8 Tips for First Time Home Renovators

Many people are switching to alternative investment strategies like real estate. But with flipping a house comes a lot of responsibility.

16:27 08 December 2021

Ever considered flipping a house? You aren’t alone. Many people are switching to alternative investment strategies like real estate. But with flipping a house comes a lot of responsibility. 

 

Here are eight tips if you are renovating a house for the first time.

 

• Don’t DIY Everything

It’s easy to want to try and cut costs by doing everything yourself. But there are certain elements of home renovation that require the help of a professional. Working on the roof, for instance, should be done by a contractor that has certification to work safely at heights since it can be a dangerous job.

 

• Plan It Out Before Renovating

Before you dive into your renovations, make sure you are spending enough time within the space. Really consider what aspects you want to renovate before making any major adjustments. After some time, you may find that certain paint colors you picked don’t mesh well with the lack of natural light in the room. You want to plan everything out so give yourself an ample amount of time. Patience is key!

 

• Prepare To Spend More Than You Think

Adding a little extra buffer within your finances is important. Whether you’d like to believe it or not, things will come up you didn’t anticipate. There may be an issue with the furnace or rot in the walls that you don’t see until demolition begins. Expect the unexpected with a little extra cushion in your budget.

 

• Start With The Kitchen

According to a 2019 study, Remodeling Industry estimated that kitchen renovations can recover 59% of the cost once the home is sold. No matter what you intend on doing with the rest of the house, you’ll absolutely want to start by renovating the kitchen first. That way, you can recoup most of the expenses upfront if you need to sell before the renovations are complete.

• Lighting Is Key

Homes with natural light will sell better than those without. However, just because your house doesn’t have a lot of natural light doesn’t mean you can’t create it. Light tubes are a great alternative on a budget as opposed to adding double-pane windows, easily saving you upwards of $1,000 and a substantial amount of time. 

 

• Clean Up Yourself

It’s inevitable that you’ll need to hire contractors or even an architect to help with the renovation process. When it comes to demolition and cleanup, there are ways you can easily save yourself money if you’re willing to put in the work. Rather than paying your contractors to clean up, break a sweat and do it yourself. You’ll be saving yourself hundreds of dollars an hour and it doesn’t require any extra skill.

 

• Faux Paneling Is Cost-Effective

You might be tempted to spend the extra money on a backsplash in the kitchen or on stone elements around the fireplace. If you want to save yourself time and money, faux paneling will be your best friend. There are high-quality options that look absolutely stunning without the extra work and mess.

 

• Head to the Auction

If you’re new to the home renovation world, you may not have heard of building-supply auctions. These are great places to find used and new building materials at a fraction of the cost. Many of the items there might be dented or fractured, but a lot of materials may be overstock and brand new. It might be worth a try if you’re on the hunt for a new set of french doors or concrete blocks.

 

Wrap It Up

The most important thing you want to consider with any home renovation is what can make an impact on your long-term cost versus your short-term gains. Whether you want to turn your home into a smart house or are paying fifteen cents more on better paint, you want to consider all of your options as opposed to just “skimming by.”