The Dos and Don'ts of DIY Home Remodels: Expert Advice for a Stress-Free Project

No matter how much you put it off, eventually, every home needs a good remodel to bring it into the modern era. Whether you're updating your home to sell or you're making it feel more like home for yourself, there are dozens of options for what you can do to make it more comfortable. Unfortunately, mistakes are common! These are some of the top dos and don't to make your home remodel go as smoothly as possible.

1. Do: Budget Thoroughly

Before you do anything else, it's vital that you stop and set a budget for yourself. This needs to be realistic and requires a little bit of research. Look into the average cost of these jobs and what could go wrong. Try to keep in mind that you shouldn't spend more than ten percent of your home's value in any single room, or you won't get a total return on your investment. Think about how much you're willing to spend now or how much your credit can take.

2. Don’t: Forget to Set a Timeline

Many people forget to set a timeline when they're starting a remodel and either underestimate how long it will take or let the project drag on for years. It's vital that you stop and think this over. Look into how long other people have had to spend on similar projects and decide if these timelines are feasible for you. Remember to give yourself a little wiggle room, but not too much, so that you can still get it done in a timely manner.

3. Do: DIY Some Amounts to Save Money

The best way to save money during a remodel is to DIY some amounts of the work. This could mean applying paint striper to cabinets and repainting or staining them to protect yourself from a complete replacement, or it could even mean redoing the lighting in your home on your own!

DIY can be a great way to save dough and make your home shine.

4. Don’t: DIY More Than You Can Handle

Unfortunately, some people DIY a little too close to the sun and end up with expensive repairs to fix their mistakes. If you're planning on doing some of the work yourself, take the time to figure out how much you can realistically handle. There's no need to spend a lot of time and money working on a project that you can't complete on your own. Reach out to professionals, and ask for quotes and timelines if you're ever struggling with whether or not to outsource the work. Sometimes finding out how affordable or fast a professional is will make it easier to give them the reins.

5. Do: Build for the Eventual Sale

When you're remodeling, it's a good idea to keep your personal tastes in mind. This will give you the chance to create a property that feels welcoming and homey. It's vital that you don't forget to remember the eventual buyer, though. If you're planning on selling within the next ten years, you'll want to be able to show off your laminate flooring. 

Building for the sale will give you a chance to get the highest return on your investment.

6. Don’t: Go Off of Every Trend

You should build with buyers in mind, but you shouldn't let them rule every decision. There are countless housing and remodeling trends that go in and out of popularity every year, and by sticking to a bunch from now, your home might look outdated in five to ten years. Instead, it’s a good idea to go for an attractively classic look that incorporates natural wood and beautiful design details.

7. Do: Remember to Show Off the Best of Your Home

The best parts of your home may not be in the best light right now! Take the time to update, rearrange and showcase these areas of your property. This could mean framing your living room around a massive and beautiful fireplace or adding crown molding to your kitchen cabinets to draw the eye up and show off how high your ceilings are! You can always create centerpieces that will inspire and wow, like adding a bay window to your kitchen's breakfast nook for natural light and aesthetic value, but the average home has a lot to show off as it is! Don't be afraid to work with a professional to figure out what the highlights of your home should be.

Your Home Can Look Incredible in No Time