7 Signs It’s Time for a Home Renovation
Are you ready to update a room in your residence, but you’re not sure where to start? Maybe you’re looking for tips on what kind of budget to have or what amenities to update? Check out these seven signs to help you know when to do your home renovation!
1. Your Home Is Worn or Damaged
You’ll know it’s time to renovate when you can no longer keep up with the signs of deterioration around your home. Some clear signs include cracked walls or chipped paint, leaky faucets or drainage issues, or fireplace foundation problems.
Whatever it is, the damage will be apparent when you see it. Know that it’s best to take care of home deterioration issues when they arise. Often, these issues can lead to costly structural problems if they’re not resolved quickly.
2. You Have the Budget for Renovations
One of the most crucial aspects you must consider before moving forward is the price of the project. A 2020 survey conducted by Houzz estimated the cost of a single home renovation project at $13,000. However, prices will differ based on rooms you wish to update or if you plan to get your entire property. For a gut renovation, expect to pay between $100,000 and $200,000.
If you don’t have money like this available, it is no good to make plans to renovate your home. It serves you best to be realistic from the beginning and plan your home updates accordingly. You can work with a contractor to prioritize your renovations.
3. You Need to Replace Your Roof
If you notice any missing shingles or an excess of mold, algae, or fungus growing on your roof, it’s likely time to replace your roof. When moisture forms on shingles, it contributes to decay in quality and decomposition of roofing materials.
Other clear signs you need to replace your roof include leaks in your attic. This is a sure sign your shingles are compromised. If you have water stains on your ceiling or evidence of mold, this is another urgent indication that you should replace your roof.
When you invest in a new roof, you prevent various potential damage to your home, like leaking inside your home, water and mold destruction, and damage to your gutters and pipes. Additionally, renovating your roof increases your average resale value by $15,247.
4. Your Home Is Out of Date
If your home was built in the ‘80s and has never been updated, your amenities likely feel out of date. Many homeowners renovate because their spaces are falling behind the times. If you’re changing up your kitchen, look to brighten up the space with grays and whites. Update your appliances with energy-efficient models if you’re due for a renovation, as this can save you money on your utility bills.
Modernizing your home will make you a happier homeowner, helping you be more comfortable in your residence. Updating your amenities will also increase your property value.
5. The Floors Are Worn
A sure sign you need to renovate is if your flooring is damaged. Whether you have hardwood, carpet, or tile flooring is a crucial part of your home and your return on investment (ROI). Ultimately, it’s up to you how you wish to design your home, but keep in mind these decisions can later impact the value of your home.
Realtor.com estimates that hardwood floors give you the most significant ROI at 80%. Tile, stone, or marble floors offer a second-best ROI at 70% and carpet is worst at 25-40% ROI. So consider with care how you wish to proceed.
Carpets should be replaced every 10 years, while hardwood floors require refinishing every 20 to 30 years. Hardwood floors might require more upfront investment, but they also need less maintenance and last far longer than their carpet counterparts. Glazed tile options are beneficial because they are coated to resist water and stains. One downside to tile, stone, and marble floors is that water can get into the grout, so it must be sealed regularly. However, if installed correctly, it can last up to a hundred years.
6. Your Home Is Too Small or Big
As a homeowner, have you ever found yourself wishing you had another room for storage? Or maybe you find yourself on the other side of the spectrum with a space you only ever use once or twice a year when the family gathers for holidays. You can quickly resolve these problems with renovations.
Talk to a contractor about how to best add on space to your home that feels natural. You’ll want the addition to make sense with your existing home layout and feel like an original part of the property. If you have rooms you never use, consider knocking down a wall. This will open up space and create a room with more potential.
7. You Have Termites
One unmistakable sign you need renovations is if you have evidence of termites invading your residence. Termites move into a home and eat all wood and cellulose material, damaging the structural integrity. Because termites move so quickly, this often happens without the homeowner’s knowledge.
The EPA estimates that termites cause $1 billion in structural damage to properties across America each year, and homeowners pay over $2 billion to cover the cost. You can determine if you have termites by examining exposed wood and hollow spots on your property. You can also try to identify a termite swarm. Termites have equal-length wings and straight antennae.
You’ll need to eliminate your termite infestation before proceeding with renovations. You can choose to take care of your termite problem on your own or hire a professional. There are non-chemical barriers and chemical sprays you can purchase from a hardware store. The easiest solution is to hire a professional pest control specialist to resolve your termite problem. They’ll have access to a host of chemical treatments and they’ll also have years of expertise to ensure they eliminate the issue.
Once you’re termite-free, contact a contractor to inspect your house to review the structural damage. The contractor will be able to advise you on the needed repairs. Be prepared. If termites have compromised any wood, you’ll likely have to replace it. However, if the termites only slightly damaged the wood, you might be able to reinforce it. If possible during the renovations, request a non-chemical termite barrier to prevent future infestations.
Get Ready for Your Renovation
Before you plan your renovation, take a walk through your home and review any deterioration you encounter. Make a list of all the renovation projects you’d like to complete. Next, consider your budget and the money with which you have to work. Now, you’re ready to get in touch with a contractor. Get started on your home renovation project today!
In case you have architectural, structural, and MEP design requirements, or home renovation, feel free to contact us. We provide you with the full permit set design + T24.
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Author’s Bio
Rose Morrison is a freelance writer who covers construction, home improvement, and contracting topics. She is also the managing editor of Renovated.com, a site dedicated to the latest trends in the home industry. She has a passion for innovative technologies that are making the home industry sustainable and efficient. Check out Renovated.com to see more of her work.