What to Keep in Mind When Planning an April Remodeling Project
When you think about April, you probably envision blooming flowers, growing grass, and bright sunny days. With warmer weather right around the corner, it’s also the perfect time to finally start planning that renovation design you’ve been dreaming about all winter.
However, before you begin, here are four things you need to consider and prepare for to make sure your remodeling project doesn’t turn into a home improvement disaster.
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Budget
The first decision you’ll have to make for your home improvement project is how much to spend and where that money will come from. Of course, determining the answers to those questions depends on your renovation’s scale and what your final goal will be. For example, remodeling a bathroom will cost more than a bedroom refresh. So, no matter where or what you are renovating, take the time to calculate costs and funds before getting started.
You might already have a savings account dedicated to home improvements, but what if you don’t have enough money set aside for your project? Thankfully, there are few options available to homeowners looking to make some updates. The three most popular choices are using a credit card, home equity loan, or government funding.
If you are working on a smaller project, using your credit card to purchase supplies may be the simplest way to pay for your renovations. Some providers may even incentivize you to use their services by offering special interest rates on home improvement purchases, giving you cashback, or even a discount on your transactions.
However, more extensive plans may require expensive materials that will exceed your credit card’s limit. In that case, you could use a low-interest home equity loan to pay for your project. This type of financing is an excellent option for long-time owners with plenty of equity in their homes but need cash to purchase supplies or labor for their renovations.
Depending on your situation, you could even qualify for a government loan. If you recently bought your home, you can use this option if you need to make immediate improvements. Keep in mind, most government loans do have limits, and you can only use that money for specific renovations that directly affect livability. If you are simply trying to upgrade a bedroom or living space, you might not be able to use a government loan to fund your project.
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Labor
With your budget squared away, you will have to decide on hiring a contractor or completing the work on your own. Again, a lot of this decision depends on the project and what you are comfortable with. Each option has its benefits, so you might need to do some research before deciding.
Painting kitchen cabinets, hanging wallpaper, or replacing a light fixture are small enough projects you can do on your own. Larger projects like installing a new floor might seem more complicated but can be accomplished with previous experience and reference materials like how-to videos.
On the other hand, renovation projects that require changes to your home’s electrical system or plumbing should be handled by professionals. They will most likely complete the job quicker and provide guarantees on their work. Hiring out for specialized jobs will ensure your safety while protecting your home from future problems.
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Materials
After deciding who will work on your home, you need to figure out what supplies are required for your project and where they will come from. Some materials may need to be ordered weeks in advance. Custom appliances, specialty flooring, or handcrafted woodwork will require extra time to be created and shipped to your location.
Pre-ordering your materials can also save you money as you can use the extra time to compare prices and negotiate with suppliers. Your contractor may even help you order materials to ensure that everything is ready and prepared for the project to avoid delays later in the renovation process.
Sourcing more sustainable materials for your project could require additional time as well since finding eco-friendly supplies typically requires research to pinpoint which options are more beneficial to your home and geographical location.
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Weather
The last thing you should consider when planning your renovation is the weather. Depending on where you live, April could be a month filled with frequent rainstorms and occasional sunshine. That’s why you must keep an eye on your local weather predictions and plan accordingly.
Even if the majority of your renovations are indoor, you may need to safely store your supplies outdoors. If that is the case, you should make sure that your materials won’t be damaged by water. Wood, cement, and drywall need to be stored away from moisture to keep them in good condition. Therefore, if they are in an exposed area, be sure to cover them with a waterproof tarp or move them to a covered place like a garage or carport.
If you plan to undertake a renovation project this year, beginning in April is a great way to ensure you have plenty of time to finish construction before the winter. Milder weather conditions and longer days also make spring the perfect time for indoor or outdoor home improvements. Just make sure you take the opportunity to plan out your project before getting started.
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