Home renovations can transform your living spaces. Major home projects can take a significant amount of time and planning to execute. Before you dive into any of the following projects, make sure you make a plan and work schedule to know what to expect.

Kitchen Renovations

Major kitchen renovations are a big project that takes significant time and investment. You should make sure you have saved up all of the money you will need to complete the project before you commit to it. Kitchen remodels can cost tens of thousands of dollars and take months to complete. Make sure you understand the time investment you are making as you will be sacrificing having a working kitchen for some time. If you have never completed a project of this size before, you may consider hiring a contractor to help you.

Floor Replacement

Replacing your floors can give your home a fresh look and replace the worn or scratched flooring you already have. Completing a DIY home flooring project can save you money. If you are only replacing the flooring in a room or two, a DIY project may be manageable and you may be able to complete the project all at once. Replacement of floors throughout your home is a project that will need to be carefully coordinated and may need to be completed in phases or room by room. Think about a flooring option that is durable for the long term, looks nice, and is cost-effective. 

A Second Story

Adding a second story to your home can help you get more space in your home for bedrooms or extra entertainment or family space. In some cases, you may need to remove the entire roof of your home and rebuild it once the second story is framed. Another option is to have your existing roof taken off of your house with a crane so you can put it back, saving you some money because you won’t have to completely reconstruct your roof. Before you consider a project like this, you should make sure that your home’s foundation can support the extra mass that a second story would add.

A Swimming Pool

Adding a swimming pool is a large project to build. It is a big project that can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000 depending on its size and finishes. Before you take on this project, make sure that you know for sure you want to have a swimming pool, and that you can afford not only the cost of building but also the cost of maintaining a swimming pool. Some of your existing landscaping may have to be removed to dig a pool. The good news is that it may be easier than you think to get the materials needed into your yard for construction. Concrete trucks can easily reach over your fence and other obstacles on your property.

Roof Replacement

Replacing your roof is an important project to complete in a timely fashion. A damaged or leaking roof can create long-lasting problems in your home from water and pest intrusion. A typical roof has a lifespan of about 25 years, so when you purchase a home you should make sure you know how long the existing roof has been there. You may choose to redo your roof by replacing the existing materials with new material to match. Check with your building department if you are planning on adding a second layer to your roof rather than removing and replacing, as in some places this is no longer allowed. A permitting official should be able to help you understand regulations that apply to your roof when you apply for your permit.

ADU 

Accessory dwelling units or ADUs are additions to your home that are typically detached and in your backyard. Adding an ADU can add more space to your home if your relatives are moving in or can provide you an opportunity to have an income-producing property by renting it out. First, check with your local building department to figure out the laws and requirements around building these types of units. While they are typically less than 500 square feet, you may be able to build larger if you have the space and budget. These are major projects that require planning and investment but will more than pay off for you in the long run.

Backyard Remodel

Redoing your backyard landscaping can give you more space to live and entertain year-round. If you are thinking of completely overhauling your backyard design, consider hiring a landscape architect with the skills and experience to bring your vision to life. This type of project is a significant investment of time and money, and if you live in certain climates can only be completed at certain times of the year. Depending on the type of landscaping you want to install and any special features like a water feature, exotic plants, a deck, or an outdoor kitchen, can cost you and require a coordinated planning effort and permitting.

Foundation Repair

Foundation repairs are major projects that should not be put off. Your home’s foundation is important to keeping your house stable and level. Signs that you may have foundation issues include cracked walls, bulging floors, and separation around windows or walls. Expanding soils and water intrusion are often causes of foundation issues. Determining the cause of foundation problems is an important first step because this will help you understand how to fix them. One common method is slab-jacking where cement is pumped into holes in the concrete slab to strengthen it. Larger foundation problems will require even more invasive solutions and careful planning.

Home renovation projects of any size will require a certain budget and project schedule. This type of planning can be done months or even years in advance while you save up to make your dreams come true. Thoughtful planning can save you a lot of time in the future and make your project execution go smoothly.

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