Tips for Planning a Home Renovation

by Ellen Garcia 07/02/2020

Image by ClassicallyPrinted from Pixabay

Renovating your home is a great way to improve your home while also adding value. While you may go into a home improvement or renovation project with the best-laid plans, problems are bound to arise especially with a larger scale job. Some issues can be prevented by understanding the most common pitfalls that may come into play during the home renovation process.

Budget

Establishing and sticking to a budget is a common home renovation problem. When setting a budget for your project, it is helpful to work with an experienced professional who can plan for contingencies. While the budget might be "set in stone" in the beginning, contractors may discover other issues that need attention further into the project. Additional costs may be incurred along the way so be prepared for the possibility of budget overage as the project moves ahead.

Original Architecture

While the goal of a home improvement project is to update the home and add something new, it is also important to work within the existing architectural style. Renovation projects should complement the original structure of the building so that the update flows seamlessly with the original structure. Introducing a completely different style can make the addition or renovation seem out of place and forced when compared with other more established elements. 

Sacrificing Function

Consider how the renovated space will be used and how it will impact daily life. Try not to sacrifice function for design. It is important that the final project looks good but it should properly serve its function and add value to the home and to your life. A home renovation project may look fantastic but if it creates usability issues such as lighting, electrical access or a disturbance in traffic flow it may create frustration in the end. 

Focusing Too Much on Trends

Trends are enticing and an exciting way to personalize your home but beware, what is popular today may fall out of favor next year. If you're incorporating a trendy detail into a big renovation decision, be sure it's something you truly love. If not, consider incorporating trendy colors and textures in places that are easy to update like paint, carpeting or decor. 

About the Author
Author

Ellen Garcia

Ellen Garcia Broker, GRI, SRS, ABR, RSPS, SRES, RENE, MRP, LRS, LSE, LSS, AHWD, e-PROÒ Ellen believes that listening and understanding her clients' needs are the foundation of a successful business partnership. Her knowledge of the many unique communities in Fairfield County is an invaluable asset to clients new to the area, and she is able to help anyone moving to, from or within Fairfield County make an easier transition into a new home and community. For clients who are preparing to sell their homes, Ellen offers her first-hand knowledge of how to leverage the strength of a "brand" in showcasing and marketing their properties. Ellen offers a powerful advantage in bringing her skills and resources to work for her clients. With over 10 years, of full-time experience in the real estate industry, she is well-versed in the Fairfield County real estate market. Ellen has successfully completed: · Over 130 closed sales and rental transactions · Representing a dollar volume of over $65 million Ellen’s people skills lead the way in building a strong network to assist and support her clients in achieving their goals through every step of the real estate process: · Negotiations both local and global · New business development (sales & marketing) · Creative problem solving · Building partnerships · Tapping into Halstead Property’s network of 1100 agents in NYC and Lower Fairfield County Her career in Real Estate has been recognized with many awards including: "Agent of the Year” for Halstead Property Wilton and "Most Closed Sale and Listing Transactions” numerous times. Within Connecticut, Ellen has been recognized over the past several years as a "Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor”. Awards 2016 & 2014 AGENT OF THE YEAR – HALSTEAD WILTON – HIGHEST GROSS SALES 2016 - 2011 CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE 5-STAR REALTOR AWARD 2016 - 2013 MOST CLOSED LISTINGS – Wilton Office 2016, 2014 - 2012 MOST CLOSED SALES – Wilton Office 2016, 2015, 2014 HALSTEAD PROPERTY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL 2013, 2012 & 2011 HALSTEAD PROPERTY DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL 2014 HALSTEAD – PLATINUM CIRCLE 2016 HALSTEAD - GOLD CIRCEL 2015, 2013 HALSTEAD – SILVER CIRCLE 2007 COUNTRY LIVING ASSOCIATES OUTSTANDING RELOCATION SPECIALIST PRESIDENT'S AWARD (2005, 2006 & 2007). Leading Real Estate Companies of the World PREMIER CLUB – SILVER AWARD FOR REFERRAL ACHIEVEMENT (2006) Sales Associates Recognition Program Professional Associations: · Connecticut Association of Realtors (CAR) · National Association of Realtors (NAR) · Consolidated Multiple Listing Service (CMLS) · Connecticut State-wide MLS (CTMLS) · Mid-Fairfield County Association of Realtors (MFCAR) · Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC) · Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) · Seller’s Representative Specialist Council (SRS) · e-PRO Professional Designations: · BROKER · ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) · SRS (Seller’s Representative Specialist) · RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert) · GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) · RSPS (Resort and Second Property Specialist) · MRP (Military Relocation Professional) · SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) · LRS (LeadingRE Relocation Specialist) · LSS (LeadingRE Sales Specialist) · LSE (LeadingRE Service Expert) · AHWD (At Home with Diversity: One America) · REALTOR e-PRO · CONNECTICUT TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION