3 Home Remodeling Facts No One Likes to Talk About

And Easy Fixes for Each!

When homeowners think of remodeling their house, their favorite HGTV show comes to mind. They'll work side-by-side with their partner in perfect harmony, there will be a whole crew working around the clock to get the job done, unlimited resources, and a jaw-dropping finished product that comes in at or under budget. Right? Wrong.

Sure, you could have a breathtaking update once finished, but keep in mind, what you see on television is only a small percentage of what actually went down. Remodeling even a portion of your home can be a beast of a project. So why do we do it? Because it can completely change the feel of the home, give it an updated look, create more space or storage, and may significantly add to the value of the home. For all those reasons and more, remodeling is usually a headache worth taking on.

But before you dive into the process, it's important to manage your expectations. Here are three home remodeling facts that no one likes to talk about, as well as ways you can cut down on those hassles!

1. It's Expensive

Depending on what you're looking to remodel–and any problems you run into while doing so–the whole process can end up costing significantly more than you anticipated. While most homeowners have a budget before getting started, should something break or hold up the process, it has to be fixed, no matter the price. That can lead to homeowners having to dip even further into their savings to get the job done.

Too many set aside the exact estimate amount. But remember, an estimate is just that: an estimate. If you aren't giving yourself a financial buffer, you could be hit hard when the work gets started.

Many homeowners bite off more than they can chew when it comes to remodeling. If you're on a tight budget, start small and do projects one at a time, rather than deciding you're going to tackle both the kitchen and guest bathroom at once.

Fix

How can homeowners get help with the costs that come with remodeling? A cash-out refinance. A cash-out refi allows you to tap into the equity you've built, getting a lump sum of cash at closing.

If you make informed remodeling decisions, your home remodel can be a great use of your cash-out funds since it can significantly add to the value of your home and, thus, rebuild your equity. Learn about the specific cash-out refi offers that you qualify for by connecting with a reputable lender.

2. It's Inconvenient

Logically, homeowners know they'll have some inconveniences to deal with once the home remodeling process begins, but once in the thick of it, those inconveniences can feel overwhelming. That's especially true if you're tackling a remodel of a room your family spends a significant amount of time in, like the kitchen or living room.

Those inconveniences can then lead to increased feelings of stress, and the whole remodeling process can start to feel like a mistake, especially if arguments within the family are becoming more commonplace. With limited space, tensions are bound to run high.

Fix

Plan, plan plan. The best way to cut down on the stress that comes with being inconvenienced by a home remodel is to manage expectations and have a plan in place well before construction starts. This is especially important if you're gutting your kitchen. How many days will the kitchen be out of service? What could cause holdups? How will you prepare meals? What kind of meals will you prepare?

Having answers to all these questions can help you move more confidently into the remodeling process.

3. It Can Harm Your Resale Value

All too often, a homeowner will make drastic aesthetic changes to their home that suit their personal taste, knowing full well this isn't their forever home. That's a recipe for resale disaster.

Did you know that projects like combining rooms to create one bigger one, removing closet space, and adding a whirlpool tub over a walk-in shower can actually turn buyers off? That means that it may be harder to sell the home, and even if you are successful, you may not recoup the project costs.

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First, know what your plan is for the home. Are you remodeling to increase its appeal to potential buyers? Or remodeling your forever home for yourself? If the latter, then have at it!

If you've decided that you'll eventually put your home on the market, it's important to do your research before deciding on what projects to take on. After all, you want to add to the resale value, not take away from it.

Not sure where to get started? Check out these 7 in-demand home features for inspiration.

Eyes On the Prize

Even with all the stress and inconvenience that's part of the remodeling territory, most homeowners say the end result is well worth it!

If you're planning on using a cash-out refi to give your home an updated feel, remember, plan ahead for all the ways your day-to-day will need to change during construction and research what projects to take on if you'll be selling someday. A solid game plan can lessen a remodeling burden, which means you could actually enjoy the home renovation process!