One of the biggest remodeling trends in 2021 is home offices. With many Americans continuing to work remotely from home, they are finding that they need a dedicated space for their work. Most are finding that working at the dining room table in the midst of family may not be the most productive work environment.
Before you hire a contractor or any workers to make your remodel dreams come true, it is important to make a plan. Here are a few practical tips to get you started.
Plan an End Goal
Decide what will best suit your office needs and plan for that goal. Will this be an addition to your home, removing a wall or two, or an installation of shelves and electronics in an existing area of your home? Know the value of your home and choose how much you want to invest in this remodel. You want to be sure that you can recoup the value added when and if you decide to sell your home down the road.
Create a Budget
One of the most important parts of renovation planning is determining a budget and then sticking to it. Even though you want an expensive renovation, you have to make sure your bank account can cover it. Compromises may have to be made. Plan and create your budget before you do anything else.
Get References
When hiring a contractor for a remodeling project, it is important to get references while making sure they have proper insurance. You need to know what real customers have experienced with the contractor you are researching. Be sure to scout out before and after photos of their work. You want to avoid at all costs ending up with a contractor who doesn’t do good work and leaves you high and dry with a mess of an unfinished project.
Protect Your Belongings
During a remodel, things get messy. Power tools can leave layers of dust and paint can splatter. Consider adding a self-storage unit to your budget. You are going to need to pack up any belongings that are in the renovation area. Instead of stuffing them into your garage or hallways, consider renting a storage unit. This will keep all of your belongings secure and clean so they are ready to move in once the remodel is complete.
Protect Your Yard
Part of a remodel that often is not considered is the damage that trucks and equipment can do to a beautifully landscaped yard. Consider renting or buying construction mats to protect your lawn. This is an easy solution for what can become a big problem. With the mats in place, trucks equipment and workers can come and go without damaging your yard leaving costly issues for you once the remodel is complete.
Draw up a Master List
Making a master checklist will help with organizing your office remodel. You should include every expense on this list like permits, paints and shelf installations. Consult your contractor when making your list. Be sure to include extras like the construction mats or storage unit. Including every detail will keep you from having surprise expenses.
Taking time to do this type of planning before a remodeling project may seem like over doing it but in reality it will end up saving you time and money. With an end goal in mind, a realistic budget and plans to protect your belongings and yard in place, you can go into your remodel with confidence knowing you will avoid common missteps along the way. All that will be left to do is enjoy the custom designed space once it is complete.
