The Lawhead Team would like to share some helpful tips on making sure you tackle your home remodeling project the right way – calling in an expert vs. doing the project yourself!

TV shows make home remodeling look simple, but nearly two-thirds of homeowners who’ve attempted DIY house projects said they regret not calling in an expert on at least one of their projects.

Saving money is the primary reason homeowners take the DIY remodeling route. On average, homeowners said they hoped to save at least 60% in costs by bypassing a professional and trying to do it themselves.

On average, homeowners reported attempting eight house projects themselves, and one-third admitted to having later hired a professional to redo the job.

The project homeowners most regret attempting themselves is installing floor tiles, particularly in the master bath.

• 55% of DIYers said their projects took longer to complete than expected.
• 55% of homeowners said their finished DIY projects didn’t look as good as they had hoped.

Source: Improvenet.com, realtor.com, REALTOR magazine

Check out the latest One Cool Thing at The Lawhead Team’s blog about remodeling return on investment:

Not all home improvements are created equal. These five projects will reward you the most when it comes time to sell:

• New Roof – The cost is approximately $7500 and your return is 109% at $8150.
• New Garage Door – The cost is $2300 for a two door garage and the return is 87% at $2000.
• Hardwood Floors – The cost to refinish hardwood floors is $2500 with a return of 100% at $2500. The cost to buy new is $5500 with a return of 91% at $5000.
• Better Insulation – The cost is $2100 with a return of 76% at $1600 (plus the added savings on heating and cooling costs).
• New Siding – The cost is $13350 with a return of 75% at $10000.

Source for Remodeling ROI: HouseLogic

The Lawhead Team would like to share the latest “One Cool Thing” from the California Association of Realtors on Renovation Realities.

For many California homebuyers, the dream of homeownership isn’t complete after close of escrow, but rather after completion of a full-home renovation. So what does a full remodel look like in California?

• Average remodeling costs: $263,384
• Average household income of renovating homeowner: $155,000
• Average home value of those completing the full renovation: $725, 000
• 93% of homeowner enlist professional help

Did you know? California ranks #3 in a comparison of all 50 states for those completing renovation projects.

Source: Houzz Real Cost Finder

Is your home in the perfect location but the layout isn’t quite what you would picture as “ideal”? The Lawhead Team has some helpful remodel tips.

If you bought your home at the right time, chances are renovations made to your home will only make your value go up. Remodel efficiently by modifying existing space where it is feasible or building up rather than out. Check out some tips to remodel your home the smart way:

1. If you don’t have a first floor restroom in your two-story home, you may be able to fit in a half bath in a small four by four foot area. Do you have a large coat closet or under stair cubby that you don’t necessarily need? That might be the best spot for your extra half bath.
2. Your master bedroom may not be so “master” to you. The remodel solution is to steal another bedroom to expand your bath, closet, or main part of your bedroom.
3. Expand your home by building a remodel over the garage. This may not be the least expensive of choices, as you will need to remove the roof, beef up your structure, and then build a whole new roof on top of your new room. It does, however, save you from digging a whole new foundation if you were to add a room on the ground floor.
4. If you are in need of an extra bedroom, this may not be as costly as you imagined. An extra bedroom remodel does not require plumbing, tiling or appliances other rooms do. If your attic is large enough, this may be the best place to make your new extra room!
5. Is your kitchen too closed off or small? Since the kitchen is the main hub of a home, a kitchen remodel will likely pay off if done correctly. Try removing the wall between the dining room and the kitchen which can make room for a peninsula or island.