When we dream of renovating our home, most of us envision the final product before anything else. We may be picturing ourselves luxuriating in a giant tub, whipping a gourmet meal in a shiny chef’s kitchen, or watching a movie in a cozy new family room. Whatever your beautiful renovation dreams are made of, you’ll also need to deal with some not-so-glamorous realities. But that’s OK because it’s these inner workings, the not-so-small details, that will make your home renovations successful for years to come.
Depending on what you’re remodeling, it will determine what home renovation resources you’ll need. For instance, if you want to upgrade your kitchen, research local kitchen cabinet companies and choose from various units. Suppose you’re going to finish your basement but discover some of that dastardly black fuzz; a mold remediation company will need to be called before you can proceed. There’s a lot to do before you get to the fun part, but it’s all part of the process. If you’re wondering what companies you need to hire for your home renovation project, we have the answers below.
1. Furnace Company
Unless you live in a handful of super warm states, like Hawaii or Florida, a furnace is a vital part of the inner workings of your home. A furnace heats air and sends it through ducts in your home to keep everyone toasty when needed. This mechanical system may not be the first thing you consider when contemplating a home renovation. But it’s important to consider if your remodel includes adding square footage to your home or if the furnace is old.
The average furnace lasts between 15 and 25 years. So, if it’s somewhere in between, and you’re spiffing up your house, it might be a good idea to consider replacing it. When adding rooms or remodeling, your current furnace may struggle to produce enough heat to keep the house warm. When purchasing a new furnace, you have several options and a wide price range.
While most furnaces are electric or gas, many run on oil and propane. Depending on the type of energy used and the size, a new furnace could cost anywhere between $2,500 to $7,000. To protect your investment, you may want to purchase an extended warranty and a service contract.
The warranty will cover the furnace should something go wrong. The service contract will cover emergency furnace repair, as well as annual maintenance like duct cleaning, air filters, and cleaning the burners. This can save on both costly repairs and energy costs.
2. Cabinet Company
Cabinets matter. They are an integral part of any kitchen and should be carefully chosen. Not only should they be attractive, but they should be functional, easy to clean, and offer plenty of organization. You’ll need enough of them to store dishware, pots, small appliances, baking dishes, canned and dry goods, and all that extra stuff we tend to accumulate over the years.
When updating a kitchen, one of the vital home renovation resources you’ll need is an experienced kitchen cabinet company. They can help you choose the right products to suit your vision, needs, and budget. Most companies are happy to meet with you and give a free estimate and a realistic evaluation of what you can do with your space. Consider starting the process with a wishlist, including the type of material you want to use, style, hardware, drawer space, and any special custom requirements.
Many hardware stores offer ready-to-install cabinetry made from various materials, from solid wood and plywood to laminate and steel. If you want a unique and custom set of cabinets, you may want to consider a specialized local kitchen cabinet company. Another thing to consider when purchasing new cabinets is to have them match the overall design and color scheme of the space.
For example, if you’re going with an old-fashioned country style, you might want wood or wood laminate. When choosing colors, make sure that they pop but not too much. If you plan on otherwise neutral colors, the cabinet color can be fun to play with – bright blues or deep greens can add warmth and are less likely to need cleaning than lighter colors.
3. Mold Remediation Company
Discovering mold in your home can ruin your day. It’s not only stinky and unattractive, it’s a health hazard. Mold can cause headaches, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues. It’s especially hazardous for people with asthma and chronic illnesses.
Mold is typically found in areas with a lot of moisture, like attics, basements, and bathrooms. It may not be evident until you begin construction as it can be hidden behind wallpaper, under paneling, on pipes, under floors, behind walls, and ceiling tiles. If you find mold during a renovation, all work must stop until it is resolved. Basement mold remediation services can be called in to help not only in the lower levels of your home, but anywhere the fungus is found.
The company will come and see the source of the mold and test it to determine the type. Then, they will apply a paint-like spray coating to kill the mold and prevent it from spreading. The mold pros will then clean the area and vacuum the air with an industrial strength unit containing a HEPA filter to ensure no spores remain. Typically, the fee will include a follow-up visit to ensure the mold has not returned.
4. Water Heater Company
A water heater is an essential home resource for our daily routine and well-being. We need it to have hot showers, to wash dishes appropriately, wash our hands, and to clean the house properly. When renovating, you may be required to replace your water heater to meet the needs of extra bathrooms, new fixtures, and if new pipelines need to be installed. On the other hand, you may need a new unit if the current water heater is not working correctly.
A good quality heater will move quickly to convert cold water to hot. It would help if you didn’t let the water run for several minutes to warm up. The typical water heater lasts around 15 years. Signs you may need a new system include pooling water around the unit, rusty water, a metallic smell or taste, and trouble getting hot.
