Renovating your home can be an adventure and also be a positive experience that gets you the improvements you need and want to improve your life.
There is a lot to consider before you begin. Let’s talk about these things.
#1. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW FIRST?
To avoid a bunch of headaches and regrets, you must have some knowledge, so you know what you like. Why?
There are hundreds of choices out there for every single element of your project. You can only choose one. Being selective in your choices helps the whole process.
Even knowing how you would like to live helps in the planning stages to determine which walls to remove or move or open or leave.
See what I mean?
I suggest you browse a lot to assemble a wish list. Your list may differ from the rest of your family too.
#2. HOW DO YOU RUN THE NUMBERS?
There is a reason we call it a “dream house”. Your selections and plans might be out of reach for the amount you want to invest. So, you need to be open to creating a list of items you require to complete the project. Being open and flexible in replacing a costly item with something less costly will help to get to a budget you can work with.
#3. WHAT IS A REALITY CHECK?
Your wish list may be completely off base with your check book! You may think that a simple project (to you) like adding a laundry room upstairs, can easily become a budget buster if the plumbing is more complicated because of the way your home is set up.
Therefore, getting some insight from your architect or contractor helps to figure out what is workable before you even start to invest. This is called a consultation and it is worth making a smaller investment to get some answers.
When you change your mind midstream, your budget can explode! It usually happens when you see something someone else has in their home and you think you might have one too…but it is $4,000 more than your line item! Oh no! You need to stay focused.
#4. SHOULD YOU DO ANYTHING YOURSELF OR GO PRO ALL THE WAY?
Are you extremely handy, patient and know how to do things? Even if you are, is it s good idea for you to some of the work yourself? Do youo have the time? Paience?
Many times, structure (load bearing walls) makes it impractical for you to get involved. Leave it to the professionals. You probably need a permit for your project and building departments are much happier when licensed professionals are doing the work. I agree.
#5. WHY IS TIMING IMPORTANT?
You want your project to take center stage once you start. Seasonal weather can impose major delays on the scheduling of tradespeople. Rain, flooding, snow, cold temperatures and more affect the time it takes for curing of cement, drying out of spackle, drying of floor finishes/painting, etc. If you live in a very humid climate that can influence the project as well.
We all hope to get our materials ordered and delivered on time. But especially today, that could be wishful thinking! Leaving plenty of time for the materials that are needed to be delivered helps the timeline. Backorders are major slow downers! BE PREPARED TO SWITCH YOUR SLECTIONS IF YOU GET THAT ANSWER!
Seems nothing is perfect, so expect delays and leave plenty of extra time to complete especially if what you are doing has a special event on the calendar!
#6. ARE YOU A PERFECTIONIST?
Contractors and all tradespeople have big issues with a person who thinks everything must be 100% perfect. This expectation makes for misery! every setback or issue becomes huge. It becomes difficult to work for someone ike this and the project will suffer. No one wants to come in to work!
We know everyone is human and mistakes happen. It is how we respond that matters. We strive for a wonderful result and we know that 100% is impossible so think about your standards before you begin. It will save you lots of aggravation and frustration. Remember…saying “thank you” goes a long way!
Good luck with your remodeling goals and let us know if you could use some help!
