You’re thinking about doing a home renovation, but something is holding you back. A reno is a big job that requires a lot of time and money. You want to get it right. A mistake could be costly.

Maybe you’re hesitating because you feel uninformed. Want some help? Here are answers to common renovation questions that’ll help you make the right decision.

1. Which home renovations pay back the investment?

If you decide to sell your house, you hope that you’ll get a decent return on investment — ROI — for your home improvements. However, not all renovations are created equal. Some are more attractive to homebuyers, so sellers recoup more of those expenses. This isn’t the only reason to do a renovation, but it’s good information to have. Check out the 2016 renovation jobs that have the highest ROI, based on the national average:

• Insulating the attic with fiberglass: almost 117 percent return
• Replacing the bottom third of siding with manufactured stone veneer: almost 93 percent
• Doing a minor kitchen remodel: about 83 percent
• Replacing siding: 77 percent
• Adding a wood deck: 75 percent

Prepare yourself. Some popular renovations don’t earn back as much on your investment:

• Adding a bathroom: about 56 percent
• Adding a master suite: just over 64 percent
• Completing a major kitchen remodel: almost 65 percent
• Doing a bathroom remodel: almost 66 percent
• Adding a family room: almost 68 percent

2. If I have limited funds for a kitchen renovation, where can I cut back?

You imagine your dream kitchen… but it’s way out of your price range. Don’t be discouraged. You can cut costs and still create a functioning, beautiful kitchen. Just don’t go all-out on certain areas:

• Kitchen cabinets: These are a major expense because they take up so much wall space. Custom-made cabinets cost tens of thousands of dollars. Sure, they’re beautiful, but standard cabinets are very attractive and much, much, much less expensive.

You also don’t need cabinets with fancy accessories. Purchase inserts, pullouts and organizers separately and install them. Skip the soft-close drawers and cabinets. If you’re looking to trim costs, the coolness factor doesn’t justify the outlay.

• Sink: A standard stainless steel sink basin is all you really need… but get the faucet you really want. Its usefulness and appearance do make a difference. 

• Appliances: Most kitchens don’t require the best-of-the-best. Unless cooking is your profession — or passion — a mid-range refrigerator, stove and dishwasher will meet your needs.

• Floor: Engineered cork and real linoleum tile are both reasonably priced and environmentally friendly. They’re also easy on the feet if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

3. What’s the best material for water pipes?

The most common residential pipe materials are steel, copper, PVC and PEX. If you’re doing renovations that require replacement, your best choices are:

• PVC: This is suitable for drainpipes and toilets. It doesn’t rust, and it lasts 25 to 40 years. You can’t use PVC for sinks and tubs, though, because it can’t handle high temperatures.

• PEX: This material is durable and heat-tolerant, which makes it a great option for incoming water lines. And bonus! It’s often color-coordinated: cold water pipes are blue, and hot are red.

If you weren’t planning on replacing piping but are taking out drywall, check on pipes anyway. You may discover something needs fixing. Repairs will be cheaper while the walls are already open.

4. Do I need a permit for my renovation?

The answer is an unqualified “maybe.” It all depends upon your local building codes, which are designed to ensure that work has been done safely. Professional contractors typically take care of the permit process, which involves filing paperwork, paying fees and allowing inspections. Check your contract to be sure permits are covered.

If you’re doing structural work yourself, contact the permit office of your municipality. Even if it’s a relatively small job, such as putting in a window or replacing a shower, you’ll need a permit. If you don’t get one, you might discover later that substandard work caused problems. When you try to sell the home, a prospective buyer probably won’t be able to get a loan. If you do manage to sell but problems crop up, you could be hit with a lawsuit.

5. What’s the first thing I should do after I’ve decided to do a renovation?

Ok, you’ve committed to remodeling the basement, redoing the kitchen, adding a bathroom… whatever. The first step: determine exactly what you want to accomplish with the project. Don’t contact a contractor while you’re still vague about the details. Check websites, go to showrooms, talk to friends, read remodeling magazines… gather a lot of information.

You probably already have a rough budget and timeline, or you wouldn’t be moving forward with the project. Decide what ideas you like best for your space. You can even make lists for changes that are “must-haves” and those that would just be really nice. This step also helps you refine your budget, so you’ll have a sense of what you can afford.

Renovations come with lots of questions. You might be asking them of contractors, workers, suppliers and loan officers. These five got you started. Now add to the list.

Author Bio:

Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for “The Drifter Collective.”  Throughout her life, she has found excitement in the world around her.  Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations, cultures, and styles, while communicating these endeavors through her passion for writing and expression. Her love for the world around her is portrayed through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.

The Drifter Collective: An eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us.

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