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Keeping Renovation Costs Down
Everyone says a renovation will cost more than you expect and take longer to complete. And that's completely true in most cases. But you can hold down the costs -- by making tough choices ahead of time.
First, plan ahead - way ahead. If you have a year or more to plan your renovation, you can shop for discounted materials, and pick up bargains like tile that's being closed out or a sink that's on sale.
You can also decide what you want - ahead of time. Change orders cost time and a lot of money. By making changes while you're in the planning stages, you'll spend far less to make a change, and can then think about whether it is the right move after all, before you build.
Finally, test things out ahead of time. A quart of the most expensive paint you can buy won't cost that much. If you're having trouble deciding on colors, buy a few quarts and paint color squares on a wall.
Doing it ahead of time - by yourself - makes sense and saves you money in the long run.
Ilyce Glink is the bestselling author of 100 Questions Every First Time Home Buyer Should Ask, and is the Managing Editor of Right at Home Daily.
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Getting Your Warranties
While we all hope the work going into a new home will last, we've all encountered the appliance, fixture, flooring, or paint job that goes sour. Barbara Buchholz talks warranties, and the importance of keeping track of what's covered, by whom, and for how long.
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After closing on your new home, don't be surprised if your
first impulse is to pick up a paintbrush. Even if your new
condo, townhouse or single family house is in perfect
condition, our natural instinct is to make a house our
own. Barbara Buchholz, former editor of House & Garden
Guides Magazine and co-author of Porch Style and the
New Homeowner's Handbook presents some issues to
consider before you start.
 Getting Your Warranties
The Truth About Estimates
Your Rights as a Contractee
How to Find a Contractor
Managing the Renovation
Writing and Negotiating the Contractor's Contract
Finding a Competent Contractor, Architect and Designer
Unless you're going to do the work yourself, you'll need
to pull together a team of folks to help you. For small
jobs, you may only need, say, a painter. But for major
jobs, expect to hire a contractor, architect and perhaps
even a designer and landscape designer upfront. Lisa
Skolnik, city editor for Metropolitan Home magazine and
co-author of Porch Style, tells you what to look for.
The True Costs of Home Improvements
Landscaping & Hardscaping
Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?
Should You Renovate or Tear Down and Start From Scratch?
Assessing Your Needs vs. Your Wants
New curtains, new paint job, new appliances, new light
fixtures, and new carpet. The list of things you can do to
improve a home is endless. But ask yourself, "What's the
budget?" Lisa Skolnik, city editor for Metropolitan Home
magazine and co-author of Porch Style and Jim Sulski,
real estate development and home improvement
contributor for numerous publications including the
Chicago Tribune, Crain's Chicago Business and
Consumer's Digest offer some things to think about when
planning and budgeting for your renovation project.
Pre-Renovation: Design Plans, Blueprints, and Estimates
Ways to Reduce Remodeling Costs
How Much Can You Afford to Spend?
Financing Your Renovation: Home Equity Vs. Construction Loans
Building Your Renovation Team
Change Orders: How They Affect Your Budget
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