1. Develop (and Follow) a Budget

Perhaps the most important step before starting any type of home improvement project is creating a budget. With your plan in mind, do your homework and research the costs of materials and labor to determine how you will finance the undertaking. Once you have a good idea of how much your project will cost, set that amount aside and hold yourself accountable. If the project becomes too big or overwhelming, spread it out into smaller, more doable steps.

2. Preparation Work

Preparation goes beyond identifying the budget. Getting your area or room renovation-ready is an important step that cannot be ignored. Before work begins, clear any areas and walkways where professionals will need to access. Be sure to secure valuables and breakables and cover furniture where paint or dust may land. Keep other considerations in mind as well, such as updating your security system to account for the various contractors coming and going or creating a food prep space during a kitchen remodel.

3. Trust Reputable Experts

Some things are best left to the experts. When hiring contractors for their expertise, make sure to check their references, certifications, reviews, and ensure they have the understanding needed to carry out the project correctly and efficiently. The same goes for the brands of materials you choose. Selecting reputable professionals and building products makes all the difference in the quality and longevity of your project.

4. Safety First

Whether you’re doing part of the renovation yourself or hiring a contractor for your project, safety must always be a top priority. When working with a contractor, talk to them about what COVID-19 measures they have in place, including face coverings, social distancing, and frequent hand washing.

In addition, have proper equipment like goggles, ear protection, or gloves readily on hand during a renovation. Because of the potential for debris or sharp splinters, nails, or glass that might be hard to avoid, having a first aid kit handy is also a must.

5. Communication is Key

One key to successful project completion is effective communication. After all, perhaps nothing is worse than finishing a project only to find an unsatisfactory outcome. Speak with your contractors throughout the process, ask questions, and relay your vision to avoid miscommunication and ensure an end result that makes everyone happy. To that end, also be sure you set a reasonable timeline with the contracting team. Communicate often and clearly to verify you’re on track and express any of your concerns along the way.

6. Aim for a Return on Investment

Many homeowners don’t see the benefits of home improvements unless they add value in some way. When deciding on a project, make sure it offers a return on your investment. We often hear that bathroom and kitchen remodels are beneficial to your home’s worth. But according to the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling magazine, the National Association of Realtors, and Zonda media, exterior improvement projects consistently provide the greatest return on investment for homeowners. Vinyl replacement windows, such as those from SoftLite, provide an estimated average of 69 percent cost recovered.

Another way to increase the value of a project is to select green products that deliver improved energy efficiency. SoftLite is dedicated to providing the most energy-efficient windows available. In fact, most of our product lines are recognized as ENERGY STAR® “Most Efficient Products,” helping families save money on energy costs while protecting the environment from greenhouse gas emissions.