So it’s come to renovate your home. Unfortunately, even a home in relative working order eventually has to be renovated — not simply to keep it working, but to keep it looking good. When you buy a house, you’re making an investment. The better your house looks, the more likely it will be to make a return on that investment someday. As much as you may like the “retro” look of your kitchen or bathroom, retro to some is dated to others, and eventually even you are going to get tired of looking at vinyl walls or faux-wood countertops. So whether you’re thinking of bathroom remodeling or kitchen remodeling, or something else entirely, you’re going to want to be prepared to make your house look its absolute best. Here are some things you might want to consider.
1. Professional Designers
While DIY might have been all the rage a while back, many are realizing that their homemade taste might not appeal to everyone. Furthermore, a bathroom vanity design that you saw in a magazine may be better-accomplished — in a more cost-efficient way — by professional remodelers than you and your friends. A professional will also ensure that that bathroom vanity design is executed in an orderly fashion, making sure that contractors and installers are properly scheduled. But before you jump on that that bathroom vanity design, remember that the National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends a good six months of planning before you take the plunge.
2. Investment
Ah, yes, the all-important investment. As much as you love you home, there’s a good chance that someday you’ll end up selling it. And yes, you will want to get as much of your money back as possible. Talk to a professional designer about what kitchen design, for example, will appeal the most to potential buyers in the future, while still taking your interests into account. Remodeler’s Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report says that a mid-range bathroom is a solid investment, with a bathroom design remodel of $16,128 recouping about 72.5% of the costs when you sell your home.
3. Efficiency
Custom design is the fun part of remodeling. You’ll also want to think about practicalities. For example, new plumbing fixtures should be located near existing pipes. This will save you a lot of time and money in the long run, and will make your house more appealing on the market. Other things to consider include the existing damage to your house. No house is in perfect condition when it comes time to renovate, but you need to consider the value of re-facing a damaged counter, for example, over simply replacing the counter altogether and springing for a new one. Sometimes, damage cannot be fixed and you’re better off looking for replacements.
Ultimately, the way you choose to remodel your home is up to you. But with the right guidance from a professional designer, you should be on your way to having the home of your dreams in no time.
