Most builders focus on building new homes, so renovating or remodeling a home is typically a part-time activity for such tradespeople. The processes and services required for renovations are quite specific and, once plans are signed off, building a new home is relatively predictable. Renovations usually require all of the sub-trades that are needed for the construction of a new building. During renovation projects, flexibility is often required from renovation companies to respond to unexpected issues that arise. Projects involving renovation require not just flexibility, but a plan that had been agreed upon by multiple parties. The planning process will involve feedback from financial investors of the project, and from the designer. Part of planning will also entail the collection of data for the completion of the project and then the project plan will be revised and given consent before continuing with renovations.

Remodeling your house is an exciting project, but can be daunting! Whether you’re doing major structural changes or just refreshing the look, you want everything to turn out perfect. Start by figuring out your vision and planning your budget. Then decide whether you want to DIY or get professional help. Once you choose all of your appliances, accessories, and furniture, you’re ready to make your dream home a reality!

While “home improvement” often refers to building projects that alter the structure of an existing home, it can also include improvements to lawns, gardens, and outdoor structures, such as gazebos and garages. It also encompasses maintenance, repair, and general servicing tasks. Home improvement projects generally have one or more of the following goals.

Home or residential renovation is an almost $300 billion industry in the United States, The average cost per project is $3,000.

Professional home improvement is ancient and goes back to the beginning of recorded civilization. One example is Sergius Orata, who in the 1st century B.C. is said by the writer Vitruvius (in his famous book De architectura) to have invented the hypocaust. The hypocaust is an underfloor heating system that was used throughout the Roman empire in villas of the wealthy. He is said to have become wealthy himself by buying villas at a low price, adding spas and his newly invented hypocaust, and reselling them at higher prices.

The Home Improvement process could include any of the following:

• Upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
• Upgrading rooms with luxuries, such as adding gourmet features to a kitchen or a hot tub spa to a bathroom.
• Increasing the capacity of plumbing and electrical systems.
• Waterproofing basements.
• Soundproofing rooms, especially bedrooms and baths.
  

  Maintenance and repair

  Maintenance projects can include:

  • Roof tear-off and replacement.
  • Replacement or new construction windows.
  • Concrete and masonry repairs to the foundation and chimney.
  • Repainting rooms, walls or fences
  • Repairing plumbing and electrical systems
  • Wall papers
  • Furniture polish

  Additional space

  Additional living space may be added by:

  • Turning marginal areas into livable spaces such as turning basements into recreation rooms, home theaters, or home offices – or attics into spare bedrooms.
  • Extending one’s house with rooms added to the side of one’s home or, sometimes, extra levels to the original roof. Such a new unit of construction is called an “add-on”.^[1]

  Saving energy

  Homeowners may reduce utility costs with:

  • Energy-efficient thermal insulation, replacement windows, and lighting.
  • Renewable energy with biomass pellet stoves, wood-burning stoves, solar panels, wind turbines, programmable thermostats, and geothermal exchange heat pumps (see autonomous building).

 

     Researching, Planning and Hiring The right Team

          Look at magazines and websites to find inspiration.

Do some research to get a clear vision of what you want each room to look like. Spend some time browsing design magazines and websites. Tear out pictures of                  ideas that you like, or digitally save images that appeal to you.