Renovating Tips That Will Add Value to Your Home

People decide to renovate their homes for many reasons. Whether you are adding a room to accommodate guests or a home office, updating your kitchen for better culinary experiences, or simply bringing a dated bathroom out of a long-passed decade, you will want to ensure that you are getting the return on investment (ROI) you deserve. Which is why, if you plan on renovating your home, preparation is key. Securing permits, drawing blueprints, and finding the right contractors all take time and a little bit of work. So here is some sound advice from Heilman Renovations for when you’re ready for your remodel.

Home Extension

If you’re planning a home extension to accommodate your growing family, to add an in-law suite, a sunroom, or a hobby room, you first need to secure all proper permits with your city. An experienced local contractor will help you figure out the ones you need to start on your home addition project. Failure to get all required permits will lead to delays and additional costs, and you may even have to take down your home addition. You’ll need to reach out to your local officials to confirm zoning requirements before submitting a building plan for approval. And once you’re cleared to proceed with your renovations, you’ll still have to have the work inspected to ensure it meets all health and safety standards.

Basement Home Office

When you work from home, having a designated office space separate from the rest of the house will help keep you more productive and free of distractions. And if you have an unfinished basement, you can use the space to set up your work desk and still have plenty of room for supplies, and equipment. You may even be able to set up a little kitchenette or a coffee bar and snacks station, with a cozy seating area, so you can take a break and refuel during the workday.

Unfortunately, most basements don’t come with large, bright windows that let the sun in. So, as Fenesta suggests, invest in overhead lighting if your space doesn’t offer sufficient natural light, and add other sources of light as well to prevent eye strain and fatigue.

Electrical Work

Whether you’re refinishing a basement or adding to the square footage of your home, chances are you’ll need to have new electrical outlets, lighting fixtures, or appliances installed. Since this is complex and dangerous work, make sure you hire a qualified electrical contractor for the job. A professional will come to your house and discuss your options.

Plans may have to be drawn for new wiring to accommodate your remodeling project. You may even need to upgrade or install a new electrical panel that can support all your renovations. Contractors who make use of estimating software for electricians can deliver quotes quickly, taking into account the cost of labor and materials. This new tool helps them create and send invoices faster as well since data is seamlessly merged from one file to another, which also reduces the potential for typos and human error.

Home Warranty Benefits

Most home buyers purchase a homeowners insurance policy to protect them financially in case of theft or damage to their property. But the Insurance Bureau of Canada notes that homeowners insurance doesn’t cover everything, so if you’re renovating an older home, you should carefully read inspection reports to catch any red flags that could end up costing you a lot of money in repairs or replacement, especially when it comes to the main systems of the house: electrical, plumbing, heating and air. And if you want to cover the new appliances you purchased for your renovation project, like a stove, refrigerator, or dishwasher, check for any existing warranties, and consider purchasing a home protection plan as well. An annual service contract will help you cover costs in case of breakdowns.

Plan Your Reno Carefully

If you plan on renovating your house or adding square footage to your house, building a home office is a good way to boost your property value. Protect yourself with a home warranty in case of system or appliance breakdowns, and work with qualified contractors to ensure your renovation project is a success.