We’ve already discussed how much proper upkeep can help keep your property value as high as possible. There are lots of little things you can do yourself that will boost your home’s curb appeal and keep the value of your house maximized. It doesn’t take much to slap on a new coat of paint or to spend an afternoon doing some light landscaping.
Sometimes, though, your home is going to require updates, additions, or improvements that are a little more substantial. That’s where contractors come in. A skilled contractor has the vision and expertise to take your home to the next level. They’re capable of doing the big jobs that your average homeowner just doesn’t have the time or skills to handle alone.
Hiring a contractor is a big risk, though. We’ve all heard horror stories of half-finished work, huge budget overages, and shoddy craftsmanship. Don’t worry, though. It’s perfectly possible to hire a contractor who will do your job quickly, perfectly, and on a budget. We’ve put together a few handy tips to help you pick the right contractor for your home.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
This is by far the most important step to hiring the right contractor. It’s a crowded market out there, and plenty of contractors can talk a big talk but aren’t able to back it up when it comes time to complete the work. Smart homeowners never just take a contractor’s word. Luckily, you don’t need to.
There are tons of resources available for homeowners looking to hire a contractor. The most obvious is friends and family. Reach out to the people around you and ask them who they’ve used in the past. It’s a great way to find out who is able to follow through and who doesn’t live up to the hype.
You don’t just have to rely on your personal connections, though. The internet is an invaluable tool for identifying quality contractors. Services like Yelp, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor all offer tools for homeowners looking to do some work around the house. Before you make a huge decision regarding your home, make sure you exhaust every possible resource to help you make the right decision for your family.
BUDGET WISELY
Budgeting is crucial. As much as we might wish it was different, sometimes unexpected costs are going to happen. If you set a budget for yourself and then plan a job that pushes that budget to a limit, it’s almost guaranteed that you’re going to watch the cost exceed your expectations.
When budgeting for home improvements, it’s important to give yourself a cushion. Know how much you are willing to spend and then make sure that your planned updates and additions come in a good bit under that price. Understand that you might need to pay for extra labor, higher material costs, and other unexpected expenses and then plan accordingly. Don’t get caught unprepared when those additional expenses rear their heads.
PICK YOUR PROJECTS
It’s easy to get carried away with improving your home, but it’s important to do a risk and reward assessment before you start writing checks. Not every home improvement is equal when it comes to improving your home’s value. If you want the best return on your investment, you should figure out what buyers are looking for and then only do improvements that are going to make your home more valuable and enticing. Obviously it’s fine to spend money to make your home a more important place to live, but if you want to maximize your property value, stick to things that are going to give you the best possible return.