Redesigning any room in your house can be a serious undertaking, but when it comes to your living room, pay extra special attention to the minor details that could make, or break, your design plans.
Here, then, is our list of DO’s and DON’Ts when it comes to remodeling your living room.
- DON’T delay any decisions – especially major ones that require such things as taking down walls or restructuring the architecture. Any delays in decisions can lead to the renovation going over time…and over budget!
- DO ask for a contract. And DO be wary of a contractor that refuses to provide one for you.
- DON’T assume the lowest bidder is the best choice. Make sure you thoroughly vet your contractor and make sure that he (or she) can provide exactly what you’re looking for. Remember: you get what you pay for, and sometimes, being overly cheap can cost you more money in the long run.
- DO be flexible with your budget, and DO set up a contingency fund to cover for unforeseen expenses.
- DON’T leave your children or pets in the house with the contractor while he (or she) is doing work. Your contractor is there to remodel your home – not to baby-sit your two- and/or four-legged critters.
- DO let the contractor buy the materials – you may think you’re saving money by buying the materials yourself, but more often than not, the contractor knows what he (or she) is doing when they purchase the materials…better than you do! In addition, a contractor can get certain discounts that the average non-professional can’t get…so let him (or her) do the job you hired them to do!
- DON’T get too frustrated with the process. Remember, though it can sometimes feel that the renovation is taking forever…eventually, it comes to an end…and, hopefully, you’ll be happy with the results!
