Remodeling your South Lake Tahoe home comes with several benefits — you are allowed to design and create a space that suits you and your personal style, you can upgrade outdated systems and save yourself money in the long run, and you end up increasing the market value of your home, depending on the specific renovations you integrate. For example, if you plan on listing your Glenbrook home for sale in the future, buyers tend to look for homes with hardwood flooring, patios and decks, stainless steel kitchen appliances, energy-efficient fixtures, and a variety of other desirable features and must-haves.
Regardless of the purpose behind your home renovation, you’re probably interested to know the best way to go about it. Fortunately, the Live Tahoe Real Estate team has compiled 11 helpful remodeling tips to ensure your DIY home remodel is as smooth and efficient as possible.
Plan in advance
The number one step to renovating before listing South Lake Tahoe homes for sale is planning exactly what you want from the project. Are you renovating the infrastructure? The exterior? The walls and flooring? Take note of everything you want to implement in advance, and if other ideas spring up later, make sure you incorporate those into the outline as well. Formulating a plan not only prevents delays and facilitates a smoother renovation, but it also gives you a chance to determine the total cost and whether or not it fits within your budget.
Calculate your home renovation budget
After you outline a general remodeling plan, calculate your budget. The budget should include building permits, building materials, labor, and other optional things you might want, such as decorative finishes. Set aside a portion of your budget for unexpected expenses that may arise during the renovation process. You’ll also want to receive quotes from contractors beforehand to determine if their services fit within your budget.
Devise a financing method
How do you plan on financing your remodeling project? There are a number of ways to acquire funds, but the most common methods are by taking out a personal loan or by cashing out on your home’s accumulated equity, if applicable. Of course, you can also finance the remodel with your own money. Always choose whichever plan best suits you and your needs!
Develop a tentative timeline
Even a general timeline is an effective way to keep the team focused on the project. Set soft deadlines. Prioritize the most important and time-consuming renovations first. Estimate how long certain portions of work will take. Determine which portions can be performed simultaneously for a more efficient workflow. You should always have a general sense of where the project is headed instead of making decisions and scheduling contractors on the fly. At the very top of every timeline should be acquiring permits if your city requires them. Never start a project without the necessary permits.
Consider your end goal
As you work on the remodel, remind yourself what you’re striving toward. Are you hoping to increase the longevity of your infrastructure? Is your goal to cut down on utility bills by installing energy-efficient fixtures? Are you remodeling for the purpose of reselling? Don’t forget to account for any color, decorative finishes, and any other small details that contribute to the final, overall project. Leave no stone unturned!
Hire reliable contractors
It’s strongly recommended that you hire South Lake Tahoe contractors who are members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and boast a positive reputation with the Better Business Bureau. Ask trusted friends, family members, neighbors, and even coworkers for contractors they have personally worked with and recommend. Most contractors have websites or another online presence where previous clients may post reviews — take a look at these reviews to determine if the contractor is a good fit for you. You should also visit the location of their current projects to assess firsthand their quality of work and level of professionalism.
Opt for a detailed contract
A remodeling contract is an absolute necessity. Every remodeling contract should stipulate the correct address, the start date, a tentative completion date, everything that will be worked on or installed, and everything that will not be affected. You’ll likely find yourself signing a fixed-price contract, a type of remodeling contract that lists the total costs for permits, labor, and materials. A fixed-price contract will prevent costs from increasing later on.
Connect with your renovation team
The contractors you hire are more than just a service — they’re people, too. Contractors appreciate clients who are friendly and honest and are usually happy to talk about how the renovation process is going. Feel free to supervise the project. Be curious. There’s a unique satisfaction that comes with seeing your vision come to life.
Understand the stress
Remodeling is a stressful endeavor for a number of reasons. It’s costly, time-consuming, and comes with a fair share of inconveniences and frustrations, especially if you have nowhere else to stay while the renovation occurs. Be prepared to handle the stress. Fortunately, hiring a reliable contractor dedicated to quality service will lessen the likelihood of any unwanted incidents.
Store valuables during the renovation
Your Glenbrook real estate property will essentially become a construction zone. Be mindful of your valuables and belongings before the contractors begin their work. Take down pictures, put away vases and other fragile objects, and take additional measures to protect things you can’t easily move, such as chandeliers and fireplaces.
Think about the resale value
If you’re planning to resell the home after the renovation or within a few years, think about the resale value in the South Lake Tahoe real estate market. Research what buyers look for in the current market. Be sure to implement buyer must-haves in your project to increase the home’s appeal and value. Avoid catering too much to your personal tastes — unless you plan to stay for a long time.
Reach out to Live Tahoe Real Estate for more information
To learn more or to consult additional advice on increasing the value of your Glenbrook NV home, be sure to reach out to Live Tahoe Real Estate, an elite team of Glenbrook realtors specializing in South Lake Tahoe real estate and the surrounding communities. They know what makes a great Lake Tahoe home even better and will readily help you with your project. Give them a call today!