Do you have the itch for a home improvement or renovation project? There’s no doubt that they are fun to partake in and when done correctly, should be able to also improve the value of your home. However, no matter if you’re planning on doing it as a DIY renovation or enlisting the help of some local contractors, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into before you start construction!
Here at Stine-Nichols Plumbing, one of our specialities is residential plumbing services. We take pride in providing reliable and long-lasting plumbing solutions to Kansas City homeowners. It’s as simple as that! And one of the things under the umbrella of “residential plumbing services” is undoubtedly renovations and remodels. From the initial rough-in to the final fixture installation, remodels can quickly become quite complex. From a plumber’s perspective though, they’re always fun projects to be involved in, as you can see the amazing transformation it has on a room.
With that all being said, this week’s blog is going to be focused on those homeowners looking to embark on a large-scale renovation. Maybe you’re looking to finish your basement or even make a complete room addition to your home. No matter what the purpose may be, a large renovation like this should always be considered a significant investment and handled appropriately. We’ll provide you with some tips for doing just that.
Have a Timeline
Renovations take time. Much like any other large-scale renovation, nothing is going to happen overnight. For example, take a basement finish. This is likely going to require the work of multiple contractors and/or subcontractors. Plumbers, electricians, you name it. Early on in the process, make sure to get with the contractor(s) doing the work and get a rough timeline sketched out. Keep in mind that this is an estimate and delays may or may not occur. A perfect example of a potential delay that couldn’t be predicted is how many key supplies were on backorder for much of 2021. Just from a plumber’s point of view, this supply debacle made it tough to get tankless water heaters in any timeframe quicker than 2-3 months! Long story short, our first tip is to establish a timeline at the start, while still understanding delays are a possibility! Expect the unexpected!
Get Multiple Bids and Do Your Research
As you can probably guess, a major factor in this renovation equation is finding the right people to do the work. And unless you have experience with large-scale home improvement projects, it can be difficult to decide what is a fair price for the project and which aspects of the renovation are absolutely necessary. For this reason alone, we strongly recommend getting a few different bids from local contractors. This will help ensure you not only get a fair price, but also that the finished product is what you had in mind in the first place.
To add on to this point, make sure to do your research on these different companies while you’re in the process of receiving bids. Check out their website and social media pages to see photos or videos of past projects they’ve worked on. Take a look at any reviews out there to get an idea of what past customers have said about them. In the end, make sure to utilize all of the valuable information on the internet to get an idea of how reputable they are!
Return on Investment?
While an important aspect of any renovation is to find something that looks great and that you can personally enjoy, it doesn’t hurt to analyze how it may affect the home’s value too. This is particularly important if you see yourself moving within the next ten years! What might help out with this?
Past Research – There’s no doubt that the internet is filled with both helpful and not-so helpful information. Luckily, there are some great studies out there that break down which home improvement projects provide the best ROI. This one from HGTV is a perfect example. In it’s top five rankings of top home updates, you’ll find “Minor Kitchen Remodel” and “Minor Bathroom Remodel.” For prospective homebuyers, two of the more popular areas they look at early on are the master suite and the kitchen. Not to mention, a key aspect of remodeling each of these involves modern fixtures. It’s amazing the difference a new freestanding bathtub or sink/faucets can have on a space!
Big or Small – A major question many homeowners will ask themselves is the exact magnitude of the renovation. For example…a minor bathroom remodel may simply involve getting a new bathtub or shower installed, maybe a new vanity or some modern faucets. With this, it’s fairly easy to evaluate the potential ROI. A major bathroom remodel? This is going to be a little more complicated, as it may involve rerouting plumbing lines, moving existing fixtures and even adding new ones!
Select Designs That Will Hold Up Over Time
Would you agree there are plenty of designs or products that have gone out of style over the years? Fads, trends, whatever you call it, there’s no denying there have been a few throughout the past decades. Having personally been involved in the plumbing world for a few decades myself, I’ve witnessed bathroom and kitchen-related ones first-hand. With that in mind, we always recommend selecting designs or styles that are a little more neutral-based. Yes, you can certainly still go with a layout that is a little more out-there, but just understand that this may not be as beneficial when it comes to the home’s value.
Leave it to the Professionals
Without a doubt, there are plenty of home improvement projects out there that can be completed as DIY jobs. Think of repairs, such as replacing a flapper in a toilet or flushing a water heater. However, unless you have a construction background, it is generally going to be wise to leave larger renovations up to the pros. Not just for your own personal safety, but also to ensure the project doesn’t head south and truly turn into a never-ending money pit. From acquiring the necessary permits to working with electrical wiring and everything in between, it’s safe to say remodeling includes quite a few potential variables. This doesn’t mean you can’t assist in stylistic or design components, but there is value in having a professional on-site. They can provide recommendations on brands to use, will know where potential issues reside, and ultimately give you the peace of mind that everything is being handled properly. Wouldn’t you agree that it’s generally a good idea to leave it up to the pros?
Bathroom and Kitchen Remodeling Services in Kansas City
As briefly mentioned in the opening paragraph, our team at Stine-Nichols Plumbing has been honored to have had the opportunity to assist on plenty of remodeling projects over the years. From ones that simply involved swapping out a fixture to larger projects resembling a true construction site, it’s always fun to see the overall transformation. For those in Kansas City looking to embark on either a kitchen or bathroom remodel, we would be happy to lend a hand on the plumbing portion of it and provide you with some excellent local contractors for the other work! To get started, you’re more than welcome to give us a call at (816) 348-3481 or fill out the form HERE.