The housing market still seems a little shaky; many people are making the decision to stay in their current homes instead of selling and buying a new one. This of course means that more and more people are deciding to remodel their homes to improve their current home’s livability. The underlying goal of course should still be the overall value of the home. Just because you invest $ 50,000 on remodelling that does not mean you will see that money realized in a profit when you do finally sell it. There is a cap to your home’s value and you should be aware of that before you begin.

Once you have made the decision to start a remodelling project you should clearly map out the process. First, think about your remodelling goals. Are you planning to do some needed repairs or add a hot tub to the enclosed porch? Make sure you have written goals of your plan before you start. Included in the plan should be an overall budget. Always pad the budget for those unexpected costs – there are always unexpected costs!

Next, you need to determine who will do the work. If your project will require a building permit, you might want to make sure it also does not require an expert. Check your city building codes before you begin to ensure you are in compliance to avoid heavy fines. In addition, if you are not a plumber or an electrician you might want to consider hiring an expert even if city building codes do not require it. Your budget can quickly go out the window if you make a novice’s mistake and then end up needing an expert anyway.

If you decide to hire an expert, make sure you have a home improvement contract. You can find samples online as well as at your local office supply store. Making sure that each party is aware of their rights and responsibilities can ward off unnecessary problems. You should also check the reputation of the contractor before signing the contract. Ask friends, neighbors and co-workers for recommendations of a reliable builder.

Any projects that will be extremely noisy should be discussed with your neighbors. Not that it determines whether you start the project, the courtesy extended to your neighbors will be well worth it to all parties. In this way, you will know the best times to conduct the work. If any of your work will be encroaching upon your neighbor’s property while working on your project, i.e., ladders in the neighbor’s yard to reach your roof, prior approval is always appreciated.

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