Don’t Just DIY – The Importance of Working with a Team
When you’re planning to renovate a home for resale, it can be an overwhelming, daunting process. That’s why renovating with a team is so important to ensure that you’re successful and that everything gets done in a timely, efficient manner. You simply can’t tackle an entire renovation on your own. Consider hiring a team of experts who can make sure your project goes smoothly and that every detail is covered. Read on to learn more about why using a team to help with your home investment renovation is so important and how you can choose the best people for the job.
Determine Your Goals in Advance
Before you can start to assemble your renovation team, you’ll need to decide exactly what your goals are for the project. For example, if you’re just looking for a fast flip turn a property into a rental, you might not need an interior designer to help you along the way. On the other hand, a large luxury home will require experts who can make the renovation stand out and bring you the best return on your investment. Sit down and write out all your goals as well as who your target audience or market will be when it’s time to sell. When you figure out what you want to accomplish in advance, it’s much easier to figure out the specific areas of the renovation where you’ll need some help.
Professionals to Help with Your Renovation
As you get ready to assemble your renovation team, there will be plenty of people from various fields to help you through the process. While you might not need to hire all of these professionals, this list covers some of the basics that you will likely need to utilize.
General Contractor
Your general contractor will oversee most of the work during your renovation. It’s their job to make sure that every trade involved is doing things on time and doing everything the right way. They’re also needed if you plan to make major structural changes to your property before you sell it. General contractors can also help you with things like zoning and obtaining all the necessary permits.
Landscape Architect
The curb appeal is what really draws buyers in. A professional landscaper or landscape architect can help you create a beautiful exterior and choose native plants that are easy to care for. Landscapers also know how to create a beautiful entrance and backyard that’s easy to maintain as the seasons change. They can also recommend things like trees that should be removed or weeds that need to be taken out of the garden before you sell the home.
Flooring Professionals
Not only will the right choice of flooring sell your home faster, but it’s also important in terms of durability and cost. A flooring professional can help you select the perfect type of flooring for the neighborhood and the home. They can also recommend flooring that’s currently trending to help you get more bang for your buck. And, of course, these professionals will be able to remove any old flooring and install the new floors the right way so there are no problems later on.
Architect
You might not need to hire an architect unless you’re building a home from scratch or making major structural changes to the home. However, if you’re going to do an addition or add an outbuilding, an architect is highly recommended. These pros can help your vision become a reality, and their insight and professional drawings are much-needed when you go to submit the information to the city and to your general contractor.
Roofers
From a brand-new roof to just some simple repairs, you definitely need to hire a professional roofer for your renovation project. At the very minimum, ask the roofer to come and inspect the roof to look for any signs of wear or damage. They can help you prevent headaches later and might recommend a new roof for the home.
Plumbers
If you’re dealing with an older home, a plumber is certainly recommended. Plumbers can help check all of the pipes in the house to ensure that everything is still in good condition. They can also add new plumbing if you need to install things like a garbage disposal or a whirlpool tub.
Electricians
This profession is one of the most important aspects of any renovation. Hire a trusted electrician who can make sure that everything is wired properly and up to code. An electrician can also install any new appliances, wired home security systems, and lighting to the current code to ensure that everything is done safely and correctly the first time.
Choosing a Good Fit for Your Team
The concept of investing in property is to get the most money back possible from your hard work and investment. That doesn’t mean you should skimp on quality when it comes to renovating with a team, however. Try to focus on the quality of work that each trade provides and not just the total cost. Of course, you want to save money, but it should never come at the expense of the quality of work provided. Talk to other people who have used the same professionals and get a personal recommendation and review. Do your due diligence and make sure you only hire skilled, qualified, and experienced professionals to work on your team.
Going DIY vs Choosing a Professional
There are some things you can do yourself to save time and money. Some things that most people can do on their own include planting flowers, painting walls, or even installing a tile backsplash in the kitchen. Anything that’s considered to be mostly cosmetic is a project that you should be able to do yourself if you have the time and resources. Serious changes to the property such as new plumbing and electrical, flooring installations, and anything related to the home’s structure itself are best reserved for the pros.
How to Work with a Team
Choosing the right team is important but being able to work with them is equally as crucial to your success. Renovating with a team means that each member needs to keep the lines of communication open. Stay in contact with every individual involved and make sure that they have each others’ contact information, too. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make changes if you’re concerned about an aspect of your renovation project. When you communicate and let everyone know about your goals and your timeline, things will go much more smoothly. If you’re unhappy with any member of your team, let them know so the issues can be addressed. Teamwork takes patience and time, but the outcome will definitely be worth it.
