Home Renovations Done Right

Smart financial solutions to help you do it, on time, on budget and with less worry

From the LifeMinute.TV Team

October 11, 2021

The housing market has just exploded in the past year and usually when you buy a home there’s a lot to be done.  And on top of that, a new survey by LightStream, an online lender for people with good credit found that 60% of homeowners say they wish they had more space in their current home. More than 70% say spending more time at home because of the pandemic has made them want to make upgrades.  The most popular renovations being the kitchen and outdoor spaces. How to handle the process? For starters, consider the best options to pay for it all, next, factor in the unexpected -- have a reserve set aside for things you may not have planned on. Also, give yourself time when planning a project --- there’s a backlog on supplies and appliances right now due to the high demand and supply chain issues. 

Get references before hiring a contractor. 

And before you start any project, always ask your contractor for a contract that includes all costs, all deliverables, a timeline and permit process details. 

Also crucial, make sure your contractor is licensed and carries the right insurance.  You need to be able to hold them accountable every step of the way.  

And be demanding up front about your needs and deadlines. The squeaky wheel gets the oil. 

May sound simple, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t think about it.