As we settle into another Colorado winter, along with the holidays and cozy fireside sessions, it’s time to start planning for your spring renovations. A well-planned renovation starts months before a contractor shows up to begin work to ensure the availability of materials and secure them for a timely delivery.
Maybe you’ve been dreaming about popping the top of your house to add a second story. Or maybe your daydreams are filled with family time on a new deck. No matter the vision, Springtime can be quite busy for a remodeling company, so it is vital to start now! So before the snow melts, we’ve got 5 tips for planning your spring renovation.
- Give yourself time to shop around.
Most home remodeling companies would prefer that you do some homework before settling with them. We want you to feel confident in your choice when handing over the future of your home. The company you work with should be a good fit for your schedule, your budget, and your family from start to finish. Our team at Christie’s Design/Build takes the time upfront to understand your vision and expected timeline while keeping to your budget. We establish trust and open communication from the get-go for the best possible outcome.
- Prioritize!
There are a million things to consider in your spring renovation like better weather and little padding in your wallet from tax returns. Since a renovation could take weeks or even months to complete, you have to think ahead and prioritize your wish list. From family vacations to temporary housing during the renovation, taking a look at your commitments and expectations ahead of time can save you from a headache later on.
If a return on investment (ROI) is important, it will serve you well to put the projects at the top of the list to bring you the best return. Things like exterior siding, window upgrades, deck addition, and adding a sunroom help to increase your ROI and, therefore, should probably be one of the things to get started on this spring!
- Work with Mother Nature.
Whether you want to renovate something inside, like adding a sunroom or revamping your foyer, extending your porch, or adding a deck out back, these renovations typically require some exposure to the elements. No one likes a drafty home in the wintertime! When spring hits, there is plenty of time to finish your renovation and still have time to enjoy the summer. Additionally, a spring renovation gives any plants and shrubs that may have been damaged in the process time to regrow before the winter hits again.
- These things take time.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners will make is rushing the process by having unrealistic expectations regarding timing. As a general rule, you should plan for at least 5-7 weeks of planning before the hammers start hitting the nails. Meaning,, if you want to enjoy a new patio this summer, you should start planning for it in January for the best results.
A renovation is so much more than just the actual contractors tearing down or building walls. The space needs to be designed, approved, materials purchased, timelines approved, contractors have to be secured, and don’t even get us started on the inspections and permits! At Christie’s, we want your renovation to turn out exactly the way you envisioned it, which takes precious time. None of these steps can be rushed or skipped, so it is imperative to plan ahead!
- Give your budget a buffer.
When planning for your spring renovation, it is vital for you to be realistic about your budget. At Christie’s Design/Build, we do our very best to give you accurate pricing on materials and labor, but there are times that unforeseen circumstances will throw a wrench into the project and incur costs. Things like finding a gas line where it was not expected or fixing another contractor’s shotty work cannot be planned for and may make a strict budget very difficult to stick to. Having a buffer on your budget, or a contingency fund, to cover any unexpected costs will make the project less stressful and more manageable.
These are just our top 5 tips to plan for your spring renovation. Check out our blog on The Christie’s Way for an even deeper understanding of our process. If you’re ready to start planning, give our team of pros at Christie’s Design/Build a call and let’s get started! 303-833-4715
