Preparing for a Major Home Improvement Project in Oregon

Homeowners in the state of Oregon have found a beautiful region of the country to settle down. Families of all ages can enjoy the geography of the Pacific Northwest, taking advantage of all the benefits that come with homeownership.

One of those benefits includes the ability to make improvements on residential properties. When you live in a rental, it is entirely dependent on the landlord to make upgrades or repairs. You have to put in a request, and they inherit the risk. When you own a home, you have the freedom to make changes yourself, though you will be the one paying for them.

When the time comes to tackle a major home project, there is a lot to figure out. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a major home improvement project in the state of Oregon.

The Budget

Money is the main obstacle homeowners face when planning big projects. If you are doing a full bathroom remodel or a kitchen renovation, the cost can be well into the tens of thousands of dollars just for the materials. Creating a budget for the project early on is an important step that can guide your decision-making as you plan out the expenses. There are many factors to consider in your budget, including tools, materials, labor, inspections, building permits, and more. 

The Labor

The bigger your project, the more important it is to rely on professionals to do the work for you. Many homeowners attempt the DIY route, and often it turns out great while saving them money. However, unless you have a versatile set of skills, relying on your own knowledge could be a mistake for a complex project. Hiring professionals means relying on people who spent months doing prep courses for the Oregon contractors license exam and then actually practicing in the industry, so you know that they have the ability to do the work. While it will cost you more for their labor, the cost of doing it wrong yourself could be far greater. 

The Timeline

Major home renovations can take a lot of time. Even with a full team of contractors working on the project, you could be unable to use a particular room for weeks or even months while the work is being done. Living in your home during a remodel can be disruptive and stressful. For this reason, it is important that you take this factor into consideration when planning the project. How long can you go without a functioning kitchen? Do you have another bathroom to handle the extra traffic while yours is being upgraded? Are you fine with everyone eating in the family room while the dining room is renovated? Plan well for the disruption to your lives so you can get through the building period. 

The Materials

The other major cost besides labor for home improvement projects is the materials you are using for the construction. This includes any flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, appliances, and other elements that will be part of the finished product. What do you want from the materials that you will use? Is longevity the goal? Are you prioritizing aesthetics over function? Are you correcting an error the previous owner made with stronger material? Choosing the right materials based on multiple factors like cost, longevity, and efficiency is important to ensure your project is increasing the value of the home rather than lowering it. 

The Value

Speaking of value, one of the primary motivations for tackling home improvements is the value increase that it can bring. When you update your home, unless you make changes that would not appeal to others, it raises the resale value of the property. This means that in a few years, you could sell the home for much more than it was worth when you bought it, resulting in a larger profit. Some homeowners will even choose their renovation projects based on what will have the greatest ROI when they sell. Some of the top options for this include new bathrooms, kitchens, decks, or finished basements, often achieving a 90% ROI. 

Choose Projects You Care About

Although it can be beneficial to make home improvements simply for the return you will get at the sale; this doesn’t mean you should not consider your own needs for the home. The point of making improvements is to enjoy them yourself. Why should the next owner be the only one to enjoy the fruit of your investment? Choose areas of your home that you are dissatisfied with and start planning how you can improve them aesthetically and functionally. Plan your budget, consider the labor costs and timeline, choose the right materials, and enjoy the increase in value that will result from your work.