The most important part of any home renovation project is to have a good plan of action. Any homeowner contemplating a kitchen or bathroom update should take into consideration several factors that will determine a successful completion of the project.
Budget and Design
The first step of any home renovation project involves making a list of all the work you want to be done. You can always choose to hire a professional interior designer, but many projects like replacing a vanity, or cabinets or installing new tiles can be outlined by the homeowner.
The total cost of a kitchen or bathroom renovation project includes design cost, materials cost, labor expenses, and local government permit fees and taxes. Before you start any actual construction work it is very important to make sure that the cost of the project is within your budget. One of the most common complaints homeowners have about construction projects is that they ended up paying much more than they initially estimated. This can be avoided by carefully planning each and every aspect of the project.
Costs to consider for your project:
- Planning – It will cost only your time if you do it on your own, but expect to pay a considerable amount if you hire a professional interior designer.
- Demolition – The time and energy spent to prepare a space for remodeling depends on the size of your space, the type of building in which the space is located, and the geographical location of the project. The price for demolition and removal of debris is always higher if a special permit is needed or if the building has very strict rules regarding noise or the removal of debris.
- HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing – Many local governments require residents to hire licensed professionals to complete these types of projects. Additionally, specific permits might be required based on the complexity of the job.
- Framing and Drywall – These tasks may also require a special permit, but many municipalities allow some flexibility depending on the project size. Remodeling a bathroom comes with less hassle than remodeling an entire house.
- Painting – This is a pretty straightforward process, but price may still vary based on the quality or brand of the paint used, and also of the method used for painting (spray or roll).
- Cabinets & Fixtures – The price for these items vary widely, depending on the chosen quality and style. Custom designs will definitely increase the price of your home remodeling.
- Doors & Windows – As with the previous items, doors and windows can be very pricey if you choose so, but there are several budget options that will make your home look like new.
- Flooring – Nowadays there are several options when it comes to floors. While many people still like the old fashion hardwood floor or ceramic tiles, many others now choose other alternatives like laminate or vinyl.
- Trim & Finish Work – The sky is the limit. These are probably the most expensive items when remodeling a kitchen due to the long labor hours involved in completion.
Materials Procurement
The most common source of construction materials and supplies are the big chain stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Floor & Decor, or Menards, but there are still quite a numerous hardware and specialty stores that sell products for distinctive preferences. Within the Chicago land area, there are several places specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovation supplies and materials for custom finishes. Project budget is probably the most common limitation when it comes to home improvement. A general contractor should offer a detailed price estimate, which should help you have a better idea about the cost and duration of the project.
Labor
Hiring a good general contractor is the key to securing a cheerful completion of your project. Chicago Home Re/Vision approach to any project is based on individual needs, because we know that no two projects are the same. Contact us to discuss your custom home/condo renovation project.