Don’t you just love seeing a property go through a massive transformation? Let’s admit, we all love looking at before-and-after photos of an ugly, dated home that’s morphed into a luxurious showstopper. What these pictures don’t show, however, are the sweat and tears that likely took place behind the scenes.
According to the Home Improvement Research Institute, about 75% of homeowners are planning one or more renovation projects in the next three months. This is the highest rate of project planning the organization has seen since it began tracking in 2012. What most of these homeowners will discover though is that their renos will be rife with unexpected problems along the way. These issues can range from mold behind bathroom walls to a non-committal contractor who can’t keep his word.
VaVia is one of America’s most trusted providers of dumpster rentals, and we can make your renovation process a little bit easier. Our team helps both homeowners and contractors deal with construction waste in an efficient and responsible way. We’ve learned a lot through decades of working alongside construction professionals. That’s why we’re offering some tips to ensure your next reno experience is as seamless as possible.
1. Define the scope of your project
Every successful renovation project needs a clear plan from the get-go. Having a vision for the space in question is crucial. This vision should include key decisions regarding layout, materials and aesthetic design. A clear picture of what your finished project will look like will help you determine your budget and stay on track.
2. Determine your budget
In a recent study called ‘Improving America’s Housing 2019’, researchers found that homeowners spent about 50% more on remodeling projects in 2017 than they did at the end of the recession in 2010. And according to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, the U.S. market for home improvement and repair is well over $400 billion. This means you’ll want to make sure every hard-earned dollar you spend counts.
No matter the size of your budget, give yourself some flexibility because unexpected expenses will crop up. For example, your contractor may discover asbestos behind your bedroom wall, or the discounted flooring you chose may now be discontinued. Most renovation experts recommend adding about 10-20% to your budget for extra wiggle room.
3. Get some expert opinions
Whether you’re using a contractor or handling your reno in true DIY-style, it’s best to consult with the professionals. Local tradespeople, realtors and expert designers can be very helpful along the way. They can not only help you make key decisions, but also offer professional advice on how these decisions can impact your home’s integrity and market value.
You may also need a second opinion on how to handle logistical aspects, such as temporary housing or storage space. After all, a renovation will not only affect your physical property. It can also uproot your entire life for the time being. Don’t hesitate to reach out to local industry experts in a variety of fields to get the advice you need.
4. Understand when to splurge -- and when to save
There are certain upgrades that will add immense value to your home. According to the design experts at HGTV, for example, a homeowner can expect to recoup 60-120% of their investment in a kitchen remodel. The key, however, is not to go overboard by making your kitchen dramatically fancier than the rest of the house. But if it’s a matter of deciding between a cheap countertop and another version made of high-quality quartz, splurge on the latter.
Avoid over-spending though on fixtures and appliances that may turn off future buyers. Renovations that don’t fit the home or neighbourhood won’t resonate well when it’s time to sell.
5. Determine how you’ll handle construction debris
Waste disposal is a key consideration when planning your reno. Renting a dumpster is one of the best ways to ensure project efficiency. From slabs of concrete to old kitchen appliances, you’ll need a secure space to accumulate all this construction debris. A bin rental from VaVia will allow you to pile up all this waste, without having to worry about where it’ll go afterwards. Simply call our team once your container is full, and we’ll haul it away for you. A dumpster rental differs from a junk removal service in that you have the flexibility to fill your bin as your reno progresses.
Let VaVia make your construction project a little easier by supporting you in the areas that matter. Our team has decades of experience helping both contractors and homeowners make their dreams a reality. We do this by handling your renovation waste in an efficient and stress-free manner.
So don’t let a pile of debris derail your project. Discover for yourself why our motto has always been ‘Easy Go’. Simply call to rent one of our 10 or 15-yard containers, then let us handle the rest!
For more information on dumpster rentals, call VaVia at 1-833-GO-VAVIA or contact us here.
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