In South Carolina, Charleston is famous for its preserved historic homes. With its rich history and culture, living in the area feels nostalgic. Its homes exude alluring charm and functional longevity. Charleston also offers low property taxes with an average of 0.51%.
However, classic home styles come with drawbacks, too. Preserved historic homes can face structural issues. With their design, the repair and maintenance costs can get expensive. If you struggle with this, it can mean your home needs a change.
Are you looking to start home remodeling in Charleston, SC? Read on and check out our top six tips.
1. Identify Your Goals
Home remodeling is more complex than building a new one. It involves redoing a finished canvas, which demands more materials and labor than starting from scratch.
To ensure a smooth process and successful project, create a plan. A detailed plan with a budget is the best way to start home remodeling. So, where do you begin?
First, you must know your style. You can get home remodeling ideas from showrooms and home improvement stores. Browse the web for the design you want and learn more about it.
Next, envision the results to determine the scope of the home remodeling project. List all the necessary and possible changes you want. Moreover, consider your lifestyle goals.
Then, narrow down the things you need in the project. Determine the materials, work, and process to achieve your goal. When planning, consider the small details to avoid problems.
2. Set Your Budget
Before you get attached to the inspiration you found, consider the numbers. A home remodeling project is expensive and can balloon fast when it gets out of control. It’s crucial to understand your financial capacity, budget, and costs.
To create your budget, write what you need. This includes everything from materials to labor expenses. Then, return to the home improvement shops to compare the prices.
If you think this is too much work, ask for quotes from suppliers. Considering your budget and costs, decide what matters most for this project.
When figuring out your budget, consider setting up a contingency fund.
Remember, going beyond your means is common in a home remodeling project. You can encounter necessary reparation or want to change some things along the way. Although sticking to your budget is a must, leaving room for unanticipated costs is vital, too.
3. Set a Realistic Timeframe
How long does a home remodeling in Charleston, SC, take? Depending on the project and its scope, it can take months to finish the renovation. Many external factors can affect your operations and cause delays.
For instance, many homeowners plan in winter and operate in summer. However, keep in mind that summers in Charleston can get very humid. Charleston also experiences more rain around this time, which can cause delays on your home renovation project.
Apart from these, your responsibilities are another factor that can affect the project. If you have events to attend, your focus on remodeling gets divided. Set a realistic timeframe with your itinerary in mind.
Before starting the project, create a schedule of tasks to complete and their order. As home remodeling involves hours of labor, most people lose their steam fast. With a schedule, you can work and focus.
If you need materials that take time to deliver, order months before the operation. This allows you to save time and avoid delays.
4. Secure Permits
Home remodeling in Charleston, SC, requires the right permits. Before renovating your home, you must secure the files for certain upgrades.
Securing permits is the least fun part of home remodeling, but it is non-negotiable. Without the proper permits, your local government can issue a stop-work order or ask you to tear everything down. It can also lower the value of your home.
Pushing through with the renovation without permits can sabotage a home sale. Upon entering the market, an inspection and appraisal take place.
Check the website of your local government for the application and guidelines.
5. Consider Layout Functionality
Another thing to consider when remodeling a home is the functionality of the space. Most homeowners fail to understand the significance of a layout.
This problem often applies to bathroom, kitchen, or living room projects. When you fail to construct your layout or floor plan, things can go anywhere. The space can feel cluttered with poor spacing and bulky appliances.
To improve the space, measure its square footage. Next, create a floor plan determining where the items go. Then, consider if the placement can affect other components of that room.
Failing to address these issues can result in more future repairs or replacements. For instance, does the edge of your bathroom door hit the sink when you open it? If you leave it that way, it can damage the fixture in the long run.
Having a floor plan allows you to determine potential trouble areas. In addition, it reminds you of what you want to include in the renovation.
6. Hire a Good Home Remodeling Service
Although you can do the renovation yourself, it’s best to leave the work to professionals. Having experienced contractors to execute your plan gives you the best results. In Charleston, you have many options for home remodeling services.
However, not all professionals offer the same skills and customer satisfaction.
From electrical to carpentry, home remodeling involves different types of work. You must look for Charleston home remodeling services that can meet your needs. When choosing a contractor, ensure you do research about them.
Ask them about their licensing and bonding. You can visit their website and check the reviews of their previous clients, too. Talking to contractors can help you make informed decisions, especially if you plan on moving to Charleston.
Tips When Conducting a Home Remodeling in Charleston, SC
Having a home remodeling project is never easy. Despite the planning, some things can go wrong along the way. From a historical to a modern design, home remodeling in Charleston, SC can get challenging.
If you’re struggling with your home remodeling project, look for reliable home remodeling services. At CK Contracting, we got you covered! Contact us today.
