Disaster has struck, and now you have to restore your home. Whether you are a DIYer or need to hire a pro, there are some things to consider. Restoring your home is an opportunity to not only redo but to redesign, improve, and maybe even upgrade.
Or if you’re thinking it’s time to rejuvenate your beloved home? Exciting times. Totally worth it. Investing time and money in your home by restoring it is a wise move. Your home is an asset. Keeping it in good condition will benefit you with the peace of mind that when you need to sell, the value will be there.
Checklist for Home Restoration
- Write out the goals of the project. Goals produce measured actions.
- Write down the simplest ways to get to the goals. Clear paths prevent frustration.
- Write down the timeline. Efficiency prevents hair pulling.
- Write down the budget. Be prepared so you know what you can spend on restoration. Minimize money surprises.
- Write down ways to prevent the damage you’re repairing if you are doing that kind of restoration. Mindfulness is the mother of prevention.
- Write down what you are saving and reusing. Cataloging keeps everyone on track.
- Write down what you are removing and why. This creates historical documentation of your house.
Once you have a clear outline of the project, everyone will be on the same page and things will go much smoother. Make multiple copies of everything, just in case.
Finding What You Need to Restore
Research your purchases with your budget in hand.
Knowledge is power. Knowing what you are up against financially ahead of time will save you a lot of stress. Restoring pieces can be more costly. However, it may be worth it to have the original piece, so do your research to budget this.
Keep a log and ongoing tally of what you buy.
This duty is an important one! Due diligence and all that. It’s also known to save people from meltdowns.
Shop around for quality.
“They just don’t make it like they used to,” no truer words were spoken. Check the thrift stores, antique stores, eBay, even check with your neighbor. Jim next door could have a treasure trove in the basement or attic full of forgotten gems.
5 Tips for Home Restoration
- Know how often certain elements will need maintenance. How long does tuckpointing last or how about tile roofs?
- Match mortar in color, consistency, and elevation
- Install plain-sawn lumber with the heart side up. The edges will stay flat, and only the center will hump slightly if there is cupping.
- Keep your wood windows energy efficient by adding weather stripping and keeping storms up.
- Embrace the patina wholeheartedly. Research how it should be cleaned if you don’t know to preserve it.
Out with the Old, In with the New
Was your basement old and tired?
Did you have moisture in your basement? Old paneling? Decades-old carpet or linoleum?
Now is the perfect opportunity to remedy any issues that made your basement icky. There are some great moisture-resistant products out there for floors and walls. Have some fun doing the research and picking out a new style that will bring your basement up to date.
Were your interior walls ruined?
Now is the opportunity to open up the floor plan if you’ve always wanted to do that. HVAC ductwork, electrical, and plumbing need to be taken care of while the ceiling and walls are open.
Flooring destroyed?
Choices, choices, choices. For lower levels, look into moisture-resistant options. Floor coverings come in everything from carpet, to linoleum, hardwood, ceramic, stone, and cement.
Damaged windows?
Large projects like window repair or replacement need to be done first because it affects projects that come after it. You need to make sure the structure will be dry. If you need to replace them, get high wind and water-rated window replacements.
Damaged roofing?
Whether you are replacing or repairing, this task must be done first because everything that comes after is impacted by it. Keeping your structure dry is vital.
Consider more than the standard shingle. Roofing manufacturers make architectural shingles that vary in tones that may enhance the overall look of your house. There are also different roofing materials to choose from like slate, metal, and tile. Oh, the possibilities!
Helpful Hints to Consider Before Restoration
- Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured.
- Get two to three estimates to compare prices and what they do and what they don’t do.
- Don’t forget or forgo applying for the appropriate permits.
- Rent a dumpster or similar large container for demolition.
- Have your restoration area checked for lead-based paint and asbestos.
A home restoration project is an opportunity. It doesn’t have to be stressful, just plan. If you need to restore your home, consider hiring a restoration company like Restoration Denver to help you throughout the process. A restoration project is bound to be stressful. Minimize that stress and feel assured that your repairs will be done right and in a timely manner.
