Credits:
Guest blogger
Sarah Velasquez of Our Perfect Abode
Are you a homeowner who is ready to take on a home renovation project? If so, it’s important to be aware of the basic steps that should be taken before starting any type of home remodeling. From understanding the types of home renovations to knowing how to budget wisely, this guide will help you understand the basics of home renovations and ensure that your remodeling dreams become a reality.
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Types of Home Renovations
The first step in any successful home renovation project is understanding what type of remodel you are undertaking. Some popular types of renovations include full-scale kitchen remodels, bathroom transformations, bedroom additions, and room conversions. Knowing the type of renovation will help you determine costs and timelines.
Planning for Your Remodel
Before beginning construction on your renovation project, you must plan out your vision for the space. Are you creating an office or studio? If so, consider where furniture should go, what types of windows you need for natural light, and which electrical outlets need to be installed. Planning will save time and money in the long run by preventing costly mistakes or do-overs.
Setting Up Your Home Office Space
If you are planning home renovations and want to take your home to the next level, don’t forget to consider a home office. You can carve out an existing room or space in your home to give yourself the perfect spot to get some work done without having to commute – a home office is great for increasing productivity and creating a cozy atmosphere that lets you feel good, inspired and motivated. Not only is it convenient to have an entire home office, but also it can be designed with stylish furniture and fitted shelves that fit right into your home renovation plans. Whether you’re working from home on occasion or most days, having an entire home office just for yourself can make all the difference!
Budgeting and Loans
When it comes to budgeting for a home remodel, having realistic expectations is key. Consider applying for a loan or line of credit if necessary—just make sure that it fits into your overall budget as well as lifestyle needs. Make sure to research contractors who are reputable and can offer quality workmanship at an affordable rate. This will save money in the long run as well as prevent potential headaches down the road if something goes wrong with the finished product.
Investing in a Home Warranty
Once all contracting work has been completed on your renovation project, investing in a home warranty plan is wise. A home warranty helps protect against potential problems with plumbing or electrical systems that were installed during construction. If you’ve recently had your garage remodeled, check if a home warranty covers garage doors. Many policies will cover damage to the garage door opener but not the doors themselves.
While most reputable contractors guarantee their workmanship for up to one year after completion, an extended warranty can provide extra peace of mind when unexpected issues arise post-construction! With these basics in mind, homeowners everywhere can confidently embark on their renovation projects with confidence!
Know the Apps Your Contractors Use
Applying home renovation industry knowledge to understand the estimating apps and software used by contractors is an increasingly popular way for many homeowners to plan their home improvement projects with precision and accuracy. Nowadays, multiple types of home renovation-estimating tools are available that can help homeowners determine a project’s cost and materials necessary to complete it.
From installing a kitchen backsplash to renovating an entire home interior, these apps can generate helpful budgets, quantity estimates and material visuals – all with just a few clicks. With such versatile estimating solutions at hand, home renovations have become more accessible and organized for homeowners who want their home improvements done right!
If you’re looking to renovate your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or office, be sure to keep the following in mind. By planning ahead and knowing what you want, you can save yourself time and money down the road. After you renovate your home, consider protecting your home systems with a home warranty. Home renovations can be a great way to improve your quality of life, so don’t hesitate to get started on yours today!
Credits:
Guest blogger
Sarah Velasquez of Our Perfect Abode
With homeowners across the country feeling the pinch of inflation, there’s no better time than now to take steps to reduce your electricity bill. When it comes to saving money on energy costs, it’s all about the small steps we tend to avoid, assuming they won’t make much of a difference. In this case, however, seemingly minor measures add up and result in significant savings. Try these ideas from Simplify.
- Turn down the heat. Lowering your thermostat by just a degree or two will make a difference on your bill’s bottom line. Turn the temperature down even further when you leave for the day, or even several hours, and also before bed. Wearing an extra layer or adding one more blanket will help keep the chill at bay.
- Wrap your water heater. Pay a visit to your local hardware store and purchase a wrap that will fit around your hot water heater. This will help your water stay warm longer, meaning the heater doesn’t have to fire as often. Be sure to come prepared with measurements to ensure a snug and effective fit.
- Get the right bulbs. Investing in compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) will cost more money initially, but will save you money in the long run. CFLs use less electricity and should pay for themselves in about six months.
- Cut back on the dryer. Using your clothes dryer less is a great way to reduce your electric bill. Use a clothes rack to hang wet garments to dry or, weather permitting, hang them on a clothesline outside.
- Unplug ‘phantom’ electronics. Even though they may be shut off, many appliances still draw a charge when they’re plugged in, referred to as ‘phantom loads.’ For example, any device with an LCD time clock—such as your coffee pot—means it’s still using electricity. Unplug these items when not in use.
- Turn it off. Be sure to turn off electricity-draining items in your house. Think beyond lights—shut down computers and televisions that you leave on for background noise.
- Use the oven less. Step up your crock-pot skills and put your outdoor grill to use to save electricity that is used by the oven.
- Clean it out. Be sure to clean the filter on your furnace to make sure it’s running efficiently. The same thing goes for refrigerators, air conditioners, air purifiers and anything else that has a filter. Clogged filters make appliances work harder and, therefore, draw more electricity.
- Keep warm air in. Pick up a tube of caulk, a few draft dodgers or some window film to seal off the places in your home where warmth escapes and cold air seeps in. This means your furnace will turn on less and you’ll see the results in your electric bill.
- Scale back. Do you really need that large refrigerator or fancy oven? Bigger isn’t always better, and smaller means less costly. Make smart and budget-friendly choices when it comes time to bring new appliances and electronics into your home.