What should I consider when planning a home renovation?

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When planning a home renovation, consider the following: 1) Costs: Home renovation costs vary based on the scope of work, room types, and finishes. Full remodels range from $15–$200+ per square foot. Kitchens and bathrooms cost the most per square foot. Include a 10–20% contingency for unexpected expenses. 2) Starting Point: Define your goals and scope, establish a realistic budget (including a 10–20% cushion), map out phases, and gather comparable quotes. Confirm permit needs early. 3) Renovate vs. Rebuild: Renovating is typically more cost-effective than rebuilding. 4) Budgeting: Break costs into labor, materials, permits, and contingency. Include delivery, disposal, and design services. 5) Value-Adding Renovations: Kitchens, bathrooms, curb-appeal upgrades, and energy-efficiency improvements offer strong ROI. 6) Timeline: Whole-home renovations vary. Kitchens take 6–12 weeks; bathrooms take a few weeks to 6–8+ weeks. 7) Prioritization: Address structural issues first, then kitchens and bathrooms. Install flooring last. 8) Living at Home: Create no-construction zones, plan dust control, and set up temporary solutions. Consider short-term relocation for major scopes. 9) Budget Management: Lock selections early, insist on itemized scopes, keep a 10–20% contingency, and manage changes through written change orders. 10) Contractor Questions: Verify licensing and insurance, confirm experience, check references, clarify supervision, timeline, change-order process, and warranty.

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