As one of the top home builders in Charleston SC, we know a thing or two about how to get started on your home remodel in Charleston.
Let’s face it; a home remodeling project is a big investment, so it’s understandable that it can be a bit overwhelming at times, but with proper planning, patience and careful attention to each detail, you can get through the whole process without having to worry too much about the outcome of your project.
That being said, we can’t stress enough the importance of choosing the right home remodeling contractor in Charleston who can take on the job. Like any big investment, it really helps to do a bit of research on who you want to hire for your Charleston home remodel.
Apart from choosing the right contractor in Charleston, there are a few other things you need to take care of when planning a major home remodeling project.
Thankfully, the home experts here at Peartree Homes have you covered!
Here are 5 Tips to help get your home remodel in Charleston off to a great start!
Tip #1
Check Your Home Remodel Budget
Budgeting for your Charleston home remodel
Whether it’s a simple kitchen remodel in Charleston, SC or complete home addition, it’s important to determine the overall budget of your remodeling project. It’s also a good idea to come up with a few different funding options before you begin your new home remodel as they’ll help you finance your remodel without breaking the bank.
If you have made it this far, then you are probably to the point that you feel confident that you have saved enough that you can fully pay for your project, but if not, there are still other financing options that you can explore.
Financing Options For Your Home Remodel
Option 1: Credit card - This can be a good option for smaller home repairs, but if you’re already planning a major home remodel, this shouldn’t be your first choice unless you are prepared to pay the high interest rates that can come with this option.
Option 2: Cash-out refinance - This is another popular finance option if you already have equity in your Charleston home. However, even if your interest rate doesn’t go up, it could still raise your monthly payments because your overall mortgage will be increased to take out some cash. Before you finalize your payment with your general contractor, make sure to discuss this with your mortgage broker to find out whether there are other options available.
Option 3: Traditional home equity loans – Sometimes referred to as a HELOC or Home Equity Line of Credit, these can be used for partial or whole home remodels. Keep in mind that the collateral for these types of loans is your home, and if you can’t repay the loan later, you may end up losing it.
Option 4: Short-term loan – A short term loan can be a good solution for some homeowners in the greater Charleston area, as the rates are usually pretty reasonable, and the length of time to pay back the loan is often between 24 to 60 months. Another good thing about short-term loans is that they can be either secured or unsecured loans.
Tip #2
Take an Inventory of Your Belongings
Before your contractor starts remodeling your home, you should have a list of your permanent home belongings. This is important so that it’s easier to clean up your home and decide what you can keep or throw away. You can do this by dividing your belongings into four categories: sell, donate, save and hand-me-down. Any item that you won’t need after the remodel should be taken out before the renovation starts.
Taking an audit of your belongings is important for insurance purposes as well. You’ll see that it isn’t easy to keep track of all your valuables, so it helps to have a list to keep track of them. By the time the renovation starts, you should already have a plan on where they’ll be stored until the project is complete.
We suggest using a spare guest room or an attic for some of your belongings, but you might be wondering where you’ll store the larger or seasonal items that won’t be in use for a long time. We suggest renting a portable storage container that you can park in your driveway or an offsite storage facility so that your belongings are organized and out of the way during the renovation process.
Tip #3
Check Which Permits Are Needed for the Remodel
Hire a reliable general contractor in Charleston
It is very important to do your research and hire a reliable general contractor in Charleston with lots of good reviews. One important step you need to cover with your contractor is securing all the correct permits. A top-rated contractor in Charleston should take care of the necessary permits for the project.
While electrical and demolition permits are usually easy to get, building permits can take a while to get approved. If your remodeling project involves adding a new room or extending your existing one, it may also require zoning that can take weeks or months to get.
To ensure that all the needed permits are secured, consult with your contractor, and discuss what you want to do in your home remodeling project.
Tip #4
Update Your Home’s Security Before Remodeling
You’ll need to expect that your home remodeling project can become hectic with several designers, contractors and other workers going in and out of your home.
Even if you trust your hired home and kitchen remodeling contractor, you won’t always be there to supervise the renovation process, so make sure you’re able to check and update your home’s security just to be sure.
You can do this by installing smart locks that can be easily reprogrammed to grant access to contractors temporarily or have a video doorbell installed to monitor deliveries while you’re not home.
Tip #5
Plan For Essentials During Your Remodeling Project
Your home remodeling project can make it difficult to use some of the daily essentials. For instance, your kitchen appliances may not be usable while the renovation process is ongoing, so consider using a mini-fridge and a countertop convection oven for a while.
As long as you stick to using the bare essentials when cooking or preparing your food, you can survive until the renovation process is done!
If you’re renovating your home’s plumbing or bathrooms, you can consider joining a gym so that you’ll have a place to shower. Roll up your area rugs so that they’re kept clean and free of dust. Cover your chairs and other furniture with plastic sheeting to keep them clean as well. To ensure that dust won’t circulate your home, keep the doors to other rooms closed during the renovation process.
In summary, these are your 5 tips before starting your home remodel in Charleston.
Check Your Budget
Take an Inventory of Your Belongings
Check Which Permits Are Needed for the Project
Check/Update Your Home’s Security
Make a Plan on How You’ll Use Other Essentials
If you found this article helpful, we hope you will consider following us for more helpful articles on home renovations and remodels in Charleston, or connect with us on social media.
If you’re looking for an expert in home remodeling, you can count on the quality and craftsmanship we offer here at Peartree Homes! As a custom home builder in Charleston, SC, we are fully licensed, bonded and insured residential construction and remodeling contractors who always gets the job done right!
To learn more about how we can help you with your next home remodeling project, Call us today at (843) 343-5808, or reach us online through our convenient contact form.