California is currently following a stay-at-home order in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In time, this will loosen, but even then we can expect things to be different. If there’s one thing that we are learning from this experience, it’s that there is no better place to be than home. 

If you’ve been thinking about doing some home improvement projects, you may be wondering how and when to move forward. On one hand, you don’t want to take on a project that will drain you financially, especially if your job is unstable. On the other hand, you may have more free time to fix up the home and a little extra money in your pocket from that cancelled vacation or stimulus check. 

Here are some considerations to make when planning for a remodel during or after the coronavirus pandemic. 

Yes, you should still tackle small, low-budget projects. 

Some renovations are more expensive than others. If you were looking to tackle an affordable project that you could pay for in cash, you don’t have to hold off because of the current health crisis. In fact, now is a great time to work on the project because you have the time to do so. Chances are, you’re stuck indoors anyway, so you may as well put your time to good use. 

If you need some help from the pros, that’s okay! Because home improvement is an essential service, most contractors are still working. You will want to take extra precautions to protect the contractor and yourself, which they can advise you on. 

Larger renovation projects may have to wait. 

As for larger projects, you may want to hold off on these. If you were planning on paying in cash, it’s probably best to hold onto this money until our economy is better. There’s no telling how badly the coronavirus pandemic will affect our economy and what jobs will be compromised. 

That said, if you feel secure in your job and your savings account, you can move forward with a larger project. After all, not all home improvements are for luxury purposes. Some are essential to your indoor comfort and health. For example, if your bathroom has mold or your appliances are not working, you’ll want to move forward with your project.

Use this time to get multiple quotes. 

Another thing you can do right now is work on getting a few estimates. This way, you can start planning for a freshly remodeled kitchen or bath! Plus, researching contractors gives you a head start on a successful renovation. 

A good rule of thumb is to start getting estimates 30 days before signing anything. Do some preliminary research on your own, gather a few quotes from reputable contracting companies and analyze the numbers. 

Here are some things to pay attention to: 

• Level of detail. Avoid vague estimates, particularly for small projects. Everything should be broken down. 
• Materials and appliances. You should get the materials and appliances you want, not just the ones that are cheapest. 
• Waste disposal and cleanup. Most contractors rent dumpsters or trash cans to dispose of hazardous materials. 
• Permits and inspections. Most large home improvement projects require a permit and inspection. Who is responsible for getting these? 
• Landscaping. The trucks and dumpsters can cause damage to your landscaping. Who is responsible for returning the yard to its original condition? 
• Warranties. Make sure the contractor offers some type of warranty on their work. If they charge for this, is it worth the extra cost? 

The COVID-19 pandemic is surely changing things for people, but it’s bringing us closer to our homes and nuclear families. If you are interested in moving forward with a home improvement project now or in the future, contact Kavin Construction for a detailed estimate.