Over the past year or two, you have started to see your off-white living room walls more and more like a blank canvas. Sure, it’s nice and clean and a safe design choice, but like any good artist, you realize this space is a prime opportunity for a statement! What is it you want to say to your friends and family (and even yourself) when they enter the room? To help, we’ve come up with a few ways to incorporate color and what that choice helps express about you!
“I’VE GOT A QUESTION.”
Especially if you’re new to the home renovation game, do not hesitate to ask questions. The best way to learn anything. If you’re a millennial Harry Potter enthusiast, you might’ve noticed in the first film, all Harry does is ask questions. And, what does he ultimately do? He defeats the dark lord Voldemort. Could he have done it without asking questions? Probably not.
And you’re not going to be conquering any renovation projects if you only smile and nod when talking to your contractor. Remember, you’re investing in this. You’re going to want to know exactly what your money is going to be doing.
NOT ALL CONTRACTORS ARE THE SAME
Just because you need a contractor doesn’t mean that just any contractor will do. There are great contractors out there, and then there are those who are going to scam you, or maybe they’re good at what they do, but neither of you are a match in taste or style. Now, the question is how to avoid all that hullabaloo. Some advice within the advice here:
- Get to know contractors thoroughly as you’re deciding who to go with.
- Ask for client references when hiring.
- Be wary of the cheaper option that’s immediately available (Expect to get what you pay for).
- Communicate your ideas and intentions clearly.
COUNTING THE COST
Renovations can get real pricey real fast. If you’re not keeping track of it, you might find you’re spending far more than you ever anticipated. Most renovations do cost more and take more time than one expects. It is always a good idea to be prepared in both cases. It’s recommended to always budget for at least 20% more than the estimated cost of the project. If you can’t afford to do that, consider scaling back the job or waiting until you are able to save the adjusted amount. Nothing is worse than having a half-finished bathroom or kitchen that is virtually nonfunctional.
QUALITY COUNTS
When it comes to your home needs, quality absolutely counts. When figuring out where to splurge and where to save money consider this: what items are you going to actually be using the most. What you use regularly are going to be things you’ll want to be replacing the least. Don’t worry about the “right” rug so much as doors, or appliances, or other day-to-day essentials.
EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE
It can be tempting to do things everywhere all at once across the house. Sure, there’s probably a little something that could be done in each room, but it is important to prioritize. Trying to cover all the areas you want to change and renovate will honestly just create a lot of unnecessary stress. It’s best to focus on one room at a time.
TOO MANY CHANGES
During the renovation, you might have second thoughts on part of the plan or be struck with a brilliant new idea. However, the further you are into the project, these changes can become very costly if implemented. Even the smallest adjustment could set you back hundreds if not, thousands of dollars. If you are considering a change, consult with your contractor as soon as possible. If you wait too long, it’ll cost you.
