As Is: 10 Tips for a 'No-Demo' Reno Project

If you're craving a home overhaul, you may hesitate to go through a demolition's time, expense, upheaval, and mess. You can still make your home more beautiful and functional with a renovation project that avoids many of the negatives associated with a demo.
  
Our real estate agents suggest 10 tips for a successful "no-demo" reno project.

1. Create a plan.
   Whether you're using a contractor to do the work, planning a DIY project, or combining the two, planning is a vital step. Look at the scope of your project and plan what materials to use as well as a timeline and budget. 
   
   
2. Build a cushion into your budget and timeline.
   Since projects often result in unexpected expenses, make sure you have a cushion of 10 to 25 percent built into your budget. In addition, add extra time to your target completion date. 
   
   
3. Set your priorities.
   Before you start your renovation project, decide which items and spaces are most important to you. The kitchen and main bathrooms are always important, and certain details throughout your home will matter to you more than others. For example, specialty lighting or more storage may be your top priority.
   
   
4. Don't skimp on materials. 
   Although it may be tempting to use cheaper items whenever you can, this shouldn't be the most important consideration. A high-quality renovation increases the value of your home and can save you money in the long run. It pays to consider qualities such as style, durability, expected lifespan, and energy savings.
   
   
5. Use off-the-shelf dimensions when you can.  
   You'll save time and money if you plan with stock sizes. For example, if you're building something with plywood that comes in four-foot-wide sheets, don't build something that's 10 feet wide if you can avoid it.
   
   
6. Choose the right paint for the right job.
   A fresh coat of paint is an easy and inexpensive way to make any room look brighter, but be sure to match the paint finish to the job. For example, areas high in moisture, such as bathrooms, need a gloss or semi-gloss finish. Use a flat finish on ceilings, satin or washable eggshell on walls, and semi-gloss on moldings and trim.
   
   
7. Update your existing furniture when possible.
   Using some of the furniture you have by giving it an update can help give your home a new look and save money. Would some of your furniture pieces work well if they were painted? Do you have a chair that could work well if it's reupholstered?
   
   
8. Don't overstuff your home with furniture.
   Carefully curate the amount of furniture you'll have. You don't want your home to be overstuffed with furniture pieces, so consider their size, shape, function, and appearance when deciding what to use. 
   
   
9. Swap out your lighting.  
   Lighting can change the look of any room. Replace your outdated fixtures with stylish modern ones that fit with the overall look of your home, and invest in some LED bulbs to reduce your energy costs.
   
   
10. Create more space with storage.
    Even though you're not doing a demo project, you can still create more space. Bathrooms and kitchens lend themselves to many storage solutions, including corner cabinet pullouts, drawer dividers, and shelving supports that extend your counter space. 

Contact us if you'd like to learn about projects that can increase the value of your home. And if you're ready to buy or sell a home, our network of agents in Nassau, Western Suffolk, and Queens counties are happy to put our knowledge and exceptional record of success to work for you.