At this point, we’re all familiar with the home improvement and real estate shows that take up the majority of HGTV and other channels’ airtime. They’re filled with happy couples making “tough” decisions and building their dream homes. The appeal of these shows is undeniable. We all long for the joy and satisfaction of creating the perfect abode for ourselves and our family. However, if you’re a homeowner, or in the process of searching for a house, it’s important to remember that reality shows don’t always reflect reality.While these shows often offer interesting insights and perspectives in regards to the homeowner’s experience, there are certain things you need to keep in mind when it comes to conceiving and establishing your own home. Here are 3 things HGTV won’t tell you about home improvement.
1. Renovations take a lot of research, time, and careful attention
It would be wonderful if we could all have a handsome professional consultant that hired teams, managed, coordinated, and narrated our home renovation process. However, this is never the case in reality. All of the research, consulting, and monitoring must be done yourself. This takes a tremendous amount of time, energy, and attention to detail.
2. You need to budget
This is crucial. Without a realistic budget, it’s possible to get yourself in over your head and wind up in thousands of dollars of debt. Creating a realistic budget, and then sticking to it, will help you prioritize projects and ensure that you wind up living within your means. This is also the only way to increase the value of your house if you intend on selling for profit.
3. Demolition isn’t fun or easy
You can’t just go around taking walls out without consulting an expert. Some structures are load bearing and cannot be touched. You may be surprised to find electrical outlets/wiring, air conditioning ducts, plumbing, or deterioration behind old walls. You may even create a health hazard for yourself if you don’t take the proper precautions. If you have any questions about home improvement, Naffco Floors & Interiors would be glad to help. Stop into one of our 3 locations in the Tampa Bay area or call us at (813) 254-4066 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.