Have you been dreaming about updating your home but haven’t been sure where to start? When you take on a large project, figuring out what’s possible and practical can be overwhelming if you don’t take a carefully planned approach.
To get you moving in the right direction, our friends at DFW Improved have detailed where to start.
Your remodel project starts with your plan. The more detailed you make that plan and the more you research, the easier it will be when it comes time to execute your project.
Set priorities
Make a list of the “must-haves” and a list of the “nice-to-haves” to make sure you stay within a realistic budget. With those lists, note DIY projects and those that will require a professional. Doing so will help you stay within budget, accomplish more goals, and determine what types of contractors will offer the most value.
What is your house's purpose?
Walk from one room to the next and find out what’s limiting its potential. Your first step should be the basics of livability. That means making sure any plumbing, electrical, insulation, and structural problems are considered.
The overarching concern in each room comes down to how it fits the needs and wants of the people using it. In most instances, that means evaluating three functional aspects — space, storage, and lighting. If you can maximize each, you’ll be well on your way to an ideal home. Try to find solutions with your current arrangement. When you get as close as possible to a solution, you can decide on a remodel job to get you over the edge, saving you time and money.
What is your house's style?
Updating one room is simple enough. But when you remodel multiple rooms, you have to plan every room before you settle on anything for one room. If you’re changing the style of the entire house, consider working with an interior designer. Before calling one in though, make sure you work out a detailed idea of what you want. Interior designers can sometimes take loose ideas and runoff in their own direction with them, and you risk ending up with their dream home, not yours.
Think towards the future
What are your goals for the future, and how can your remodel help you to that end?
If you’re planning on selling the house, for example, starting with the kitchen is one of the better home remodel ideas to boost your home value. If you plan on living in your home long-term, you may have different priorities. In many instances, you’ll want a home that can meet your changing needs.
Budget & timeline
Your budget and timeline should be reasonable plans that you can stick to through completion. With that in mind, you also need flexibility. Unexpected challenges will arise, contractors may find more issues, and delays may happen, so you’ll need extra budget and time to absorb them.
Choose your contractors with care
If you have extensive renovation plans, follow up with your local government office to determine what permits you’ll need before starting. After getting those organized, you can look for contractors.It’s critical to get multiple quotes on large projects. You’ll find price differences between services, but that doesn’t mean you should jump on the lowest price. Value comes from a combination of price and several other factors, including:
· Builders insurance
· Warranties
· Scope of work
· Customer reviews
The price is different, but the value may be better with the more expensive contractor.
