subject: Various Aspects Of Home Improvement [print this page] In terms of extent, home improvements can be classified into two general categories, namely, simple house repairs and house renovations. The first one involves only minor changes and minimal structural-aesthetic maintenance. It could include simple replacements of plumbing components such as faucets and water heaters. The occasional patching up of roof tiles and roof water gutters can also be included in this category. These tasks can easily be done even by an untrained homeowner.
On the other hand, the second category of home improvement requires more extensive works and changes. Specialized professional contractors may need to be hired to do specific tasks such as electrical works, plumbing system replacements, and decorative and structural carpentry tasks. Landscape works may also be included in the major home improvement category although it does not involve the house itself. For comprehensive renovations, however, a general contractor is needed to provide and manage the different aspects and phases of renovations.
Home improvement tasks may also be classified in terms of main purpose, such as improving comfort, adding safety and preparedness features, and expanding house space. Some of these home improvement projects may only require one type of specialized contractor such as in the case of bathroom improvement.
In most cases of renovation projects, however, a multi-disciplinary team is necessary to accomplish the various tasks. This is especially true when it comes to space expansion projects wherein old structures may need to be torn down and new ones have to be built. The electrical, ventilation and plumbing components may also be affected in the process.
Before the actual renovation works can be started, a homeowner must first have the general idea about the changes that needed to be done. A homeowner must also have the accurate idea of how much the entire project will cost and how long it will take for it to be accomplished.
After deciding on what part of the house need to be renovated and to what extent, a homeowner can then proceed to searching for contractors who can do the job. Although specialized contractors can be hired for compartmentalized tasks or areas of a house, hiring a general contractor is much more convenient in terms of maintaining the quality and schedule of tasks. The accounting and project management aspects will also be more efficient in this manner.
A homeowner may first need to talk to several contractors to choose from several price quotes, designs and project schedules. Some negotiations might also be necessary.
