There are a lot of variables involved in home renovation projects. A poorly done job can lead to endless delays, an endless bill and a contractor who disappears without a trace. In New York City, home improvement contractors are among the top five complaint categories, with over $1.5 million in fines issued last year. But there are some steps you can take to ensure your home renovation project runs smoothly. This article will explore the factors you need to consider before hiring a home renovation contractor.
Before beginning your home renovation project, you should determine whether your home is on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or is a designated historic building. Your local government will have guidelines regarding what kind of paint to use, what type of windows to install and what additions to make. Using these guidelines will allow you to determine which aspects of your renovation project will require permits and which will not. After assessing these factors, you can start looking for ways to finance your renovation.
In addition to interiors, exteriors are equally important. A home renovation project can include simple exterior additions such as adding a garden, changing the color of the mailbox, or replacing window frames with a more decorative option. A new front porch, a curved entry, a window box with a colorful plant, and shutters and planters can all be simple ways to update your home’s appearance. You can even renovate your bathroom!