Six Online Resources for Home Renovation Planning

More than 40 percent of homeowners plan to update their homes in the next two years, according to the latest Houzz & Home Study.

Of those who plan to remodel, 78 percent cite their motivation as improving the look and feel of the space.

“With an increasing amount of home remodeling projects in the works, we’ve seen more homeowners turning to online resources for design guidance,” says Vicki Frye, marketing communications manager of leading exterior home product manufacturer, Ply Gem. “Social media and digital design tools are changing the way homeowners approach home improvement projects. Online resources give them the information they need to turn inspiration into reality.”

Ply Gem recommends several digital design resources to help get your home improvement project started:

• Get inspired – Uncover your home improvement must-haves by exploring sites like Pinterest and compiling current design trends and tips that resonate with you. Organize details for home improvement projects into special boards for easy searching later.
• Connect with others – Use home remodeling and design website Houzz to connect with other homeowners, interior designers, contractors and architects. Houzz allows you to get closer to the professional—you can see the companies and people who worked on different projects and ask questions about the products and techniques used.
• Stay within budget – Once you’re inspired, the next step is finding out how much it’s going to cost you. Zillow Digs works with a team of contractors to price what it would cost to replicate each picture, based on factors like location, project scale, materials and labor. The estimates can provide a starting point for discussions with your contractor.
• See what’s possible – When planning an exterior remodel, it’s great to see what others have done, but it’s even better to know what’s possible for your own home. Take a hands-on approach in the planning of your home’s exterior using Ply Gem’s Designed Exterior Studio visualizer tool, available at www.plygem.com. Simply upload an image of your home and experiment with new colors and products, including windows, siding, stone veneer, shutters, trim, roofing, entry doors and more. The completed design can be emailed to your contractor with a full list of selected products.
• Make it happen – You have a plan for your dream home. Now, you need to find a reliable contractor. Take advantage of sites like Angie’s List that collect reviews from other homeowners. With the help of Angie’s List, you can quickly find the perfect contractor to make your dream home a reality.
• Seek expert advice from trusted sources (like right here on RHI!) and be sure to do your research. Before you take a hammer to your home, consider all the resources available to you and get the most of your next home improvement project.

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