If you're considering a home renovation in the near future but need to know where to start, Cervone Deegan + Associates recommends that the first step is determining what exactly needs to be fixed. This can be hard when you need to become an expert but before you hire an expensive contractor, examine your situation and the pros and cons of your options. Here are some helpful tips on how to start the project.

 

 

It is easy to get excited about the remodeling project that you really want, but make sure you consider what else may need fixing before. This means fix that leaky roof or repairing/replacing that appliance that is on its last leg. Find out how much this will cost you first before spending all of your budget on the renovation. 

 

 

Before you start on the remodel, establish how you will live in the house down the road. Will your furniture fit well into the new design? Will you need to change your decor for it to flow? It can be helpful to map things out so that you will have an idea of what you can and cannot keep. This will help lessen future changes and also help you adhere to a budget.

 

 

The best way to see what estimates are fair and what they should be is to solicit at least three of them to compare. See who friends and neighbors in the area have used and can recommend and take it from there. 

 

 

When comparing each bid be sure you review all materials included so you can fairly measure each one among the others. Also, request to see their portfolio and references from other customers if they are not referred to you by someone you know who used them.

 

 

Everything usually comes down to money and your budget so decisions will need to be made. You might need to choose a contractor who is less expensive but may take longer over a more expensive one with a shorter estimate of completion time. Furthermore, you will need to make some decisions on materials that you use as well. Dedicate some thought into what is most important to you and back into it that way. Perhaps your counter materials rank higher than a backsplash or that fancy sink.