Exterior home improvements can make a big impact on both the curb appeal and overall value of your home, but if you don’t have much experience with home renovations, they can also be overwhelming. Knowing where to start, how to plan, and what to expect can make the process much less stressful.

Start with Your Budget for Exterior Home Improvements

Things can add up fast with exterior home improvements. One of the most important things to do before you start your exterior home improvement project is to create a detailed budget and make sure your financing is in order. Know how much you can spend on the project total, and then break it down and begin to itemize. As estimates come in, look at your proposed budget and make adjustments as necessary.

Look at the Timing

In addition to looking at your budget, take a look at the timing. Is there a deadline you want to finish the project by? Is your timeline flexible? When your exterior home improvements involve ordering materials, such as windows or exterior doors, there will be a lag between your estimate and the installation date, and you need to plan accordingly. As you begin to meet with contractors, make sure they understand any needs you may have.

Consider Projects that Improve Value

Whether or not you are planning on listing your home in the near future, projects that will add value to your home are always a smart choice. Replacement windows, for example, have a high ROI when it comes to resale value. When you are investing in your home, it is always a good idea to try to improve the overall value.

Be Smart When Hiring Contractors

Hiring the right contractor is a crucial step in the process, no matter what exterior home improvements you are planning. When searching for a contractor, consider these few things.

• Don’t be afraid to get several estimates.

Getting three estimates is generally agreed upon as the right number. Less than that and you won’t know if you could have gotten a better deal, and more than that can be overwhelming. While you may end up going with your first instinct, knowing you had something to compare can give you more confidence.

• Check paperwork and references.

Any quality contractor should have no issues providing you with proof of their licensing and insurance, as well as references to call. When you talk to past clients, ask how well the project went, how any concerns were handled, if they are still satisfied with the work, and if they were able to complete the project within the timeframe and budget.

• Ask questions.

You will need to be able to communicate well with whoever you hire to do your exterior home improvements, so asking plenty of questions before you begin is the best way to start.

Get Ready to Be Disrupted

While contractors will try to make things as easy on you as possible, exterior home renovations are disruptive. They can be loud, and messy. Speak with your contractor about what you will need to do to prepare for each step in your renovation. Will you need to remove pictures from the walls? Remove furniture and grills from your patio? Communicating with your contractor about what to expect during the renovation will allow you to prepare and prevent you from feeling the disruption as strongly. It will also help if you can arrange for any children or pets who may be bothered by the noise and disruption to spend that time somewhere else.

When it comes to exterior home improvements, having the right contractor to guide you through the process, from budgeting to timing to preparing, is the best way to take the stress out of the process. By the end of the renovation, you will be glad you found the right partner to work with. We take pride in our community reputation, and have been helping families improve their homes for over 75 years. Contact Armorvue Home Exteriors today for a virtual appointment.