Things to Consider Before Starting a Home Renovation

There are many reasons why you may want to renovate your house. Perhaps you are wanting to increase appeal for a potential buyer or looking to make extra room for your growing family. Or maybe you have realized that a design feature that was once trendy has become dated. Whether you are renovating your home for yourself or for a potential buyer, there are a few things you’ll want to consider before you get started.

Have a plan

Don’t rush into a renovation with vague ideas. Take time to explore styles and features that you like and would want to use.

If your goal is to renovate your home for a potential sale, try to lean toward designs that have broad appeal rather than renovating entirely on your whims. Thumbing through current design magazines and websites can help you figure out what’s popular while still playing to your own personal tastes.

If you are wanting to renovate to regain space in your home, you may be able to simply maximize the square footage you already have. There is no shortage of DIY videos and articles showcasing how to reclaim disorganized space. From lazy susans and cabinet-height pull out drawers to decluttering and improving organization, you could save thousands of dollars with space-saving options versus a full-on renovation.

There are also plenty of small things you can do to update your home’s interior. Accessorizing with plants and wall art, adding a new light fixture like a chandelier, updating hardware, or adding a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a space that needs some sprucing up.

DIY or call in the pros

There’s no way to get around the main factor for most renovations—your budget. Undoubtedly, there will be some things better left to the pros, like rewiring power sources, constructing an additional room or moving pipes. However, there are a number of things you can do on your own to help reduce renovation costs.

Be honest about your skill level when assessing what tasks you want to tackle on your own. While the DIY route may be the less expensive option, a misstep could be costly if you have to call in the pros to fix a mistake.

The not so small details

Once you have your plan together, it’s time to focus on the finer details like textures and finishes. While there are some tried and true materials for common home renovation projects, the decisions regarding materials are ultimately up to you.

For kitchens and bathrooms, you can’t go wrong with elegant granite counter tops, which are the most popular options with homebuyers today. If granite is not your style, there are endless colors and patterns of quartz and tile options available. You can always add extra touches too, like recessed lighting to help illuminate your counter space and accessorizing with pops of color.

When it comes to flooring in bedrooms and other living spaces, you have more choices than ever. Hardwood and laminate flooring are fan favorites since they are easy to maintain, especially if you have small children or pets. Carpet is another option that is available in a wide catalogue of colors, styles, and textures.

Renovating your home can be a fun process once you have your plan together. Whether you choose to do it yourself or let contractors handle the work, Trustmark is here to help you fund your project.

Visit your local Trustmark branch and ask about the lending options that are available for your home renovations and repairs.