Boston is known for its historical roots, cultural assets, education centers, and outdoor activities. While many homeowners enjoy living in the bustling city of Boston, the surrounding suburbs offer a quieter lifestyle with many of the same conveniences. Luxury properties in the suburbs of Boston have much to offer prospective buyers, but the market is highly competitive. You may want to complete some renovations to make your listing stand out and achieve the highest asking price. However, if you have little remodeling experience, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with the process and spend more than anticipated. These remodeling tips can help you make the most of your budget and streamline the renovation process before selling your luxury property in the Boston suburbs.
5 Tips for a successful renovation
Watching popular reality TV shows and paging through glossy magazines can make home renovations look easy. In reality, home renovations require know-how, tools, and funds for building supplies. Jumping into the process without planning can lead to frustration, overspending, and even legal concerns. These tips can help you avoid unnecessary stress during the remodeling process.
1. Develop a clear plan
While it's true that a spa bathroom and chef's kitchen can excite buyers, investing in such lavish features isn't likely to pay off. When remodeling to put your home on the market, it's important to develop an informed plan that will likely produce an admirable ROI.
Your budget, local market demands, and the condition of your home will shape your remodeling plan. In any market, structural issues or problems affecting the home's central systems will be the biggest concern. Prospective buyers won't be impressed with granite countertops if the roof leaks. If your home is inspection-ready and you're seeking aesthetic upgrades, consider those that buyers are most likely to seek. Refinishing hardwood floors or installing new hardwood continues to top the list of remodels with a high ROI. Modest kitchen and bath renovations can also offer a big payoff. By tackling these renovations strategically, you can identify outdated characteristics and make affordable changes that improve the appearance of your home.
2. Check local regulations and get the necessary permits
Massachusetts has specific laws surrounding home improvement projects. Your renovation project may be subject to local regulations. In many cases, you can apply online for any permits you need. Contacting your local building department is the best way to determine your obligations before starting any remodeling project. Each neighborhood has a separate building department with distinct requirements.
3. Pack before you begin
Remodeling projects require plenty of space to work in and can get messy quickly. Packing up as many possessions as possible can provide a clean work area and help protect your belongings. Assess the room you're remodeling and remove as much clutter as possible. Start with unnecessary and breakable items. Personal items like photos can be packed away without affecting the functionality of any space. If necessary, remove furniture from the room until the project is complete. If you plan to move soon, putting items in storage can be an optimal way to accelerate the packing process and prepare many items for the move. Alternatively, you could move things to an unused room until the remodel is complete.
4. Hire an experienced professional
Many remodeling projects aren't ideal for inexperienced DIYers. When you're facing a project you don't have the tools for or can't complete on your own, it's best to hire a professional.
To find a reputable contractor, get referrals from family members, friends, and coworkers. Compile a list of the suggestions you receive and search online for more information and to read reviews from past customers. Seek a contractor with extensive local experience and a history of satisfied customers. Before hiring a professional, it's essential to ensure the contractor is registered.
To find a reputable contractor, get referrals from family members, friends, and coworkers. Compile a list of the suggestions you receive and search online for more information and to read reviews from past customers. Seek a contractor with extensive local experience and a history of satisfied customers. Before hiring a professional, it's essential to ensure the contractor is registered.
5. Admit your limits
Many home remodeling projects require extensive knowledge about building processes and an expansive tool collection. Before you plan to take on a remodeling project, consider the costs of the supplies and tools needed for the job. Conduct extensive research to determine whether you have the skills to complete the task, and consider what happens if you make critical errors or can't finish the job on your own.
Hiring a professional could be cheaper than taking on a job you're not qualified to execute. Building professionals have the education to quickly estimate the cost of a project and the tools on hand to complete the job. They're responsible for any mistakes they make and can likely perform the job in far less time than it could take you to do on your own.
3 Tips to save on your renovation
Cost is a critical factor if you're remodeling with plans to sell your property. The cost of building materials can quickly lead to overspending. These tips can help you stay within your budget while getting desired results.
1. Set a firm budget
While it sounds simple, this step can be the one thing that stops you from spending money you won't get back in the sale. The cost of building supplies fluctuates frequently, and it's easy to take on extra work to generate a higher sale price. As you're developing your remodeling plans, set a firm budget to meet your expectations and resolve to stick to it. Create a detailed list of how you'll use your funds to complete the project and seek areas where you can cut costs if necessary.
2. Seek recycled materials
Building materials and home improvement items are often recycled for various reasons. Large construction projects often require contractors to overorder supplies, yielding a surplus when the job is finished. Homeowners often donate unused items during a renovation, move, or other reasons. Before purchasing new materials from your local home improvement store, search for places that offer new or gently used recycled materials.
- Check the Reuse Center at Boston Building Resources for complete cabinet sets, appliances, windows, doors, sinks, flooring, and more.
- Search for building materials at The Building Material Reuse Association.
- Find building materials and energy and resource conservation materials at EcoBuilding Bargains.
3. Take care of cleanup
While you may not be qualified to take care of home renovations, you can handle the mess they make. Contractors generally expect to complete a home remodel and leave the property in pristine shape when complete. This makes them responsible for cleaning up and hauling away any debris associated with your project.
When asking for quotes, inquire about a discount for completing the clean-up on your own. Cleaning, renting a dumpster, and having debris hauled away may cut the cost of your renovation and shave off some of the time workers will have to spend in your home.
Talk to a professional Westwood realtor for the best home remodeling tips
Although you may need more time to be ready to sell your home, real estate professionals can help you make the best decisions regarding home improvements. They have valuable information about the current housing market and the features home buyers are most likely to be interested in. Elena Price has more than 28 years of experience helping property owners buy and sell homes in the suburbs of Greater Boston. She is among the top 1% of realtors nationwide, the #1 selling broker in Westwood, and has achieved over $1 billion in real estate sales. Get in touch to learn more about the best renovations for your luxury property and how Elena can help you sell your property in the suburbs of Greater Boston.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
