Spring in the House

The Best Time for Renovation

Spring is the season when people start feeling like doing renovations. Whether it's preparation for summer or because last winter is behind us, spring remains one of the most popular times for home renovation, and summer is the most popular.

Regardless of the season in which you decide to do renovations, the next step is choosing the type of work. You can do it yourself or hire a contractor.

Do It Yourself vs Hiring a Contractor

DIY renovation is in style for various reasons — from professionalism to saving money.

However, savings with DIY renovation can be misleading.

For example, despite numerous video tutorials, some construction and renovation projects are more complex than they appear, and attempting them yourself may end up being more expensive than hiring a contractor from the start.

For example, installing a new water heater might seem simple, but safety standards and legislation must be followed.

Therefore, for significant projects, it's recommended to hire a contractor.

Hiring a Contractor

After deciding to hire a contractor, there are several steps that help ensure the work is completed on time and within budget.

Before hiring a contractor, it's best to ask several questions. Remember that it's better to interview at least two contractors and get written proposals for timelines and costs.

Questions to ask when choosing a home renovation contractor:

• Do you have a license and certification? Are you involved in obtaining construction permits?
• Will you use subcontractors or employees?
• Do you have insurance and worker compensation? Some subcontractors may require temporary insurance, which can be included in the project cost.
• What guarantees do you provide for timelines and budget?
• Are there reviews of similar projects?

Ideas for Home Renovation

There are two types of renovations — cosmetic and major.

Cosmetic renovation allows you to change the atmosphere of a room by adding paint and accessories such as paintings or plants. This can create an entirely new interior without large expenses.

For more significant changes in the house, major renovation and modernization require higher costs but can dramatically alter the space.

Update Your Kitchen

When updating a kitchen, it's important to consider both style and functionality. Often people renovate their kitchens inspired by magazines or TV, without thinking about how they will use the space.

The kitchen is an important place in the house where food is prepared and guests meet. Therefore, attention should be paid to storage solutions to create more useful space.

Bathroom Renovation

The bathroom is a space that can be renovated relatively cheaply with the right approach.

Installing a new sink and vertical storage with fresh paint can make the bathroom feel more spacious and modern.

If you don't plan major changes, such as knocking down walls or re-planning plumbing, a simple rearrangement of fixtures like the shower, bathtub, and toilet can be done affordably and quickly.

Redesigning the Bedroom

You can completely redesign a bedroom, including new furniture, or simply change the paint and bed placement. If you want to do this affordably, repainting can make a big difference.

To change the perception of space, one of the cheaper ways is to paint the 'fifth wall' — the bedroom ceiling in bright colors, contrasting with neutral walls.

Living Room for Relaxation and Gatherings

One of the most used spaces in a house is the living room. Here, people watch TV, eat, relax, and even meet friends and family. The decor should reflect the importance of this space.

A budget-friendly option is painting and rearranging furniture. Another idea is to add more lighting or increase natural light to create a brighter atmosphere. Of course, if you plan to enhance natural light, it's better to hire a contractor.

The choice between DIY and hiring a contractor is not just about money. For more extensive changes and improvements, it's recommended to hire professionals to guarantee quality and safety in renovations.