Thinking of renovating a home? Maybe it’s your current home, or maybe you’re considering buying a home specifically to renovate it. Either way, being a wise consumer starts with understanding what the project will really cost – in money, time, and effort.
Know your skill set
Are you a hands-on DIYer, or will you need to hire out most of the work? Be honest with yourself here – a botched DIY project can cost more to fix than it would have cost to do right the first time.
Get more than one bid
Large contractors sometimes price small jobs well above what they should cost, simply because the job isn’t worth their time at a competitive rate. Get at least three bids, and check references and licensing on each contractor before signing anything.
Renovate with resale in mind
Not every upgrade pays you back. Kitchens, primary bathrooms, and curb appeal projects tend to offer the best return, while highly personal or trend-driven renovations can actually narrow your buyer pool later.
Thinking about a renovation before you sell – or before you buy? Call Dockside Realty at 850.225.9785 or email christine@docksiderealtyinc.com for advice on what’s worth doing first.