If you are thinking about renovating your home, you might have considered doing something yourself. You may feel satisfied in knowing you completed the project yourself. However, there are a few things to know about DIY renovations.
Have a Budget in Place
Just because you are doing it yourself does not mean you will be able to complete the project for free. You will still need to pay for materials, inspections, and other parts of the project. It’s a good idea to do some research ahead of time so you can establish a realistic budget. Then you can start saving up for the project.
You may decide to splurge on some parts of the project, such as appliances or nicer tile. And you might decide to DIY what you can but hire a contractor for things like electrical work or plumbing. For these larger purchases, you might want to consider taking out a personal loan from a private lender. You can secure a favorable rate with the right one. In addition, some homeowners opt to enroll in a home warranty plan to help cover the costs of some bigger ticket repairs or replacements in the home.
Renovations Don’t Always Add Value
It’s easy to be tempted to go for a DIY approach for the sole purpose of saving some money on the project. But you might not add value by going for this approach. If a homeowner finds a project was botched, they know there are likely more issues at hand. Every time an inspector finds something that was not done right, the buyer has one more reason to try to negotiate a lower price. And if there is a problem with the plumbing or electric work, you will need to bring it into compliance with local codes before you can sell it.
It’s a good idea to make sure you are meeting local building codes, whether you are doing something yourself or bringing in a contractor. Keep a copy of each inspection so you can show proof that you did meet the local codes. That way, you can show a buyer that there are no dangerous aspects of the renovation, like faulty electrical work.
Just Because It Meets Codes Doesn’t Mean It’s Done Right
Inspectors for your local area are responsible for making sure your home meets its building code standards. However, just because it passes inspection does not mean it is of good quality. For example, you may have the plumbing inspected before you have closed the walls, and it might pass inspection then. But it does not mean the project is done – you will still need to have water-resistant materials installed to prevent water from damaging the underlying wood structure. It’s important to understand how to check the quality of the work done at each point along the way.
Ensure Good Ventilation
When setting up a vent fan or exhaust vent, it’s a common beginner mistake to have the warm, moist air go into an enclosed area, such as a garage or attic. However, it should go outside, because having that air inside can lead to mold or rot. It’s things like this that can help you keep a healthy lifestyle despite a busy schedule. The air you breathe every day should be as clean as possible so you can optimize respiratory health. Make sure you are using the right attachments and filters for both cooling and heating systems.
