Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Kravelv
The spring season is upon us again. And besides bringing the sweet smell of blooming orchids, the ripe summer air usually brings with it the omens for spring cleaning and renovations. However, it’s nothing you can’t surmount with a bit of planning. Setting clear priorities and achievable goals for your home remodel project can make the process less stress-inducing and more fun. Below, we’ll provide a few tips to help you and your family plan and execute a successful home remodel.
The following tips will guide you on organizing, ordering, defining, and creating a detailed home remodeling plan. With such a plan in hand, you’ll be less worried about the whole process and be better able to stay on budget.
Lay Out A Detailed Plan
Beginning a home renovation without a solid plan is similar to playing with fire; it involves considerable risk. Before setting out to buy the fancy supplies, make a priority list not to lose sight of the project’s end goal. You must decide which areas of the house will be getting renovated, which color scheme you’ll choose, and the features you’ll be adding or subtracting. For example, fixtures like cabinetry and lighting can either uplift or completely downgrade a room, so you need to plan wisely.
Suppose you’re remodeling an old kitchen. Then, it’ll be logical to include the dining area fixture upgrade with the kitchen remodeling project. You may choose to add a breakfast island and chic lighting fixtures. By combining two remodels together, you can make significant savings on time and money.
Begin With A Budget
Having a budget can help put your financial constraints in perspective. It’s crucial to know your affordability and create a budget before starting a renovation project, regardless of how you’re financing your project, e.g., with a loan or savings. When you’ve made a projected budget, try including some buffer funds to help with any emergency expenses that may come up during the process.
Often, construction workers work long, tiresome shifts during the day and rest inside an on-site man camp, which incurs additional costs. You should also add any personal accommodation and utility costs that’ll arise during the renovation. Suppose you’re getting your kitchen remodeled, and you’ll be having your more-than-usual share of fast food. In this case, it’s best to account for the meal expenses in the project’s budget. Also, consider whether you’ll need child safety locks, a security system, pet gates, and other safety measures for pets and kids. It’s best to think about these extra expenses and consult with your bank before you start construction.
Select Credible Contractors
After you’ve laid down the project’s plan and budget, your next step should be to look for a reputable contractor. Even though it may save time in the short run, compromising the work’s quality can become costly later. Conduct extensive research regarding contractors before you seal the deal, including their construction hours, fees, and worker profiles. If you need help with hiring the right dumpster, for example, it’s best to do some research online and compare sizes/prices/reviews. In turn, you can avoid sticky situations like redoing a particular job and fixing damages caused by sloppy workers. You can use multiple resources for this purpose. For instance, you can;
- Ask around in your family and friends’ circle for trustworthy recommendations and references.
- Try searching professional membership databases like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
- Use digital/online marketplaces to help you match with a professional contractor best-suited to your needs.
Plan For The Long-Term
While crafting your remodeling design and other plans, try thinking beyond the project’s present implications and costs. Factor in all the long-term impacts and formulate plans accordingly. Employ a professional designer and work out the projects’ nitty-gritty, including any additions or upgrades to the current design. Doing so will help visualize how well one part of the remodel works with the other and ensure a smooth transition. For example, you’re going for a complete remodel of the master bedroom. You can use the torn-down wall to install the adjacent bathroom’s plumbing for next year’s remodeling.
Instead of beginning from square one after every renovation project, you can save significant money and productivity by taking this route. Know your home’s limits before you start so you don’t hit roadblocks that disrupt your project in the middle. When time-extensive remodels are concerned, it would be best to hire an engineer to evaluate if your home’s structure can support your desired renovations.
Stick To A Timeline
At this stage, you have most of your remodeling plan’s components under control. Now, you need to develop the project’s timeline. The first step is picking out the specific start and finish dates, both or either. Consult your construction crew to decide the time required to complete all the different parts of the project. Go over any aspects of the project that are high-priority and determine their time of completion. Also, discuss whether there are any two parts of the renovation they can complete side by side.
It would help to maintain a calendar record of the project’s milestones. To accommodate any unpredictable circumstances, be flexible while setting your project completion date. Finalize your timeline once you’ve gained the contractor and crew’s affirmation regarding its realistic and budget-friendly.
Be Rational In Your Approach
Rather than focusing solely on the project’s final result, hire a design expert to ascertain that the upgrades/additions don’t adversely affect your home’s existing look. Anything you add to the current design should work to improve your home’s appeal. Here, it would help if you considered some key factors to keep your additions in line with the house’s character. These include maintaining uniformity between the windows’ size, between the doors and ceilings heights, and between the different building elements. This approach can help your project’s upgrades to blend in and seem as if they were already part of the home’s design or structure.
Set The Stage And Pack Up
So, we’re almost at the finish line of planning for your home remodeling project. It’s time to prepare the renovation area for the big day and make accommodation arrangements to avoid the space under construction.
Depending on your renovation type, you can either live in your home during the construction or moving out may be necessary. When renovating the bedroom, you would require alternative sleeping arrangements along with storage space for your movable furniture. When planning a major kitchen remodel, it’s a good idea to have a temporary place for cooking and eating meals. You’ll also need to clear out all your kitchenware, dishes, tools, and appliances. In case of a complete home remodel, temporarily moving out may be the best option.
In Essence
Dealing with home improvements and remodels is a common headache among many homeowners. Still, the process isn’t as much of a nuisance when approached with patience and a solid game plan. This article discussed some beneficial tips to assist you in planning an efficient home remodeling project. These tips include, but aren’t limited to, selecting reputable contractors, having a plan, creating a budget, and following a timeline.
