Though it could seem overwhelming, outside repair is worth the effort, particularly if this is your first major restoration job. An outside restoration may dramatically enhance your home’s aesthetics, safeguard it from harm, save your energy expenses, and increase the value of your property.
Once you start the process, you can have many questions: How do I even start? How much should I allocate to each project in my budget? What is the ideal sequence for carrying out each step of the renovation?
JPS Cedar Park Construction & Remodeling has created a straightforward, step-by-step process with these concerns in mind to give you the confidence to tackle your next rebuild.
Make an Exterior Remodeling Plan – Why? What? How?
Decide what you want done before employing any outside remodeling providers. Make a strategy for your home’s exterior makeover, including the services you want to be performed and the overall appearance you desire for your house.
The following are some of the most common reasons for an outside remodel:
- required maintenance/repair
- Expansion is on the horizon.
- Increasing curb appeal by updating the appearance
- Increasing resale value
Decide on your priorities while creating your strategy. Determine what you need versus what you want. What is a current must-have, a nice-to-have, and a prospective future service? To effectively budget, be explicit about what you want and how you want it done.
1. Set a Budget
If you do not adequately budget for your approach, you may discover that your expenses are far more than intended, or you may not get the value you expected.
When determining your budget, consider the vision and objectives of what service you want to do for your property, the project duration, and what you want in a contractor.
A complete outside renovation might cost between $20K and $100K. Four primary elements determine the cost of a renovation:
- Fees and deposits for contractors
- Costs of materials and transportation
- Labor expenses
- Costs related with unanticipated project requirements
Take the time to go through each of these points with your potential contractors. They should be forthright and honest about their knowledge and plans for these financial obligations. We recommend receiving quotations from three or four local, licensed, and insured contractors to clarify the extent of work and budget range you’re working with and to ensure you get the best price/quality ratio.
Look for exterior renovation contractors that handle everything from windows to framing, roofing, siding, gutters, and woodwork. Window installation and roofing contractors, for example, may need additional planning, documentation, contracts, and payment schedules. Find a contractor that offers all the services you need; they may take a more thorough approach to your job, enabling you to stay on top of the details.
2. Find a Contractor You Can Trust
Trustworthiness is critical when selecting the correct contractor for your outdoor restoration project.
We’ve compiled a list of critical factors to consider when choosing a contractor:
Experience
Your contractor should have many years of experience to back up their claims, photos, and excellent reviews. Also, be sure that the contractor you’re contemplating specializes in the work or service you want.
Cost-Value
Don’t base your selection just on the estimate’s cost; a lower price generally means lesser-quality work that will need more money in repairs later on. When putting out an appraisal, a reputable contractor will take into account labor, materials, and insurance.
Reviews
Word of mouth, recommendations from local supply suppliers, and homeowner-to-homeowner review sites like Angie’s List, Yelp, or Google will provide the most critical feedback. Keep in mind as you browse these websites that even the most well-known companies may have unfavorable comments. Instead of pursuing flawless scores, consider the overall impression of each company’s evaluations.
Licenses
Your contractor should have a strong Better Business Bureau rating, be adequately insured, and have all necessary state licenses. Look at their website to determine whether the contractor is a factory-certified supplier and sells high-quality materials.
Communication and Connection
Your contractor should be able to communicate correctly with you, answer your calls, supply you with any documentation you want, assist you in understanding the scope of the job, and make you feel appreciated. If you get a negative feeling about someone, do not employ them. Choose a contractor you feel comfortable working, communicating, and discussing your house with.
3. Know Your Order of Operations
Always prioritize your most vital tasks and repairs. Major renovations may alter the requirements for lesser charges, but proper maintenance may protect you and your home from further damage during future upgrades.
Following your primary and urgent tasks, your outside makeover will typically go as follows:
- Roof and gutters
- Windows
- Siding
- Soffit and fascia
A thorough exterior repair is not a simple job, but when done right, it can significantly enhance your house’s beauty, usefulness, and value. Do you have any further questions about your outdoor renovation project? Give us a call; we’d be pleased to help!
