Home Remodeling – Where Should I Start?

 

A complete guide to home remodeling and why windows and siding are a good place to start.

 

Thinking about a fresh look for your house? Can’t decide which home renovation project to tackle first?

 

A home remodeling project is a big undertaking – not only is it expensive, but it can also go wrong if you do not manage it right.

 

“Measure twice, cut once.” That’s how we approach all our windows and siding jobs. And it is a conscientious approach you should take to your project to save yourself time and money.

 

Here we’ll discuss your reasons for remodeling, answer your financing questions, and look at some home remodeling projects we consider ourselves experts in: window replacement and siding installation.

 

All so you can turn your house in Overland Park, Lenexa, Olathe, Belton, MO, or anywhere else in the KC Metro area into your dream home.

 

What is the reason of your remodel?

 

Successful remodeling jobs increase your property’s value and make you feel more at home in your house.

 

Maybe you have a bottomless pocket of cash to throw at a home remodeling project, but most of us do not. These projects should be done strategically to make you, and whoever manages the money in the household, happy.

 

Consider how long you plan on staying in your house.

 

If less than five years, consider a project that increases your property value the most. For more information on these projects, read Which Home Improvements Add the Most Property Value?

 

Are you in your house to stay for a while, more than 5 years? These projects will have more personal than financial motives. Whatever remodeling project you do, do it right.

 

Come up with a plan.

 

Knowing what you want from your home remodeling project is half the battle. What are you looking to do? When do you want to do it?

 

Think of yourself as the project manager of this remodeling job.

 

Create clear goals and make a list of things – everything from scope of work to specifications – so the end product meets your expectations.

 

Your plan will make comparing contractors easier, so that every builder you meet will give you a quote based on the same criteria.

 

You can give this list of goals and specifications to the contractor to keep so you are both on the same page. Never assume other people know what you want. Better to assume they won’t do it right unless you tell them how you want it.

 

Your remodeling project will require you to make a lot of decisions. Try to think of your decisions in advance. What color you want to shutters, where you want the new bathroom lights, how far out from the walls you want the cabinets…whatever your project, try to visualize the final result as clearly as you can.

 

Your financing questions answered.

 

How do most people pay for their remodeling jobs?

 

Ninety-one percent of homeowners paid for some or all of their remodeling job with cash or savings. Twenty-three percent used a credit card to pay for some or all of the remodeling (Source: Forbes). Learn more about EnergyPro’s Financing Options

 

How much should you budget?

 

Realistically, should should make your budget and then increase it by 20%.

 

You need a budget with wiggle room. That way if they find bad plumbing when remodeling the bathroom, or rot on load-bearing studs in your kitchen walls, you can to fix those problems with your cushioned budget.

 

Should you do it yourself or hire a professional?

 

Know your skillset. Some home renovation projects are easier than others. If the sole purpose of doing a project yourself is to save money then we recommend you re-evaluate your decision to take on that project.

 

Get rid of your penny-pinching mindset and hire a professional who could save you money in the long run.

 

If you are confident in your skills and are ready to take on that project, buy your materials and get to work!

 

Choose the right contractor.

 

Depending on the size and scope of your project, you will want to hire a contractor. Always get a couple quotes. Make sure every contractor is licensed and has business liability insurance. Oftentimes, contractors hire subcontractors to do your project. This practice is common in the industry, but make sure that every subcontractor is covered by workers’ compensation insurance.

 

At EnergyPro, all our installers are our employees – no subcontractors. We eliminate your need to check out subcontractors if you are doing a windows or siding project.

 

Have your contractor write down his or her plan of attack, the breakdown of labor and materials, and put it into a contract before they begin work.

 

As work begins, stay true to your plan. Your contractor may offer you advice. Make sure you won’t regret any decisions you make that aren’t close to your original plans.

 

When will it be done?

 

Houzz.com offers an informative graph for common home remodeling projects.

 

https://www.houzz.com/photo/91838320-data-watch-renovation-spending-up-for-younger-first-time-buyers

 

Need some home remodeling ideas?

 

Here at EnergyPro, we specialize in outfitting homes in the Kansas City Metro area with new windows and siding. We help many people, whether this is their first home remodeling or their tenth.

 

Window installation is a good place to start if you are tired of drafts, hearing the street traffic, or losing air conditioning through window cracks.

 

Windows in Kansas and Missouri last for 20 to 40 years, depending on how much sun exposure they get and their quality. This kind of project has a good return on investment. A $15,959 expenditure on new windows can increase your house’s asking price by about $11,096.

 

A windows replacement project makes your home more energy efficient, so you save money and live more comfortably.

 

Siding replacement or installation projects also cut energy costs and increase your home’s curb appeal. Consider siding your Kansas City home’s first line of defense. Siding should perform as good as it looks.

 

Siding lasts for 25 years. If you look around your neighborhood, you may see some of our past work! Siding installation projects increase your home’s value. A typical siding project will recoup 72.1% of the cost in the increased resale value of the home.

 

You can consider a windows or siding remodeling project a good place to start in making your Kansas City house a dream home. Why? The results are beautiful and both projects save you money with lower utility bills and an energy efficient house.

 

Have a friend planning a home remodeling project? Share this article with them!