A Guide to Taking on Big Improvement Projects

Renovating or remodeling parts of your property can be a massive undertaking. You have to consider your budget, the functions of the space, the materials that will be needed, how long the project will take, and a hundred other factors. You also need to decide whether you will tackle the project yourself or hire a contractor to come in and do a professional job.

Big improvement projects may be intimidating to think about. Whether you are remodeling a room in your home or building a new barn on your farm acreage, you may need help creating plans and completing the project.

Since there are many aspects to think about for a large-scale improvement project, here are a few concepts to keep in mind to help you complete the job in a way that makes you satisfied with the end product.

Choosing the Right Materials

What you will use to complete the project plays a big role in the cost of the improvement as well as the functionality of the space you are updating. When installing new countertops in your kitchen, will marble or granite make more sense for the aesthetic and function that you want? If you are putting up a barn, steel truss is a stronger material that leaves more headroom than wooden truss. When laying a foundation for a new structure, is stone or concrete going to be a better choice for your budget? When planning your large improvement project, make sure that you do the necessary research to figure out which materials will fulfill your needs best when considering the cost and the function. Also consider how the process of ordering materials will affect your project in terms of timeline.

Do You Have the Tools?

Tools are a critical piece in any construction project. While attempting a DIY renovation may save you money on labor costs, it could come at the expense of not having the right tools for the job. Before you decide to hire a contractor, see if you have what is needed to do the job. Measuring tape, levels, screws, screwdrivers, drills, sledgehammers, saws, and other power tools may be needed for even the smallest renovations. For bigger projects like new structures or massive landscaping changes, you might need heavy-duty machinery like a skid steer to complete the construction. The last thing you want to happen is to find out that your project will be stalled because you lack the tools needed to finish, forcing you to purchase or rent them at the last minute.

Do You Have the Knowledge?

Not every person has the skills necessary to do a lot of property improvement projects. Basic knowledge about home systems like electricity, plumbing, and HVAC can help guide you during the work, but you also may need to understand things like woodworking. While small projects could be done safely and correctly after watching a few tutorials on Youtube, the bigger the project, the more you’ll need to know. This delicate balance is why so many choose to hire contractors when larger projects need to be completed. It is much easier to trust professionals with your property than to try to learn new skills yourself and avoid causing damage to your home or business. Be willing to admit when you are out of your depth and consider investing in a professional contractor to work on your improvement project.

Budget and Timeline

These two aspects of an improvement project also play an important role in the planning process. Remodeling often takes longer than you expect, especially when you factor in wait times for materials to be delivered. You may have to spend a lot of time researching the costs of materials and labor to determine what your budget will be for the project. Try to allow some flexibility in the schedule for unexpected delays. If the project puts part of your property out of commission for a while, be careful not to underestimate how long it will take or you could be unprepared for any delays. Be as detailed as possible when planning the budget and timeline for your renovation or construction so that you encounter fewer surprises along the way, but remember to leave room for flexibility.

Preparation, Preparation, Preparation

If you want your improvement projects, both large and small, to go smoothly, then you need to over prepare. Understand the full cost of the project with as much detail as possible. Plan out a timeline that incorporates potential delays. Check to see if you have all the tools necessary to complete the project before you start. Consider whether or not you know what you are doing and if you should hire a contractor to do the job. Shop around for the right materials that will fit within your budget and perform the function that you want for the space. The more you prepare, the more likely your project will be a success.