Renovating a home is exciting and can even be fun, especially if you know what to expect. If you are new to home renovation, it is completely normal to have many frequently asked questions about the process, pricing, and any potential issues.

Projects vary widely, but there are some most common questions that tend to be universal among homeowners. Understanding these questions and, more importantly, their answers will help make sure you are fully ready for your home renovation project, whether it’s a new countertop or a full makeover.

Here are the 7 Most Frequently Asked Questions & Answers About Home Renovation…

1. How Can You Estimate the Project Timeline?

Construction projects of all kinds are notorious for taking longer than expected. Rather than being frustrated when your project doesn’t meet its original completion date, it’s good to plan ahead and leave plenty of buffer time. For example, most bathroom remodels take on average one month to complete. However, this can vary greatly depending on many factors. The size of the bathroom and the complexity of the remodel will be the biggest contributors to a lengthy project.

Prepare for the unexpected on any home renovation project, though. Houses can have quirks that you may not know about until the project is underway. Indeed, there are often delays getting appliances and materials… especially now. So, examine rough estimates for each space you want to remodel. Also, add a decent chunk of buffer time, perhaps 25% extra. If you don’t need it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised and have your project done early.

2. How Can You Estimate the Renovation Cost?

Another frequently asked question about home renovation. One of the most challenging parts to answer this home renovation question is figuring out how much you will have to pay for the whole project. Since every house and renovation is different, it can be hard to find comparable prices to use as an estimate. Some things, like appliances or fittings, are easier since they are generally not custom purchased. However, even for things like new floors, a new roof, demolishing and replacing walls, or decorating, it is still possible to get a clear estimate.

Professional home flippers recommend bringing an expert set of eyes to the house to get the best estimate possible. Someone like a general contractor with extensive experience renovating homes will be familiar with pricing standards for a variety of remodeling projects. Researching standard prices for certain components and consulting with an expert is generally the best way to make sure your price estimate is high enough. However, make sure to include some extra buffer money just in case.

3. Will the Contractors Make a Mess?

It is understandable to be concerned about the mess that a renovation project might create around your property, and it’s definitely a valid, most frequently asked question about home renovation. Since you are spending a significant amount of money to improve your home, worrying about contractors is normal. However, good contractors, such as High Class Builders, will have a responsible cleanup procedure. Also, this is should detailed in their contract, including the types of machines they might employ to move materials around and keep the area tidy. If it’s not included, definitely request to put that in.

Remember, every contract is negotiable under the Uniform Commercial Code, which runs every aspect of our economy.

During home renovation projects, there is frequent use of tarps and plastic dividers to contain debris and protect the property. Any renovation will naturally create a certain level of “mess.” However, professional contractors will make sure it remains at a minimum by cleaning up as soon as possible.

4. What Equipment Will Be Around Your Property?

When homeowners worry about a mess around their property during a renovation, bulky construction equipment often comes to mind. That’s why this is another one of the most frequently asked questions about home renovation.

Contractors won’t use heavy vehicles and equipment if they don’t genuinely need to, since they have to pay to use and maintain that equipment. Typically, only large-scale renovations, such as those requiring groundwork, will need heavy ground-engaging tools, backhoes, and similar equipment.

Rest assured, licensed contractors have the proper training to use this specialty equipment. They won’t leave it on your property any longer than absolutely necessary. This is the case especially if they have rented them. However, if you are concerned about any equipment, you can always research the specific vehicles and tools just so you know what you are signing up for.

5. Do You or the Contractor Need Insurance?

This is definitely one of the most frequently asked questions about home renovation! And rightly so. The answer is often “both.”

While it varies depending on the scale of your renovations and your specific insurance provider, you may need to let your insurance company know that you are doing renovations. Even if you are not strictly required, it may be a good idea. This could allow your insurance provider to cover things like new appliances or increase coverage adequately for a home with a new addition.

If you’re worried about a raise in premium, you can first simply ask them nonchalantly “what if” you were to do your desired renovation.

Along with your own insurance, the contractor should have insurance of their own. Any professional contractor will have, at a minimum, liability, Workers’ Compensation, and property insurance along with proof of all three. The same goes for any subcontractors the general contractor hires.

6. Can Renovations Have Zoning Issues?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about home renovation in cities. Zoning laws cover the regulations on the development of land within a certain area. Sometimes this means buildings cannot be taller than a certain height or too close to one another.

Different municipalities have different zoning laws, including some that may affect you. While your local government generally won’t care if you remodel your bathroom, they may need to know in advance if you are planning to add an addition or another story to your home.

For example, zoning laws commonly include rules about how close a house can be to the street. Whether it makes sense to you or not, if nothing else, it’s just another way to raise revenue for the bureaucratic process.

Regulations like these need to be researched and accounted for well in advance. You may need to get a building permit, which can take time. This is especially important if your home may qualify as a historical, cultural, or ethnically significant site, in which case the interior may have protection by zoning laws as well as the exterior.

7. Are Renovations a Good Return on Investment?

This is our favorite most frequently asked question about home renovation, because the answer is: “Absolutely Yes!”

Home renovations in general are considered a good investment for multiple reasons. For starters, renovations improve the overall quality of your home, which improves your quality of life. Some kinds of renovations, like a new roof, will protect your home from damage and the elements. These in turn protect your family and belongings inside.

Some types of renovations will have a greater return on investment than others depending on your specific circumstances. This is especially true if you are considering renovations because you want to sell your home. The idea behind this strategy is to get a better selling price. You can achieve this by updating key appliances and rooms, namely the kitchen and bathrooms. This tactic can certainly pay off, but experts have advised homeowners to stick to a traditional look in order to appeal to the highest number of potential buyers.

Overall, though, a home renovation will provide you with an updated living space that fits your designs and may even be more spacious. Getting a good return on investment is a matter of making sure you get the best value for the money in each step of the process.

Renovating Your Dream Home

Renovating is a great way to make your dream home a reality without moving out. Similarly, it could help you sell your house for the best price possible while offering someone else their dream home. Navigating the most frequently asked questions surrounding renovations is the first step toward a good remodeling experience and the home that is perfect for you.

In case you have any architectural, structural, and MEP design requirements, or need subtle home additions for your home, feel free to contact us for a Free Estimate.