Before you renovate: Understanding the why, what and how of home remodeling
Tourist season is among us as summer is nearing. The sun will be out for an extended period of time, providing longer hours of daylight for outdoor projects and activities. And, while marked as a season for outdoor play, summer brings with it an opportunity to complete those outdoor projects that's been in the back of your mind all winter, such as renovating your home.
There are many reasons for renovating your home. Whether upgrading to sell or improving functionality for the future, remodeling can certainly have its benefits. When it comes to taking the next step, often the first questions raised by homeowners are centered around the purpose of a remodel, what to remodel and how.
Purpose of remodel
When you decide the purpose of a remodel, it becomes a lot easier to determine what needs to be upgraded and how. The purpose of remodeling can look different for every house. It’s all dependent on whether you’re remodeling for pleasure or remodeling to put your house on the market.
Researching the market around your property will give the best insight into how you should consider upgrades. For instance, homes in Bonner County are shifting to a “mountain modern” aesthetic with natural materials and cleaner finishes, according to Ben Geanetta, a Realtor from Elite Realty Partners. Whereas a home in Coeur d’Alene may be more suited to a “classic Coeur d’Alene luxury” style.
That's not to say you can't upgrade a home to tailor a unique taste and style, especially if you’re not reselling.
What to remodel
If upgrading your home to increase enjoyment, a whole remodel might not be necessary for the type of change you’re after. A simple paint job has the capabilities of changing an entire room’s look, same with upgrading furniture, decorations or even an upgrade to your home’s front door.
“What’s always been true is still true: interior and exterior paint give you the best bang for your buck when it comes to remodeling. It's cost-effective and delivers one of the highest returns on investment,” said Geanetta.
If you have an idea of the redesign direction you want to go, browsing a decor store like Hobby Lobby or At Home for finishing touches may be a good move. Although, going to stores like the ones mentioned above has the potential to leave you more confused if you don’t have a home vision in mind — that’s where research comes in handy.
If you plan on living in your home but want to remodel to address safety concerns, there’s a high chance you already know what needs to be upgraded. After all, you’re the one who knows where the roof leaks every January, or the exact spot in your deck to avoid for fear of falling through.
Home renovations for the purpose of selling can look a little different than remodeling for pleasure. However, if the same maintenance issues are the same, it’s best to prioritize those — broken systems such as a water heater is likely to drive away potential buyers.
Aside from regular maintenance involved in preparing a house for the market, there are several upgrades that can be made to increase the likelihood of selling. On top of a fresh coat of paint on interior and exterior walls, Geanetta offers insight on prioritizing a kitchen remodel.
“Kitchens are still the heart of the home — that’s where people spend most of their time, so updates there matter,” he said. “One specific trend I’ve noticed is the shift away from upper kitchen cabinets in favor of full-tile walls, which gives a really slick, open feel.”
If your kitchen is already remodeled, Zillow experts suggest remodeling your primary bathroom. According to their research, 27% of recent sellers made improvements to the bathroom. You don’t have to rip out an entire cabinet or replace the bathtub (although maybe that’s necessary in your case). Often, replacing lightbulbs or recaulking can give your bathroom the right lift it needs.
Exterior improvements also hold a higher return on investment when putting your house on the market. After all, the exterior of your home will be the first thing a potential buyer will see. Consider replacing or painting your front door, updating windows or landscaping.
How to remodel
Now that you’ve established why you’re remodeling and what you’re remodeling, one last question remains — how to remodel. There's only two ways to go about a home remodel — do it yourself or hire a professional. More people are opting for DIY-style renovations to maximize savings. However, while most folks can handle a small upgrade like replacing a door or painting, it is important to hire a professional for major upgrades.
“I'm all for DIY when it comes to things like painting, landscaping, minor aesthetic changes — actually, I encourage it to really maximize the opportunity for equity. When it comes to anything structural, electrical or plumbing-related, hiring a professional is a non-negotiable in my opinion,” said Chloe Stone of Chloe Stone Real Estate. “I'd also recommend hiring a pro for anything that a seasoned craftsman is going to do a better job at than you are. Things like, laying flooring, installing tile, installing new trim or doors.”
If you’re at risk of putting yourself in danger or making a bigger mess out of a project, it’s better to hire a professional to either complete or provide guidance on the project. After all, while it might seem cheaper to do it yourself, a lot of people don’t account for their time and effort spent on the project. What could be an hour's job for a professional may take you several days. Additionally, while tutorial videos can be great, if you need to watch a video to complete an entire project, it may be time to call a professional.
“I recently saw a homeowner try to install their own tiled walk-in shower, using the wrong backer board and not properly waterproofing resulted in extensive water damage that spread to the subfloor and adjoining wall. What was a 'cheap' $2,000 DIY turned into a $14,000 tear out and rebuild — not to mention the toxic mold they were breathing while it was undiscovered,” said Stone.
Zach Ponder from Ponder Construction suggests obtaining multiple quotes from professionals before contracting out a project. According to Ponder, it’s important to do your own research and take into account company reviews.
“Get at least three bids, don't pick the cheapest. Pick the company that is going to do it right. You'll pay more in the long run trying to go for a cheap fix,” said Ponder.
If you find yourself wondering whether to hire a professional or do it yourself, ask yourself the following questions. Will you cause irreversible damage if you mess up? Will it consume all of your free time? Do you have to buy the necessary tools to complete the project? Can the project pose a danger to you or others? If the answer is yes to any of the above questions, it’s best to hire a professional or get a professional’s opinion before starting a project.
