Americans spend billions of dollars a year on upgrading their homes – and spending increased during the pandemic, contributing to shortages of some building materials.
Remodeling property is a great strategy to improve your financial position. Bathrooms and kitchens are two of the best areas to upgrade if you’re thinking of selling in the mid to short term.
One observation however, the older your renovation, the less impact it will have on your price outcome. As an experienced real estate agent, it’s usually best to sell soon after the contractors have left you with a bright, shiny kitchen, bathroom, home office or additional bedroom.
While there’s always a place for DIY, contractors best carry out big-budget remodels. Their craftsmanship will contribute to increasing the value of your home.
Here are five good reasons to find a quality contractor.
A professional finish
Quality upgrades will always add value to your home. Craftsmanship costs money, but it’s a good investment. If work is carried out by a willing but not-very-skilled handyman, it shows which can impact on the final price you’ll achieve when it comes time to sell.
Safety first
Never take shortcuts or go cheap with electricity or plumbing. These trades are licensed for a reason. Electricity can kill you, and bad plumbing can cause water damage to the structure of your home that could cost a small fortune to repair. Professional contractors will also have insurance.
Head for heights
How difficult can painting be? Grab some paint and a roller or brush and voila. But it’s not much fun at the top of a ladder. It can wobble when you reach out or readjust your position. And it can be a long way down. And it’s not just painting. It’s the preparation work. Professional painters know all the tricks of the trade to deliver a truly professional finish.
On the tiles
Tiling is harder than it looks. Firstly, there’s nothing easy about screeding a bathroom floor so all the water drains away. When it comes to actual tiling, those plastic spacers may give a willing amateur confidence. But the key is to finish with your walls square. That means relentless measuring. Tiles can be a beautiful highlight of your home, and once they are stuck on, they’re permanent, so make the most of the opportunity and bring in someone who specialises in doing the job right.
Best materials
Contractors know the right materials to get the job done correctly. They have the best access to the right timbers, waterproofing solutions and a host of other materials they use every day and the rest of us hardly ever buy.