Home renovations rarely go as planned. It’s an unfortunate chip that’s landed on all our shoulders at some point or another, but that doesn’t mean you should give up and wring your fists at the sky!

There are many ways to approach a renovation to ensure the best return on investment, and below are seven tips to help you get started on that journey. Now grab that tool belt, tuck the carpenter’s pencil behind your ear, roll up your sleeves, and dive in!

 1. Accurate Planning

Last-minute changes are always stressful and expensive, so get the details that are not negotiable hammered down first. At a minimum, it will give you a good concept of your goals and how much money and time it will take to achieve them.

3D modeling and design tools are also invaluable in the planning phase. It will give you the ability to create different versions of the same project and add a buffer of 25% to your budget estimates to prepare for inevitable surprises.

  2. Plan Renovations that Add Value

If you are not sure where to start with home improvements, it may be helpful to take on projects that will invariably increase your home value. Kitchens, bathrooms, and renovations that increase square footage, such as closed basements and enclosures, are almost always the safest risks. But the buyer’s preferences may vary from market to market, so be sure to concentrate on what is popular and valuable.

Painting the interior of your home is an excellent beginner’s upgrade project. Though you don’t need to be a professional to learn to paint like one, there is more to a great paint job than just slapping a coat of paint on the wall.

Painting takes a delicate approach, and the right tools for the job are a must. But if you are careful and do your due diligence, you can give your walls new life simply by picking up the brush and getting started!

 3. Secure Your Electrical Connections

The electrical system is undoubtedly the foundation of any functional home. Without it, all operations in your house would come to a screeching halt. Your refrigerator, air conditioner, television, and even alarm clock requires a constant connection to electricity to stay functional.

Additionally, homes need secure wiring to prevent risks of fire and electrical shock. As a result, electrical work needs to be performed by a professional and verified by a certified electrician.

 4. Inspect Your Sewage Structure

Having a well-maintained sewer system is vital for home maintenance. Without proper upkeep, septic systems can rust, leak, or even become blocked. Sewage leaks can cause immense damage to your home, including damaging your electrical configuration, floors, and even landscaping.

Let’s not forget that this is the system that carries wastewater out of your home! It is certainly the last place you’d want to find a problem. You will want to inspect your sewage system every few months to assess whether the drains are functioning properly.

 5. Maintaining Gutters

Gutters are another must when it comes to renovating or maintaining your home. Leaves, trash, and debris can easily obstruct gutters on your home, especially after snowfall or storms.

Heavy winds can toss branches and debris into your guttering system, causing backups that result in extensive damage to your roof. Regular cleaning and gutter guards can do wonders for the health and value of your home.

Carports and metal garages are no different! Regularly inspect them for any obstructions that may cause further issues. If your carport or steel structure has suffered any storm damage, you can search carports near me or you will want to contact a metal building expert to receive guidance on needed repair services.

 6. Plan with a Budget in Mind

If you cannot afford to begin your home renovation project in full, you will need to know the different ways to finance your costs. Loans and credit cards may be useful for small and medium projects.

Depending on the metal building prices, interest rate, and terms, capital loans can help finance important renovations and repairs. Improvements that increase your home value can be a significant benefit when it comes time to sell, but keep in mind that it will also require you to pay for a new property valuation beforehand.

There are many ways to update and add finishes to your home, but not every project is created equal, and not all of them require you to empty your wallet.

Prioritize the small things first! Updating bathroom cabinets, door handles, and light fixtures are relatively inexpensive upgrades that add up to work wonders for the feel and value of your home.

Window treatments, blinds, and curtains are also cost-effective solutions, and they’re a great way to add that extra bit of style to any renovation. Blinds and curtains are easy to install and great for controlling the amount of light entering your home.

 7. Keep Future Improvements in Mind

Planning your next move is much more difficult when you can’t keep track of the progress you’ve made. Keeping a detailed to-do list of your project’s objectives is an invaluable tool to streamline the renovation process. Even keeping a collection of photos of other home upgrade projects that inspire you can help during your next renovation.

Deciding to take the first steps in the home renovation process can be challenging and riddled with anxiety for many homeowners. However, putting in the extra effort to develop a plan beforehand can exponentially affect how smooth the process will be.

The first step will always be to figure out which renovations make the biggest impact on your home value. And by inflating the potential budget of a project during the planning phase, you can grasp how much it would cost if it were to go over budget.

Renovating the smaller things like pipes, septic systems, gutters, and roofing will also have a big impact on the valuation of your home. And maintaining that same equipment will drastically improve the longevity – and ultimately the beauty – of your property over time.

There are many ways to approach upgrading your home, but by doing your homework, planning ahead, and choosing projects wisely, you can come out on top while remaining under budget!