Archie Hayes 
The COVID-19 pandemic has made most people realize the importance of having a nurturing, vibrant, and cozy home. Whether it’s a mini studio apartment or a lavish duplex, staying in your own home is the most joyous experience.
Nevertheless, if you’ve been living in the same house for too long, it’s only natural to crave change. You might suddenly want a fancier kitchen to channel your new-found love for cooking. Or you might want to make the living space bigger to help your kids freely move around the house.
Perhaps you’ve decided to move to better property and want to sell your current home. Remodeling your home can be just what you need to increase its resale value and/or make it more habitable. With real estate prices recovering fast in many states including Washington, this might be a good time to start remodeling your Olympia WA home.
Having said that, remodeling a home comes with a plethora of challenges and obstacles. It’s expensive and time-consuming, to begin with. Not to mention, it can completely disrupt your daily schedule for a while. Things can be particularly excruciating if your family includes kids and pets.
That’s why you need to carefully evaluate your needs and outline a rock-solid remodeling plan before kickstarting the project. In this blog, we’ve highlighted a few questions you need to ask before you considering remodeling your Olympia WA home. Let’s get started.
Why Do I Want to Remodel My Home?
Do you intend to live in the house for many more years after remodeling it? Do you have any plans to expand your family or get any pets in the future? Or are you willing to sell it and move to a better place a few years down the line?
These are all questions you need to ask yourself to identify your long-term home remodeling goals. Your answers to these questions will determine the extent of remodeling you need to get done.
This is also a good time to look at your neighborhood and analyze whether your remodeled home would blend with the area. The last thing you want is to end up with a house that sticks out like a sore thumb amidst other houses in the neighborhood.
How Much Should I Spend?
It goes without saying that home remodeling is an expensive affair. From building materials and paint to light fixtures and bathroom fittings - you’ll have to cover various expenses. Also, you need to pay contractors, such as electricians, plumbers, painters, carpenters, etc. for their work.
That’s why it is essential to allocate a realistic budget for the project. Make sure you leave room for last-minute contingencies and additional expenses. This will come in handy if you have to move to a hotel room for a couple of nights or order frequent takeouts during the remodel.
It’s also recommended that you consult an experienced contractor, interior designer, or architect while setting your budget. Alternatively, you can get help from a friend or family member who has recently remodeled or renovated their own home.
Who’s Going to Do All the Remodeling Work?
Here’s the thing - a home improvement project isn’t a one-person job. You’ll need an army of skilled masons, carpenters, drywallers, roofers, painters, plumbers, and landscapers to bring remodel your home. While you can always find individual contractors online, it’s often better to ask your friends and family living in Olympia for recommendations.
Also, make sure you run a thorough background check and vet every contractor’s credentials. Ask for their license, certification, lien history, and liability insurance details. You can even ask them to provide you with the details of any previous projects they’ve worked on.
Alternatively, you can go the DIY route and get your entire family involved in the project while cutting costs. It can be a fun way to bond with your kids while teaching them some handiwork. However, you should only consider DIY home improvements if you know what you’re doing.
What About the Power?
Installing new walls, a coat of paint, new flooring here and there... These can be tasks that a competent DIYer could take care of themselves. But when dealing with electricity in the home, that's best left to a qualified Olympia WA electrician.
Considering that electrical wiring is an essential part of building a safe and habitable living space, hiring an experienced electrician is extremely important. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check the electrician’s license, certification, and insurance details.
Do I Have the Necessary Permits?
Obtaining building permits is one of the most crucial yet frequently overlooked aspects of home remodeling. It ensures that your remodeled home complies with the structural and fire safety regulations of your jurisdiction. It also saves you from any legal hassles if you decide to sell your home in the future.
Do you have any other house remodeling tips for homeowners in Olympia WA? Share your suggestions in the comments section below.
