Let’s talk home renovations. If you’re not a DIY kind of person, or you have big plans, hiring a contractor is probably wise. However, there are some questions you should ask before making this move. Here are six important questions to ask yourself before taking on your home renovation project.

Do I Need More Space in My Home? 

There are lots of reasons why you may need more space. You could be planning to grow your family, need a home office, or just need more space as your kids become teens. Either way, you should ask yourself if you really need that extra room. Home additions can sometimes decrease property value, so this is a serious cost-benefit balance. If you decide that you do need the space, then consider what would be the most functional use for your new addition. 

Do I Plan to Sell My House Soon? 

How soon are you planning to sell your home. If you plan to live in your home for a few years, then a big renovation may not be wise. It would be unlikely that you’d get the best return on your investment in such a short timeframe. This is especially true if the renovation decreases your property value. If you plan to stay long-term, then pick a timeless design for your renovation. Anything that’s in-style now may be out of date later on. It may not bother you, but it could deter future buyers.  

Do I Have Enough Cash to Pay for the Renovations I Want? 

It’s not uncommon for projects to run out of funding in the middle, resulting in the project needing to be stopped. Sometimes surprises along the way cause renovations to cost much more than initially expected. You may think you have enough saved up, but these surprises can throw off the entire project. It’s best to plan ahead and prepare for the worse. Ensure you have plenty of extra funds just in-case, or have a back-up financing option so your project stays on it’s timetable. 

How Long Will the Renovations Take?

Depending on the kind of renovations you’re interested in completing, projects have varying times. Some simple jobs may only take a few days, but others can take weeks or even a few months. This may mean many people coming in and out of your home for an extended period of time. This can be especially important if you are working from home, or have young kids who have nap times, schedules, and routines. Take into consideration if you can handle that kind of disruption, or think about how you can work around it. 

What Will the Weather be Like? 

If your project will take some time to be completed, consider what the weather will look like during the entire project. Don’t just consider the weather when the project begins. If you start in August or September, but the renovations could take you into the colder, rainy months, how could that affect your daily routine? 

Will I be Able to Live in my House or Should I Find Somewhere to Stay? 

Last, but definitely not least, consider whether your home will actually be livable during renovations. Sometimes the inconvenience may have a reasonable short-term solution. For instance, if you won’t have access to the kitchen for a few weeks, you may be able to reasonably function with a mini fridge, microwave, and crock pot in the living room. If you’re losing access to a bedroom, perhaps an air mattress on the floor will work.

However, work arounds may not exist if you’re losing access to basic essentials, such as a working bathroom, electricity, or running water. If that’s the case, then you’ll likely need to set up some alternative living arrangements until you can get back into your home. That could mean making arrangements to stay with a family member or friend, or it could mean staying in a hotel or a short-term rental. Either way, this is an expense and disruption to your routine that needs to be accounted for before you sign any contracts. A lengthy hotel stay can become quite pricey!

 

If you’re considering home remodeling or renovations, a Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit could help you achieve your goals. Visit our website or call a Member Specialist today at 800-422-5852 to learn how we can help you create your dream home. Equal Housing Opportunity.