So you’re ready to renovate your home or business and don’t know where to start? Fear not. This will be more simple than it appears with a good plan, positive attitude, and consultation with the professionals. Take a deep breath and consider which projects to tackle first. Whether looking to make small or large improvements on your property, there are key things to consider before taking on any renovation project. The best way to ensure a successful remodel or even light carpentry project is to pay attention to climate controls and address those heating and cooling issues first.
No one wants to work in an extreme temperature environment, so hitting HVAC issues upfront will help make the project run smooth. Otherwise put, this is not an area to skimp on. Plan for proper heating and cooling costs in your budget and make cuts in other places, and you will thank yourself for it later. Once HVAC is addressed, renovations should be more fun if you keep an open mind, do your research, think creatively, and make the project your own. Here are a few things to consider when taking on a renovation project and four places to begin.
Heating and Cooling Made Simple
HVAC systems are fairly complex machines, but working with them can be easy if you do your research and hire a professional. Whether it’s a furnace or air conditioner repair, install, or overhaul at the top of your ‘to-do’ list, focusing on climate control and proper room temperatures is always a good place to start with any renovation. Experienced HVAC professionals and technicians are only a phone call away when it comes to questions about remodels. From choosing the proper air filter to replacing a thermostat, these professionals can make home cooling and heating problems less intimidating for remodelers of any skill level. They will be able to help with jobs, both big and small.
If large project heating and cooling costs are a concern, be aware that many HVAC professionals offer financing plans to get your home or business remodel started with minimal costs and sometimes no interest costs. These companies can tackle everything from full replacement of major heating and cooling systems to smaller things like pumps, ventilation controls, and air quality issues, all of which are imperative to overall room air quality wellness. Many of these businesses also offer maintenance plans so that HVAC issues in the future are never a big concern. Working with a reputable HVAC professional will give you peace of mind as you get your project underway.
Planning
Once you have your cooling and heating up to par, grab a pencil and paper and take time for some research on how to best tackle things like roofs, cosmetic fixes, major and minor structural changes, and more. When doing so, consider hidden or future costs like utility bills, how you will pay to eliminate debris in the event of demolition work for your project, and overall energy efficiency. No matter how big or small the project is, you will spend less if you take the time to do your homework before getting deep into the project. Don’t hesitate to cost, compare, and weigh each part of your intended project’s pros and cons.
When in doubt, consider reaching out to industry professionals for advice. For example, if your project requires an electrician, don’t be shy about asking for pricing on those stationary outside motion lights you’ve been considering. You may be surprised at what contractors and others in the field will consider adding to the job for low cost as a way to keep their customers happy. Whether you wind up scratching the motion sensor lights or not, the conversation could lead to other ideas for your project that you might not have otherwise considered too. In other words, don’t be afraid to both ask and shop around.
Upcycled or Repurposed Old Appliances
After addressing heating and cooling needs and coming up with a plan, consider bringing some fun and functionality to your home or business renovation project with an upcycle. To take it even one step further, challenge yourself to better your community with a project upcycle. An old refrigerator, shelves, and even well-loved furniture will find new life if you keep an open mind.
Learn how to turn old appliances into art for the fun of it or even for the sake of repurposing. Sure, you can take that old fridge or stove to the scrap yard and pay to have it destroyed, or you could consider something a little more creative. What about taking that half-empty can of paint that’s been stuffed at the back of your garage for years and spray painting an old oven bright purple? If you pulled out the back components and wiring and added a few shelves, you could quickly find yourself with a Little Free Library to donate to the community. Looking for something even easier? What about donating that old barn board from your project to your local Habitat for Humanity or vocational carpentry school? The possibilities for repurposing old appliances and demo scraps are endless and could really help someone out if you take the time to think creatively.
How to Think Creatively.
Not sure where how to focus the creative side of your project? You don’t have to commit to straight lines and white walls if you don’t want to. The ideas are out there. Whether it’s design or layout, making decisions for your home or business renovation is always easier after looking at what others have done. Learn about trends in popular home remodeling magazines and blog pages. Some of the most popular home renovation projects are simply a browser search away and will help give you ideas about what you do and don’t want for your own project.
On these pages, you will learn about this season’s most popular colors, what’s selling best for those who are interested in putting their newly renovated property on the market, and even find new ideas that will come in handy during those early planning stages as described above. That is, what began as one idea could quickly fold into another, better plan after seeing what others have done. These sites generally have tips on how to save money during your project too.
Think Positive
Rehab projects should be fun but often feel intimidating. Don’t get caught in that trap. After you’ve addressed your heating and cooling needs, enjoy that planning and research time working to make your project your own in a healthy space. Whether it’s knocking down walls or even something as simple as a fresh coat of paint, you will enjoy both the process and result in more if you stay upbeat and make the project your own.
Something as simple as a new faucet will make a huge impact on the overall look and design of a new kitchen if you take the time to plan it out. A bland or boring result could turn out entirely one of a kind and something you are proud of with the right plan and consultation with professionals. No matter your chosen project, you can breathe new life into your home with the right gameplan.
