Is it Time to Renovate Residential Property?
Renovating your residential property can increase its resale value. However, it’s important to determine if your renovation project is worth the investment.
Ensure your renovations are cost effective by keeping in mind how you’ll use your home in the future. Avoid making major upgrades that significantly exceed your neighborhood standards.
Planning
A renovation can have a significant impact on your home’s aesthetics and value, so it’s important to plan ahead. You’ll want to create a budget and timeline for the project, and determine which areas of your home need to be renovated first. This will help you avoid surprises later on and ensure that the finished renovation is what you envisioned.
A good way to get started is by researching local contractors. Find out their reputations and ask for estimates. Then, make sure to factor in the cost of materials and city permits. If your budget is tight, consider eliminating less-important changes or finding cheaper upgrades. You should also set aside money for waste removal, as the renovation process can leave a mess.
You’ll also need to research your local building codes and regulations, unless you have a contractor who will handle this task for you. Some renovations require permits, such as adding an extra living space or changing your home’s exterior. Failing to obtain a permit can result in costly fines or having non-conforming work ripped out.
It’s also important to consider your family’s schedule and any events that could interfere with renovate residential the renovation project. For example, if your children are taking part in school activities or sports, you’ll need to plan around them. You’ll also need to figure out where your builders can park, whether you need to rent a port-a-potty and other necessities.
Permits
A permit is a vital part of any remodeling project, ensuring that the work is done safely and complies with local building, construction and zoning laws. Without a permit, you could be subject to fines or even required to tear down the renovation and start over again. It’s important to know whether your project requires a permit and to navigate the process efficiently.
Permit requirements vary by city, so it’s important to consult with your municipal building department to determine what types of permits you may need for your home improvement project. Some projects that typically require a permit include construction, demolition, and changes to a home’s plumbing, electrical or gas systems. In addition, certain types of renovations—such as adding a new room or altering the shape of the home—may also require a permit.
It’s important to follow the timelines set by the various city agencies involved in the permitting process. Prompt responses to requests for information or corrections can help expedite the process. Additionally, working with a permit expediter can also help reduce the amount of time it takes to obtain a permit. This is a professional who has experience in the process and knows how to submit plans properly and quickly. In some cases, a permit expediter can save homeowners a lot of time and money.
Contractors
Depending on the scope of the renovation project, homeowners can hire many different types of renovation professionals. Some of the most important are architects, interior designers and general contractors. While there can be overlap among these services, it’s best to build home renovation design consultant a team that is specialized for the specific needs of each project.
Homeowners should ask prospective contractors a few questions about their work and experience. For example, they should ask if the contractor has been licensed for the specific scope of their renovation and whether or not they carry workers’ compensation insurance. Also, they should always compare estimates from multiple contractors and be wary of any that are too high or too low.
General contractors, or GCs, are the lead professionals on major construction and renovation projects. They oversee teams of subcontractors who carry out the specialized aspects of each job. They are responsible for ordering materials, obtaining permits and scheduling the onsite work. They may also coordinate with other parties, such as a designer or architect or NYC coop or condo board.
Homeowners should also ask a prospective contractor about their past clients and how they handled renovation problems. This will help them determine if the contractor is the right fit for their project. They should also be aware that good contractors tend to be booked months in advance.
Inspections
Renovating a home isn’t just a series of brush strokes and hammer hits. It requires careful consideration and planning. Whether you’re doing a quick cosmetic overhaul or a major structural overhaul, a thorough inspection is vital. Otherwise, you could end up with a finished product that’s not up to code and poses safety hazards. In addition, you may face hefty fines or even have to revert the changes you’ve made.
Some small projects don’t require an inspection, while larger remodels and renovations typically do. If you’re modifying an existing bathroom, for example, a simple plumbing change-out might need just one quick inspection to ensure clearances and code compliance. However, if you’re adding an entire new bathroom or changing out the water heater, a full-scale inspection will be needed.
There are also times when you’ll need to hire a specialist, such as a structural engineer, electrician, or plumber. Structural engineers can help make sure that your structural work isn’t going to cause your house to imitate the Leaning Tower of Pisa, while electricians and plumbers can ensure that the new wiring and pipes are safe and in working order.
