Houston is home to more people than any other metropolis in Texas or the Southern United States. After New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, it is the fourth most populated city in the United States and the sixth most populous in North America. Recent data shows that 44,347 people moved to Houston between mid-2019 and mid-2020.
Consequently, the Houston population spends a significant amount on home renovation. Besides new move-ins, natural disasters are also an important reason. This is also one of the many reasons renovation costs increased from USD 15,000 in 2016 to USD 24,000 in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey.
Home renovation in Houston
The stats highlight the significance of home renovation in states like Houston. It is simply because you can add to your home’s resale value, make it more attractive to potential buyers, and design a space that better suits your family’s needs through one ambitious remodeling project.
However, your renovation project could become a nightmare if you don’t put in the time and effort to plan and research.
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Ten things to consider before starting your renovation
Before you begin renovating, there are a few things you must consider. You must clearly understand your budget and what you want to change or upgrade.
This is especially true if you’re moving to a new state where the house needs some work; hire Houston long distance movers to transport your belongings safely.
1. Map Your Goals
The objectives of a renovation project differ from owner to owner. Some homeowners, especially retirees who intend to remain in their homes for the foreseeable future, will prioritize comfort more.
Younger homeowners may have a different approach as they’re less likely to settle down permanently and may focus on making the house more desirable to potential new buyers.
2. Stay within a Budget
As mentioned, starting a renovation project only to find that you ran out of money in the middle of the project. So, don’t begin expensive renovations without first figuring out your budget.
3. Look for the Best Value
You should consult with at least three contractors and get bids for your renovation project before settling on one.
You’ll find that each contractor has a different take on how much it will cost. You can then weigh factors, including each candidate’s availability, experience, and reputation, to choose the most suitable for you.
4. Waste removal and cleaning
Dust and debris from renovations can seriously disrupt normal activities. A good option would be to hire a professional cleaning service to remove waste and keep the place clean from dust.
5. Decide on the Décor of the House
Your home’s interior design and style should not be overlooked because that will justify the budget and create harmony between the old and new parts of the house.
6. Consider the Available space
Considering the available space is essential when renovating a home because it directly impacts the functionality and usability of the area.
Here are some reasons why space is crucial in a renovation project:
Improved functionality: Adequate space is essential for a home to function correctly. Renovating a home to optimize the available space can make moving around and using each room easier.
Increased comfort: A well-designed space can significantly improve comfort and quality of life. Renovating a home to add more space or improve the existing layout can make the home more comfortable, functional, and enjoyable.
Increased home value: The available space is a crucial factor in determining the value of a home. Renovating a home to optimize the open space can significantly increase its value, making it a more sound investment in the long run.
Better aesthetics: A well-designed and optimized space can significantly improve the aesthetics of a home. Renovating a home to maximize the available space can create a visually appealing, organized, and cohesive living space.
Considering the available space is crucial to optimize functionality, comfort, and value when renovating a home.
7. Permits and Documentation
When tackling major renovations like updating the electrical system or expanding the home’s footprint by adding rooms, homeowners in most states must obtain building permits. To get the right permits for your home improvement project, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the regional building codes or contact local officials.
Without the required permits, your renovation venture could end with legal consequences. Moreover, renovation or demolition costs could increase if city officials insist you stop the project.
Additionally, changing your property without proper permits could have severe legal implications.
8. Work Within a Specific Time frame
Remodeling your home could take a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months, depending on the size and complexity of the job.
This is especially true if you add or upgrade a kitchen or bathroom.
So before beginning a project, discuss timelines with the contractor you have hired to get an idea of when the project will be completed. The next step is to look at your calendar and consider any potential conflicts, such as trips home for the holidays or work-related events.
9. Consider the Weather
Houston experiences hot and humid weather most of the year, making renovating a home uncomfortable and challenging. The best time to renovate a home in Houston is during the milder months of the year, typically from October to April.
Why? During these months, the temperature and humidity are more moderate, making it easier to work on home renovations without experiencing the extreme heat and humidity that can occur during the summer months.
Moreover, it’s important to consider any potential weather hazards that could impact your renovation plans. Houston is susceptible to hurricanes and heavy rainstorms, which can cause flooding and delay construction.
It’s essential to plan your renovation project around the city’s weather patterns and be prepared for any potential weather-related disruptions.
10. Don’t Compromise on Safety
Last but not least, think about everyone’s safety during the renovation process. The workers and anyone else who will be in the area of your property during the renovations should be safe.
Ensure you have thoroughly checked the credentials and documentation of every employee to ensure they understand the risks and know what precautions to take. You don’t want to be held responsible if anyone’s hurt during the renovation process.
Conclusion
Buying a new house in a state like Houston can be pretty expensive, especially if you’re moving from another city. Cost-effectiveness, options for customization, increased home value, and sustainability are all significant advantages of renovating a home.
Even if you’re moving from another state to Houston, you can find long distance movers to transport your stuff safely. We hope you learned something from this article; if you think we missed anything, let us know in the comments below.