DIY Home Remodeling
Do it yourself home remodeling may be a smart way for you to invest in your home. Updating or making improvements to your home often make sense. You can improve the quality of your family’s life while living in the home. Plus, depending on the project, you possibly add value to your home when it comes time to sell.
DIY remodeling tips
Before embarking on any DIY remodeling you should ask yourself a few questions:
• Is your project a simple one? Something like painting and installing crown molding, or are you planning on completely overhauling a kitchen or a bathroom?
• Do you have the skills and experience to undertake the project?
• Do you have the time to squeeze the project into your already busy life?
• Are you willing to give up your weekends to invest your sweat equity in your home?
If you answered yes to these questions, be sure to do your homework. Read up on similar projects in books or on the Internet. Get tips from knowledgeable people. Be sure your family is on board and willing to put up with the mess and extended length of the project.
If you answered no, you may want to start shopping for a qualified contractor. Get referrals from neighbors and friends. Be sure they are experienced with your type of project and are licensed and/or bonded.
Do a reality check
Home improvement shows on TV make it look easy to makeover a room in a weekend. Have realistic expectations for what you, and even your contractor, can accomplish, especially within your budget.
Remember these shows have dozens of people behind the scenes that have helped get the project underway. Their budgets are for materials only and don’t include the labor involved in designing or building the space. Research, planning and a clear view of reality will go a long way to a successful project.
Financing your DIY home remodeling
Depending on the extent of your project, you may not have enough cash on hand to finance it. For major overhauls, you may want to consider using available equity in your home to finance its improvement. Countrywide Home Loans, a division of Countrywide Bank, FSB, has a variety of home refinance loan and home equity loan options. Call Countrywide’s loan experts today at 1-866-436-0620 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
