Renovating can be exciting and expensive in the Westfield, Cranford, Clark, Scotch Plains, Fanwood and Mountainside Areas Getting your head around real-life timing and costs is the first step in managing your project. Carefully craft a budget and allocate your dollars for each part of the project. Prices creep up further when things go wrong and you upgrade along the way. Let’s consider the most costly common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Prepare for Fees
Applying for permits is usually a necessary first step in any renovation process, Application and filing fees often come as surprise costs to renovators. In the Westfield, Cranford, Clark, Scotch Plains, Fanwood and Mountainside Areas you will need to file for permits. The approval time has the potential to significantly delay the project. You can expect to file for plumbing, electrical, and building permits. It is possible to spend anywhere from $300 to $10,000 depending on permitting and architectural fees. This guide can help you estimate the costs.
Moving Out?
Are you planning on living through the entire renovation? It only works if you can accept how much your life will be disrupted. It is not just with dust and dirt but with workers around, sometimes 6 days a week, as different sub-contractors coordinate their work. It may be smart to book an Airbnb or plan to live with friends or family at least while demolition is happening. If possible move out for the entire renovation but stay close so that you can address any issues that arise.
Don’t Fall in Love With the New
Consider how the latest materials will age over time. High-maintenance and natural materials like unlacquered brass, soapstone, and marble show wear and tear over time and look a lot different a year later than on day one. The pictures you see on your favorite house Instagram account show the very best of these materials. It can be like white sneakers so appealing when they’re new but difficult to keep up with overtime. You should try and find images and blogs that show these materials “patina” and discuss the pros and cons of different options. Replacing big items, such as delicate, porous marble countertops which can exceed $100 per foot plus installation costs may be cost-prohibitive.
Allocate for Contingencies
10 to 15 percent of your entire budget should be in that “other” column in case an inspection goes sideways or black mold is found behind the basement shower. These unplanned occurrences are what frequently blow the budget and extend the project. You don’t want to give up part of the project down the home stretch because the money has run out.
Choose Finishes at the Beginning
Decision fatigue is real. Landing on small but high-impact details like faucets, fixtures, hardware, and trim can be overwhelming. The number of options and combinations can lead to analysis paralysis. It’s not a good idea to wait until the end of the project when you’re burned out and just want to be done. Some choices may seem minor but changes can be expensive. For example, changing grout color is extremely labor-intensive and expensive. Inevitably some decisions will be left until the end. Try to stay focused on the overall design in your Westfield, Cranford, Clark, Scotch Plains, Fanwood and Mountainside Areas home. You will be fine!!