Starting a construction project at your home, office, or commercial space requires a lot of work even if you aren’t doing the actual labor. Before breaking ground, you need to make sure all the necessary plans are in place. Follow this checklist for new construction in Missoula Montana and you’ll have less hassle during your project.
Planning for New Construction in Missoula Montana
When planning a new construction project, you’ll need to prioritize and organize the order in which you’re installing, building, and finishing. You will also most likely need to hire help, and you will need building materials. Prepare yourself ahead of time and your new construction project will go more smoothly.
Prioritize
Like many people, you probably have a long wish list of home or office improvements. The likelihood of getting all those projects done at once is slim because of timing, finances, and everyday life. For example, be weary of doing bathroom and kitchen renovations simultaneously, as those are two rooms that get used the most throughout the day. Therefore, it is important rewrite your list of projects in order from most important down to the least important. You’ll want to focus on one project at a time. When creating this list, also create a desired time frame so you can bring this up with your contractor.
Hire Help
Considering what professional help you need is a major part of planning your new construction in Missoula. To begin, enlist the help of friends or neighbors for contractor recommendations. If the new construction project is for a commercial space, some extra steps need to be considered when hiring help. You might be able to handle some improvement projects yourself like putting in new carpet, cabinets, and appliances. Keep in mind, there are some projects you should never attempt to do yourself, no matter how many YouTube tutorials you’ve watched.
Shop for Materials
Make a list of the necessary materials that you need and desire for this project. Even before going to a contractor, have an idea of the types or brands that you want for this project. Go to home improvement stores to see, touch, and test different materials and brands. Your hired help can then go through the logistics of your materials list with you. Even if your contractor is handling permits and insurance, it’s best for you to be aware of time in which building permits, applications and insurance policies are needed for new construction in Missoula Montana.
Budgeting for New Construction in Missoula
Creating a budget can be very overwhelming and scary. However, there are some quick do’s and don’ts to follow when creating your budget.
Dos
- Shop around for both materials and contractors.
- Price materials at a few places before buying so you’ll know you’re getting a good deal.
- Get estimates from at least three recommended contractors.
- While you want to stay within your means, allow some wiggle room in your budget so you can handle any setbacks, problems, or happy surprises that may occur.
Don’ts
- Don’t pay for getting an estimate. Most contractors will visit the site and give you a free estimate.
- Don’t outdo yourself just to keep up with the Joneses. Make sure you and your family are the ones impressed at the end of this project.
- Don’t underestimate what it takes to cover the costs. Consider the importance of this project compared to what needs to be sacrificed to have it paid for, like anything from giving up your daily Starbucks to putting a second mortgage on your home.
Go Green with New Construction in Missoula
Going green is no longer considered to just be trendy, because financially it’s very smart. While some green renovations might cost more money now, they will save you money on utility bills and replacements later.
Besides the long term benefits to saving energy and lowering your utility bills, there’s another incentive for going green with new construction in Missoula. By doing energy saving home or office improvements, you’ll be qualified for energy efficiency federal tax credits.
Here are some greener, smarter new construction hacks:
Energy-Saving Light Fixtures
One way of making your home more eco friendly is using your utilities less, and more efficiently.
Replacing light fixtures with energy efficient bulbs is another easy fix saving you lots by using less electricity. Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) bulbs are the most common of this category.
Weather Proofing Windows and Doors
While installing new windows and doors is not as easy or cheap as replacing light bulbs, energy efficient windows and doors are another way to reduce wasted energy and lower your bills. Believe it or not, there are even mini blinds that function as solar panels!
High Efficiency Appliances
When remodeling, consider paying a little bit extra for high-efficiency appliances like dishwashers and washing machines that use less water per cycle than typical appliances. High- efficiency HVAC systems exist, too.
Better Insulate Your Space
How well a space is insulated accounts for the majority of wasted heating and cooling energy. Have your space checked for cracks where heat or air might be escaping. Spray foam can easily fix the cracks around doors and windows. Look into having your entire space insulated properly, starting with the attic.
Use Sustainable Building Materials
Know the pros and cons of the materials for your new construction in Missoula Montana. Go for environmentally safe products that reduce the carbon footprint from new construction in Missoula. Examples of these eco-friendly products include reclaimed lumber, recycled plastic, recycled glass, bamboo, cork, and linoleum. Use these types of materials for any new construction projects that include roofing, flooring, cabinets, and counters.
New Construction in Missoula Montana can be Hassle-Free
By following these checklists that help both you and the environment, your project will be enjoyable without the headache from planning or spending. Do you have other tips for hassle-free new construction in Missoula Montana? Share them in the comments section below.