Tips for Planning Your Home Remodel Project

Table of Contents

1. Know What You Want
2. Create a Budget
3. Consider Value
4. DIY or Contractor?
5. Finding a Contractor
6. Protect Kids and Pets
7. Plan for Cleaning
8. Storage Concerns
9. Building Codes and Permits

Planning a home remodel can be exciting. There’s something about taking an existing home and adding upgrades or redesigning spaces that can bring out so much imagination.

As much as it can be an exciting experience, a lot of work goes into remodeling a home. It also requires a lot of planning. A failure to plan can lead to a bad experience in many ways. The project could go over your budget, or you might end up with a remodel that does not meet your vision. Under the worst circumstances, a poorly planned remodel runs out of budget, and you end up with a half-finished job waiting for more funds.

While the unexpected can always occur during a home remodel, planning can help you avoid the worst of it. It can also be a way to ensure you get the most for the time and money you put into the project. But what do you need to consider when planning your home remodel? Read this post for a few tips on planning your next home remodel project.

Know What You Want

The first step is to define what you want and need from a home remodel. Do you want to remodel the home from top to bottom, or is it just one room? Maybe you are looking to modernize your home or update the look of a particular room. You might want various convenience features or new appliances. Homeowners also need to consider questions like new floors, paint colors, technology features, etc. Make a list of everything you want when the project is done. It doesn’t mean you have to do it all at once, but having a big picture of your wants and needs is good.

Create a Budget

The next step is evaluating your budget. The cost of a home remodel can vary depending on several factors. There’s obviously the renovation work and materials cost, but there may also be several indirect costs. Consider how much money you have saved and what you can borrow for the project. It can also help to break the project down into stages. By doing the project in stages, it can make it easier to afford.

Consider Value

Accounting for the value of different remodel projects can also be helpful. Some might cost more, but they may do more to increase the home’s value or make it more efficient. For example, energy-efficient windows or insulation upgrades can be smart additions to any remodel wish list. Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom can also do more to improve the value of the home. Another point is to not follow style trends. If you go for a more timeless style, the remodeled areas with look good for longer.

DIY or Contractor?

Whether to do the work yourself or hire a contractor is another consideration. You could save money by doing some or all of the work yourself. However, you must be honest about your ability to do the work. Even if you have the skills, you’ll also need to consider whether you have the time. A contractor might cost more, but they’ll have the time and skills to get the job done. Along with that, they’ll also have insurance to cover the cost if anything is damaged during the project.

Finding a Contractor

You will also need to take your time to find the right contractor. You shouldn’t go with the first one you find in your area and shouldn’t choose one based on price alone. Investigate several contractors. Look at the services they offer and find reviews of their work. You should also ask people you know for referrals. Once you have a list with a few that seem good, interview them, and get quotes. Beyond pricing, you will want to ask them several questions about their qualifications and services.

Protect Kids and Pets

Homeowners need to account for kids and pets if they have any. A remodel can seem like an interesting place to explore for a young child or a pet. However, there will be all sorts of hazards. Make sure you plan to keep young kids and pets out of the area under work. Removable gates can be one solution. If you have older kids, explain the hazards to them and why they shouldn’t enter the work area.

Plan for Cleaning

Larger jobs will probably need a dumpster onsite for a time. The remodeled home or area may also need significant cleaning after the work is done. Some homeowners might be able to do the cleaning to save money, but you should be aware that it is not like a standard home cleaning. For that reason, you might want to consider a professional construction cleanup service. Professional cleaners will be able to go through the space and have it cleaned and habitable in a few hours. They will also know how to handle hazardous materials and ensure the area is safe.

Storage Concerns

Storage might be an issue for some home remodeling projects. Depending on the scale of the project and the types of work being done, you might be able to keep your furniture and other items in place with covers on them. You might be able to move stuff to other rooms or the garage for a time as well. However, some projects might require you to put some of your things in storage for a time. You might also be able to rent a temporary storage container to keep on your property during the project.

Building Codes and Permits

Another point is to make sure your home is up to code and you follow all the local regulations. Some projects may or may not require permits. This is more likely for work you do in your own home. However, a broad array of permits and inspections may be required depending on the work. If you hire a contractor, they might be able to handle most of the permitting and arrange the necessary inspections.

The actual hands-on work is only one part of remodeling a home. As you can see, a lot goes into planning the project and ensuring it runs smoothly. With these tips, you can do more to ensure a better remodeling experience for your home.

Thank you for reading!