Undertaking a complete overhaul of your existing home interior design can be challenging. But a good plan and a reliable interior designer can make it smoother.
Setting out on a revamp drive of your home interior design can be an overwhelming experience for many. We have heard it all: damaged installations, home improvement designs that turn out to be horrific, budgets overshooting.
For a hassle-free home interior complete solution, it is important to have a plan with specific goals in mind. Equally important is to consult a knowledgeable interior designer and a reliable contractor who can get the job done within your stipulated budget and time.
7 Home Improvement Ideas for 2022
To ensure your home improvement project serves the purpose of adding beauty and comfort to your habitat, take a look at this comprehensive guide.
#1. Set Out Specific Goals
The first step is to decide which areas of your home you want improvements to or whether you want to take a deep dive into complete home remodeling. You may have specific ideas for specific areas. For example:
- Redo the interior design of the kitchen and dining space.
- Replace antique pieces of furniture with contemporary modular home furniture in Pune.
- Storage cabinets are another home item that often needs our attention.
- Upgrade your kids’ room/s every few years as kids grow up. And they do grow so fast, and their tastes change even faster!
- Boredom often dictates our choices of home décor, especially in places we spend much time, such as our bedrooms.
- Add-on structures or room extensions are another consideration.
- Change the orientation of your setup, although most of us prefer shopping for some new home furniture in Pune and enriching the existing décor.
- Declutter to bring an element of freshness to your home.
- Redecorate with new cushion covers, rugs, and carpets. Get those worn-out tiles polished and deep cleaned.
#2. Budgeting Concerns
This is especially important. Your budget dictates the scope of your project. Draw out an estimate of the projected costs. If they exceed your expectations, modify your scope to something less extravagant.
In case of a full renovation, you may have to pack up some stuff and vacate your home for the project’s duration. Factor in the cost of living outside of your own home. Ready-made installations are also cheaper than those needing extensive assembly from scratch.
It is advisable to adopt a per-room strategy so that your furniture and other home items can be shifted according to the room where work is going.
#3. Some Background Research is in Order
Before embarking on interviewing contractors or interior designers, do some research online. Read reviews on relevant platforms and from experts in the field. There are plenty of reading materials, from magazines on home improvements to whole books on interior decorations and renovations.
Remember, you are not studying to become an expert. But, do make yourself aware of the best tools and methods available for such a large-scale endeavor. You will need them to negotiate your terms with the contractor.
$3. Hire a Good Contractor or Designer
Your contractor or home designer can make or break your dream project. Many modular furniture manufacturers in Pune offer consultation and professional services to get the job done correctly. You can even:
- Ask your neighbors.
- Take advice from friends and family members.
- Consult your real estate agent. They have a world of useful knowledge that is often underestimated.
- Check online resources on the subject.
- Ask for their expertise and contacts if you know someone in your local housing department.
#5. Careful Vetting of Prospective Contractors
Once you are confident of your research findings, a few more steps remain to be taken before you can start your home renovation project.
- Ask for references: Create a shortlist of the most promising choices from your research. Reach out to them and ask for references. You want to be sure that your contractor or designer comes with the necessary reputation.
- Reach out to previous clients: Be thorough in your background checks. Reach out to some of the referees and ask them about their experiences. Ask questions about any surprises that might have come up during the project and how the contractor resolved them.
- Interview prospects: Interview at least three to four candidates. Ask the basic questions, such as the number of days likely for the completion, sourcing of materials, how many crew members, and, of course, the estimated costs.
- Verify credentials: Ensure that your candidates have valid licenses and insurance policies. It is also precautionary to ask local authorities for any permits that may be required for carrying out renovation work, especially if you plan to bring changes to the exterior of your home.
- Lay Out Your Expectations: You have a blueprint in mind. Lay it out in front of your candidates and let them spell out what their plans will be like for the execution of the project.
Discuss issues such as damage control, retention/refurbishment of old furniture, etc. This will ensure your experience is hassle-free.
You can also discuss whether new items will be sourced by you, such as wholesale modular furniture in Pune, or you would entrust the contractor with this job.
- Have a Written Contract in Place: Finally, put everything down in writing to the last detail. Draw up a formal contract of work. Use language that is easy to understand for both parties involved. Mention the price of services, scope of work, duration of work, materials needed, and other relevant information.
#6. Getting the Job Done Right
Once started, remember that you are the boss of your home improvement project. It is your ideas and wishes that need to be put into place. Assert yourself and be firm while giving out instructions. Let the contractor know you are very much involved in overseeing this project.
It is also useful to plan which portions of your house you want to get done first. Again, this should depend on the convenience of the house’s inhabitants, in this case, you and your family. Here are a couple of tips to help you plan in this regard.
- Focus on the heavy lifting first: If you plan to carry out major repairs to the foundations of your house, start there. Larger improvement projects may include replacing sidings and roofs or fixing water seepage issues if your house is old. Also, find out if these repairs will adversely impact your other plans for the renovation.
- Improvements to supplementary structures should come last: Work on additions, swimming pools, and other structures detached from the main house towards the end of your home renovation project.
#7. Don’t Let Unpleasant Surprises Spoil the Party
Despite the best planning and flawless blueprints, always be prepared to run into surprises. As you dismantle your home (only to make it better again), keep ready for something unexpected!
Faulty electricals, shaky foundations, rotting wood, or damaged pipeline – can turn your dream project into a complete nightmare. Tackle this by setting aside a small portion of your budget. If they don’t arise, you can always buy yourself a fancy dinner or a vacation to celebrate the completion of the project!
Finally, consider some DIY upgrades to cut down on costs, especially if your budget is limited. However, if you have opted for professional services, it is best to let them do their jobs. Trying to micromanage everything may prove to be counterproductive.
Aarti Kurbetti is the owner of Ap Interior, a leading modular furniture manufacturer in Pune, India. In this blog, Aarti shares a complete guide for hassle-free home improvement. For More Home Improvement Guide and Home Improvement Ideas, Visit Net Zings.