I agree with Chris. The Cost vs Value report is the "go to" guide and is impartial. Personally, I like to focus on first impressions and curb appeal. Exterior dressings like corwn mouldings and simple shrub pruning is a great low cost way to give the home a wow factor.
You might also contact a couple of local realtors to see what people in your area are looking for in the home they want to purchase.
Check out the 2018 Cost vs Value Report from Remodeling Magazine.
2018 Remodeling Cost vs Value Report
This will give you an idea of the average return on your investment in the region where you live.
The one factor it will not give you is number of intangibles you may receive from the project you're considering.
Make sure those are also part of your equation before making a final decision on the impact a remodeling project may make on the "value" of your home.
I would recommend that you look at remodeling magazine. They do an annual study of cost versus value For mini interior and exterior home improvements.
1. Add insulation in walls and roof. 2. Air seal your home. 3. Install Low E or better dual pane doors and windows.
For both an existing and new construction home, the top three items that provide the greatest value and return on investment are as follows:
Additional items to consider include:
Step one, if you have siding use a insulated vinyl siding with silica gel. Replace your windows with a double or triple insulated window system. And third your doors are very important. When you do replacement anything you want the doors and windows to fit the space perfectly. We can do these things and more at Jarrett Industries.
The combination of answers above is pretty inclusive. The first responder's comments get you to the construction phase. I would add that recommendations from friends sometimes fall short if your project is of a different nature than theirs. Be sure your contractor has a track record in the type project you are considering.,
Our estimates list out detail of the work scope included and an overall cost. When moving to the contract phase we submit a schedule of values that will be used for percentage complete pay apps.
As far as the construction process, this would be our normal progression:
protection - provision for temp lighting if needed
demolition and temp arrangements for appliance usage if needed
framing of new walls, floors or beams
rough plumbing If needed
rough electric for lights, appliances etc
hvac or venting as needed
insulation
drywall
tile prep, underlayment
tile or hardwood installation
more protection before cabinets to protect finished floors
install cabinets
install trim (base/crown etc)
measure/install countertops
install appliances
paint (sometimes this will move ahead of countertops)
backsplashes
plumbing finish
electrical finish
cabinet hardware
provide & perform punch list
remove protection
test electric, plumbing, appliance function
Note: inspections required vary by jurisdiction but for our area it will generally include foundation if an addition is involved, framing if structural changes, rough plumbing, rough electric insulation, final plumbing, final electric, certificate of occupancy.
Hope this helps
hire a licensed pro and avoid the pitfalls.
The above are two good, and siilar in approach answers, but there are two issues it seems no one includes:
1) If you house was built before 1978 it must be inspected by a certified contractor or lead paint inspector for lead paint before a remodel is started. If found the paint, or paintd material must be prperly abated. This can be a significant cost item.
2) Most remodel items like tile, cabinets, and paint are considered minor and don't require it in most jurisdictions, but electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural modifications require permits and inspections. A homeowner can save money by omitting them, but if you get busted, you'l pay and you may be without a kitchen for a long time.
Robert Johnson
Southern Home Improvement, LLC
Georgia
Set up includeing Dust Containment field, reverse air flow and floor protection
Demo concreete work, framing, roofing
Rough electrical
Rough plumbing
Inspection
Drywall,
Inspectioin
Mud and tape
Cabinets and fixtures
Tile backsplash
Finish electrical
Finish plumbing
Fixtures
Finishes Painting
Final Inspection
Clean up
Photo Pizza Party
Each phase should show labor (both in house and sub), materials broken out
Hope this helps
Philip Anderson
HDR Remodeling
Berkeley Ca
Each contractor has own estimating. Estimatehas to contain material selections so you can compare other contractors and know that you comparing "apples to apples". (Do not expect to have their cost broken down.)
Each phase can have estimated labor time. But that something that most likely included in to the total project cost.
Phase1. Get design done and analyze your lay out and cabinet functionality.
Phase 2. Materials to be used selection.Most impact on your budget makes your selections - door style, construction, finish. Be smart and flexible on door style to get most value for your money.
Phase 3. Ask for referrals from previous customers from your contractor. Do your homework before you open doors for strangers.
Phase 4. Sign contract, pay "down payment". Ask for payment and material delivery schedule for your project.
Last but not the least. Reward your hardworking subs.
Regards
Manny Stiega
John,
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Until then, many folks are opting to install a grid-tied solar panel system, which can often offset 100% of your utility bill (minus a nominal monthly interconnection fee of $5 or so). In some cases, fully offsetting your electric bill isn't possible because of shading or roof complexity. When battery storage becomes more affordable, you can add storage and truly become energy independent!