Home Indeed Blog

Home remodeling blog from Home Indeed in the Cedar Valley, IA. Home design, renovation inspiration, and more!

Should I Remodel My Home in Cedar Valley?

Remodeling your home is a big undertaking, and not one to be initiated carelessly. In some cases, you may even wonder if you should invest in a home renovation or upgrade, or if you can make do with what you have.

As a homeowner, there are several factors to consider, including financial considerations, comfort and safety, and your quality of life. Every family is different, with distinct needs and goals, which means there won’t be any universal or definitive signal that you should remodel your home. However, you can get a sense of confidence that the time is right by keeping an eye out for several common home improvement signs, if you will.

Renovations Signs: Knowing It’s Time to Remodel

If you enjoy living in your particular neighborhood in Northern Iowa and you don’t want to move to a new home any time soon, you should anticipate that you will need to remodel your existing house at some point. Here are a few clear signs your home or a particular room within it needs renovating:

1. Noticeable Wear and Tear

black and gray 2-storey house

Homes require general upkeep and maintenance, and if you didn’t buy your home new, you can expect there will be a greater need for tending to your space. However, there comes a point where the magnitude of the disrepair or damage is such that remodeling is the more cost-effective option in the long run. Rather than continuing to pour money into an old, deteriorated space so it remains somewhat usable, you can start from scratch.

2. Lack of Available Space

Space is a big issue. Sometimes you can anticipate you will need a new bedroom, bathroom or in-law apartment; for example, if your family is growing or you’re planning for an aging loved one to move in. In other cases, you may be enduring an inadequate amount of livable and/or storage space for a while before you realize the stress and frustration it’s causing. If your household has grown or family dynamics have changed significantly since you first moved into your home, take a moment to evaluate whether the size, layout, and features of your home are still satisfactory to ensure everybody’s maximum quality of life. Building a room addition, expanding a specific area, or revitalizing a garage or attic are all options to consider when you need more space.

3. Lifestyle Changes

person carrying baby while reading book

Along the same line, if you’ve experienced a lifestyle change that requires a specific type of residential space, that’s another sign it’s time to consider remodeling. For example, if you are working remotely now, you may need to create an appropriate home office. If your children are growing older and you’re hosting their friends more frequently, as well as your own, you want to be sure you have an interior or exterior entertainment space that comfortably facilitates large get-togethers. An artist may need an at-home studio while fitness-lovers crave a workout space. No matter how your hobbies and interests have evolved over the past couple years, make sure your home is still sized and styled to match.

4. Outdated Amenities

Another common reason to consider a home makeover is if your amenities and features are outdated. Whether you have kitchen appliances that no longer work well, a bathroom with chipped paint and a warped vanity because of years of water damage, or shelves and cabinets that are hard to access, a home renovation is the solution. You can keep the bones of a room, as well as any components that are still functional and attractive, and then upgrade the other features and amenities to match.

When is the Best Time to Remodel?

Beyond taking stock of the physical signs your home needs upgrading, there are broader considerations to evaluate as well. The timing of the project can influence the budget, schedule, and outcome of the project in various ways. How do you know when the time has come to undergo a large home improvement project? Here are a few factors to look for:

1. Financial Ability to Cover Costs of Remodel

100 us dollar bill

Remodeling your home in Cedar Valley is a major investment. You can’t start the project until you are familiar with the costs involved and you’re certain you are in a financial position to cover them. Have you been saving up for a major home improvement project? Have you talked to your credit union, bank or another financial institution about getting a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or home improvement loan? There are numerous ways to fund a house addition or renovation project, but you need to weigh your options and identify what approach is optimal, depending on your personal circumstances and financial situation.

2. You are Prepared for the Time Commitment

No matter how well remodels are planned out, they inevitably cause some disruption to your daily routine. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, it will become inaccessible for a majority of the project. If you’re remodeling your whole home, various parts of the residence will take turns becoming job sites over the course of several months. Additionally, it requires time and energy to design a home improvement project. Will you be available in the immediate future to invest in those things? Do you have extensive family vacations planned during the anticipated timeframe of your project? Is your family in a place that you can tolerate the disruption of a remodel? If your project is flexible, try to wait and schedule it for a time that will cause minimal inconvenience to you and your family.

In terms of weather, which also affects the efficiency and timeline for construction projects, the best time of year to build a house is during the spring, when the weather is dry and cool. If you’re doing a home improvement project that includes exterior work, you may consider doing it around that same time of year. For projects that mostly require interior work, weather is not as big of a factor.

3. You Have Long-Term Plans for Living in Home

How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Kitchen

Home improvement projects add value to your home, enabling you to see a return on your investment (ROI). They also enhance the comfort, convenience and fulfillment of your daily life. However, most remodels and renovations will depreciate in value when you sell your home. If you plan to do so in the next couple years, it’s unlikely you will get your money’s worth from the project. Before you start planning a major home improvement, evaluate your future plans and the costs of the remodel versus the monetary and lifestyle benefits you will get in return.

Should You Remodel Your Cedar Valley Home?

As you can see, there are several variables that factor into the decision of whether you should renovate your home and when. The more thought and preparation you put into your project, the more likely you are to accomplish your priorities and create a home that will serve you well in the coming years. When you’re ready to move forward, our professional team at Home Indeed is available to answer your questions and give you more insight into remodeling costs and timeline. We will help you translate your vision and expand your imagination, adding a sense of ownership to the creative process.

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