Five Questions to Ask Before Renovating

By Marshall Loeb

Spending on remodeling is expected to reach $316 billion this year alone and the number is still climbing, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute. The Nest, a home-improvement website, says before making any big changes to your home you should ask yourself these big questions:

1. How long do I plan to stay in my house after the renovations?
The longer you plan to live there, the more creative you can be. But if you’re planning on selling the house in the next five years, keep potential buyers in mind with your choices.

2. Am I doing just cosmetic fixes or am I ready for an all-out overhaul?
It’s OK to make small changes one at a time, but think long-term about the next step.

3. Am I prepared for the home upheaval?
Be realistic about how long these changes might take. Renovations can go on for months, so you need to be prepared to make do without that bathroom, kitchen or bedroom. When checking references before you hire your contractor, be sure to ask if the company finished the work on time.

4. Are the renovations keeping with the style of my home?
Any big changes you make to a home inside should reflect what future buyers will expect from the outside. If you live in a Victorian house, don’t make it too contemporary.

5. Are my DIY choices reasonable?
You may consider yourself handy, but many do-it-yourself jobs demand your time more than anything else. If you have a full-time job, are you capable of taking on a second one?

A final tip: if you do plan to follow through with a large-scale renovation, do the smallest room in the house from start to finish-the insulating, rewiring, painting, refinishing, tiling–so you gain a sense of accomplishment.