-all when it comes to choosing a contractor for your home. Think of your sense of style, budget and scope of work and then narrow down your choices. From there, ask to call references if possible or take a drive to see any exterior projects that the contractor has completed to get a sense of quality of work.
6. TRUST IN YOUR CONTRACTOR
There’s a reason you hired your residential contractor in La Jolla – you believe in their work. Allow your contractor to do what he does best. Although there is no harm in giving feedback (you do want to be happy with the project, after all), it’s a good idea to refrain from giving specifics on how a project should be done or what types of materials should be used. Speak up when you believe that the contractor’s choices will completely change the scope of the project. Otherwise, the contractor is likely to know more about your home than you think he does.
7. CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE HOUSING
To make everyone a little happier during the construction phase, you may want to consider alternative housing, especially if you are undergoing a large project. Although it may cost you more money to live elsewhere, your project is likely to be completed faster and without the added hassle of living through construction – and that can even save you money when the project is done more efficiently.
8. EXPECT SOME DIFFERENCES
If you are replicating a renovation, you should expect some differences in your model and the completed project. Because no two homes – even in track housing! – are alike, you will need to be flexible when it comes to the final outcome. Variables are inevitable because every home is unique.
9. PERMIT UP
Any legitimate residential renovation in La Jolla will need permits. You absolutely must have permits when undergoing construction, so expect to spend some time getting the necessary credentials to complete your renovation. The last thing you want is to have all of the hard work ripped right out of your home. Work with your contractor to make sure the proper permits are sought for your home renovation project.
10. DON’T WITHHOLD FUNDS
All too often, homeowners think they ought to withhold 5 percent of the project cost to ensure timely completion of the job. Although conventional wisdom would traditionally agree with this sentiment, it’s actually doing you no good in terms of money saved because of the risk of price inflation on quoted costs. The good news is that most contractors in La Jolla will work hard to earn a strong reputation, so homeowners should generally not worry about withholding funds in order to complete the job. It can actually hold up the completion of the project. If you have any doubt about your contractor, check out online reviews or ask to call references.
For more information on renovating your home in La Jolla, log onto http://MurfeyConstruction.com
Here’s to great new home renovations in La Jolla this fall!