The prospect of a home remodel can be both exciting AND overwhelming. With so many details to consider, it’s easy to feel stuck before you even start. By addressing a few big-picture questions early on, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and enjoyable remodeling experience!
To get you started, we’ll share a few insider tips we’ve gleaned from years of guiding homeowners through renovations like the ones we’ll be sharing here.
1. Purpose and Scope:
To lay the groundwork, try to identify the purpose and scope of your remodel—these will be guiding factors through every step of the process! Ask yourself what’s driving your remodel: Is it to make your home more functional, like preparing for aging in place, or creating more breathing room for family gatherings? Or maybe you’re looking for aesthetic upgrades that will infuse new life into your home or even boost its resale value. When it comes to scope, are you dreaming of a full kitchen overhaul, or would new paint, updated hardware, and modern fixtures do the trick? And, as with many big decisions, your budget will play a big part in shaping what’s achievable.
When these homeowners contemplated the purpose of their remodel, one thing they realized they wanted was to prepare their primary bathroom for aging in place. A curbless shower and large shower bench were top of the list! During framing, we added blocking in the shower walls so future grab bars can be added when the time comes. >>>>
2. Setting a Realistic Budget:
While HGTV and home renovation shows are super inspiring with lots of helpful ideas, the budgets portrayed often don’t reflect real world costs. To get a better idea of what you can expect to pay for your project, reach out to a few local contractors. You could ask, “What’s a realistic range for a kitchen remodel?” or “I’m thinking about a bathroom remodel, and my budget is [xyz]. Is that feasible?” Contractors may ask if you’re thinking about moving walls, moving plumbing, or keeping your current layout. This is a great example of why considering your scope in the early stages is so helpful! Once you have a clearer picture of what things are costing, you’ll know if your project is something to save for or if it fits within your current budget.
Loan tip: If you’re thinking about financing your project through a bank, it’s a good idea to explore your options early. Look into the different loan types, learn how much you qualify for, find out when the funds would be available, and understand what your payments would look like. Since the application and approval process can take time, getting a head start will ensure that the money is there when you’re ready to begin your project.
3. Think About Your Timeline:
Whether you’re planning a remodel around a big family event or just trying to work around the seasons, timing plays a big role. For many of our customers, factors like vacations, holiday plans, school breaks, or exciting life changes (like a growing family!) are key considerations. The weather can also impact your timeline—while winter might not be optimal for starting an addition in our area, it’s a perfect time for interior work.
No matter what your ideal completion date is, starting the process several months in advance is a smart move. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to find the right contractor, collaborate with them on the design, go through estimating and permit approval, and then move forward to the exciting part…construction!
A remodel like this office project we did would be one of those easily achievable interior remodels during the rainy winter months. >>>>
4. Who Will Be the Best Fit?
It all comes down to the scope of your project. If you’re simply replacing flooring and trim, you likely won’t need a general contractor—working directly with a flooring store should be all you need, as most offer their own installation services. But if your remodeling dreams are a bit more ambitious, you’ll probably want to bring in a design/build company. They’ll handle everything from the design process to coordinating specialty contractors like plumbers, electricians, cabinet makers, and tile installers. Whatever your scope, there’s a company that’s the perfect fit for your project—one that will make your vision a reality!
5. Finding Your Style:
While not critical at this stage, gathering some inspiration photos can definitely get your wheels turning and help you clarify your style preferences. While it’s fun to follow current design trends, the real style guide is YOU. Think about the colors you’ve loved over time and choose a palette that resonates with you. When it comes to big decisions like flooring, cabinetry, and countertops, go for options that can evolve with your tastes and won’t tie you to a specific era. If you decide to work with a design-build company, your designer will help you uncover a style and create a plan that truly suits your needs and reflects your personality.