You are probably thinking – What! Spring renos! We are not even into winter yet. But now is the time to start thinking about renovating your home. Due to supply chain issues that have been happening over the past couple of years from lumber supplies to contractors, demand has caused delays for many renovations. So, let’s help you get started with a few suggestions.
Choosing your contractor
This can be one of the most important steps for your renovation. You put your trust in a contractor that can help you to visualize your dream. Make sure you:
- Check referrals and references
- Understand the communication style that best suits you
- Test drive a small reno first before you try a larger one
- Get a detailed estimate and written contract and warranties
- Personally interview at least 3 contractors before choosing one
Your design styles
Do you have a good idea of what your renovation will look like? Take the time to find ideas online with pictures of what your style is. If you are planning a new outdoor space, take the time needed to design the type of pool and landscaping around the area too. Do you want decking or stamped concrete? Would you enjoy a fire pit and an area for lounging and entertaining? You want to enjoy your design, but it needs to fit your lifestyle also.
Building permits and blueprints
Some contractors will help get your permits or suggest an architect for a more detailed blueprint design. Make sure you know who is doing what so that there is no confusion or delays. The application process for permits and blueprints can be slow and sometimes delays happen. Build that timing in your project.
Order material now
Some kitchen appliances have a 6-month waiting time. Lumber has now come down in price and more people are ordering their lumber ahead of time to make sure they have enough materials to start. Suppliers have been backlogged since last year and roof trusses, foundation, and building components may take longer than usual to get. You might think ordering now is a little early, but you need to have a contingency plan in place if you are looking to build your home or do renovations in the Spring.
Decide
Once you have finished the planning stage, don’t hesitate too long or you will find your contractor has accepted another contract or supplies have gone up in price. Take the time it does for the planning but once you have decided don’t get cold feet and then expect everything to fall into place. One small delay in decision-making can create a domino effect in delays.
Ask the right questions
Whether you are hiring a contractor, buying materials or designing your new home, ask the right questions to make the best decisions. Make sure that you are on the right page together with your contractor. Check renovations often to make sure what you want to be done is done the way you want it.
We hope that we have made you think about improvements that will add value to your home. If you are in doubt of what renovations will increase the value of your home, check with our Anne Winch Real Estate Team for our professional opinion on what renovations sell and what renos are not a good return on investment.