A hot water heater replacement can cost anywhere from $300 to $2,000, depending on the size and brand. The most important part of a water heater’s longevity is maintenance. Annual cleaning to remove plaque and sediment is required for proper functioning and water conservation.
5. HVAC Company
In case you’re unfamiliar, HVAC refers to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. When renovating, adding on, or remodeling your home, HVAC professionals are often an essential part of the process. At the very least, it’s important to have local air conditioning companies or ventilation professionals come and inspect your systems. It’s a good idea to ensure everything is safe and clean before construction begins.
Depending on your plans, you may need to upgrade the heating and air conditioning systems to fit your home’s new layout. HVAC specialists will be able to install new systems as well. For instance, house renovations and central air and heating often go hand in hand. Many people choose to switch over from unsightly window or wall units when beautifying other parts of their homes.
Aesthetic aspects aside, centralized units can help save on utility costs. They will also allow you to control the temperature in various areas of the house, ensuring everyone can maintain their comfort level. Once new units are installed, it’s important to have regular maintenance performed to ensure your systems continue to work at their maximum efficiency.
6. Spray Foam Insulation Company
Spray foam is a type of insulation made from polyurethane or isocyanate. It’s typically sprayed from a gun, where it will expand and harden. This is useful when filling in irregular gaps, cavities, and holes in hard-to-reach areas. It’s also used around pipes, wiring, furnace flues, wiring holes, and in attics and basements. Spray foam insulation is considered a green material and is often preferred to fiberglass or cellulose products.
In addition to keeping outdoor air in and indoor air out, spray insulation helps to reduce noise, keeps out pollen and other allergens, prevents the growth of mild and mildew, and keeps rodents at bay. Spray foam insulation installation can also help save you up to 15% on heating and cooling costs. You should hire a reputable spray foam insulation company because the material and equipment can be tricky. Doing it yourself can lead to costly mistakes and a literal mess that’s difficult to clean.
7. Plumbing Company
Many times, when a home renovation is in the works, some new plumbing will need to go along with it. From new pipes to updated fixtures, plumbing contractors are often a much-needed home renovation resource. If you’re renovating a kitchen, plumbers must ensure the pipes are up to code and install updated ones as needed. They can hook up new sinks and appliances like dishwashers to ensure they work correctly.
If you’re turning your basement or garage area into a livable space, plumbers are needed to help construct bathrooms and sinks. A plumber will be able to assist you with outdoor sprinkler systems and installation of fixtures (like toilets and tubs), as well as ensure that there are no hidden issues like leaks lurking that could damper the renovation project. When doing renovations, it’s always a good idea to hire local plumbers familiar with the town permit process and code requirements.
8. Roof Company
The average roof lasts about 25 to 30 years. So, you’ll probably need it replaced while living in your home. At the very least, you’ll likely need a roofing contractor to do various repairs, like replace shingles or tiles, fix leaks, or replace things like vapor barriers. If you’re debating about replacing your roof, there’s no better time to get it done than when you’ve planned other remodeling work.
Many would rather get everything done at once and get it out of the way than do things in phases. Whatever timeframe you decide, if you need roof work, it’s vital not to put it off too long. Your roof provides safety and comfort for your family, as well as protection for your valuables and utility systems.
In addition to structural security, an excellent-looking roof will add to the aesthetics and curb appeal of your home. You can have the best-looking landscaping and the cutest porch on the block, but if your roof is shabby, it will take away from the overall presentation of your home. An annual inspection of your roof by a professional is a great way to ensure you stay dry in bad weather and save money in the long run!
9. House Cleaning Company
You’ll likely need a house cleaning company before and after your home renovation project. Housing cleaning companies can visit your home before the renovation to help you de-clutter and organize a space. They can be an invaluable resource in general cleaning, so that you can have various professionals in and out who need to inspect nooks and crannies and hard-to-get areas of your home. This way, there are no surprise cobwebs, dust bunnies, or other embarrassing sights.
When the work is all said and done, you may consider hiring a cleaning company to rid it of construction dust, disinfect, and generally sanitize areas where there is a lot of foot traffic and work being done. Many house cleaning companies specialize in post-construction cleaning. You should consider keeping the cleaning company for bi-weekly or monthly cleaning to keep your new space shiny and clean. This will also free up some time to enjoy your new space!
The outcome of any home renovation project can offer you and your family increased comfort, space, and fun. It can also increase your home’s selling power and value. Hiring the above companies to help with your remodel can offer the peace of mind and professionalism you need to get the job done right!