11 Essential Tips for Planning a Home Renovation
Are you thinking of giving your property a facelift? When you’re renovating, making your home reflect who you are is more important than picking out the latest tile design or the ideal paint color. Planning is the key to making your ideas come true without completely upending your life, including an open-concept living space, a bathroom spa hideaway, or a kitchen that will leave you in awe.
But here’s the kicker: remodeling doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. You can breeze through it like an expert when you get the correct advice. Your makeover will go more smoothly, efficiently, and—most importantly—enjoyably if you follow these 11 vital guidelines.
Establish Your Priorities
Think things out before you smash anything or go on a Pinterest binge. Inspiring factors behind your remodel? Do you need a makeover regarding aesthetics, functionality, or energy efficiency? Having a clear understanding of your “why” helps guide you as you navigate the project.
If you want a larger living room for family gatherings, consider space-enhancing ideas like extending square footage or tearing down barriers. Consider installing built-in shelves or secret chambers if you’re short on space.
Expert Advice: Prioritize your objectives by making a list of the “must-haves” (non-negotiables) and the “nice-to-haves” (bonus bonuses). With this understanding, you’ll be better able to concentrate when faced with challenging choices or a limited budget.
A Practical and Stylish Kitchen Design
The kitchen is the beating heart of any house. This area demands a harmonious blend of form and function, regardless of whether you’re a master chef or a master of takeout. But how can you design a kitchen that is functional and aesthetically pleasing?
According to Airoom, a well-known Lincolnwood kitchen remodeling expert, “Layout is the first step. There is a time-tested method for maximizing productivity in the kitchen: the work triangle. This triangle consists of the sink, the stove, and the refrigerator.”
Assemble your cooking utensils and appliances in a well-lit area with plenty of counter space for preparation. Make your kitchen seem like a magazine with the help of pull-out pantry shelves, under-cabinet lighting, and clever vertical storage options.
Establish a Practical Budget
While having lofty goals is admirable, being frugal is even more so. Due to unforeseen circumstances, material improvements, or personnel changes, renovation costs might easily exceed expectations. Create a thorough and reasonable budget immediately to keep your finances from getting out of hand.
Before you start looking into renovations, find out what other projects like yours in your region have cost on average. Expenses should be broken down into their parts, such as permits, materials, labor, and furnishings. It’s better to be overly prepared than scrambling at the last minute, so set aside at least 10-15% of your budget to cover unexpected expenses.
If you want high-end features but your budget is tight, consider combining splurges with savings. For instance, you could go for long-lasting countertops but choose affordable cabinets. Take note of every cent. Keep tabs on your expenditures with the help of budgeting applications or tools.
Arrange Your Schedule Carefully
Renovation timelines might seem like a changing target, particularly when unforeseen setbacks occur. Therefore, making a practical timetable is as critical as making a financial plan. The intended completion date should be the starting point for working backward, considering the scope of work and lead times for supplies.
Be sure to go over the schedule with your contractors in depth, taking into consideration any delays that may occur due to weather, problems with the supply chain, or the permitting procedure. If you can help it, try not to plan repairs around popular times of year, such as holidays or family gatherings. Never forget that cutting corners or sacrificing quality is commonplace in a hastily completed job.
Obtain Any Required Permits
No big remodeling can proceed without the necessary permits, which may be a real pain in the bureaucracy. Not obtaining the necessary permissions could result in fines, delays, or having to reverse work already done.
Research your local construction regulations to find out what is necessary. Improvements to the electrical system, plumbing, structure, and additions to existing buildings often require building permits. Certain regions may also need to be inspected at certain points throughout the project. Relying on your contractor to manage permissions is a bad idea. Their assistance is welcome, but keeping yourself updated and verifying compliance is still smart.
Make an Informed Material Selection
The success or failure of your remodel depends on the materials you choose. In addition to affecting the aesthetics, they determine your area’s longevity and ease of maintenance. Durable materials are required in high-traffic areas like toilets and kitchens while living rooms provide more freedom of movement.
When selecting materials, strike a balance between form and function. Although hardwood floors are beautiful and classic, they may not be the best choice for rooms that get a lot of moisture. Luxury vinyl or tile, on the other hand, is long-lasting and resistant to water. You should always weigh the benefits and drawbacks of materials before settling on one.
Prioritize Energy Savings
You may lower your power costs and environmental impact by making your house more energy-efficient during a remodel.
Make sure to begin with the doors and windows. You can greatly enhance insulation by installing double-paned windows and using the appropriate weather stripping. You can maximize your heating and cooling by installing energy-efficient equipment, switching to LED lights, and thinking about getting a smart thermostat. If your remodeling involves the roof or walls, look for improved insulation solutions.
Be Open-Minded and Ready for Anything
No matter how well you prepare for renovations, they might still reveal unseen problems like old wiring, concealed water damage, or structural problems. Flexibility is key to being calm and collected in the face of these challenges. If unexpected problems crop up, you and your contractor should discuss your alternatives carefully so that you can make a well-informed decision without losing composure.
Recruit Qualified Experts
Having fantastic ideas isn’t enough to build the house of your dreams; you also need skillful hands. Selecting reliable experts to work on your remodeling is an important first step.
Find architects, designers, and contractors with experience with your project and read their reviews. Check out their previous work, see what others say about them online, and, most importantly, and get some references from satisfied customers. In addition to carrying out your vision, a reliable contractor will advise you on the best, most economical ways to achieve your goals.
While hiring experts, inquire thoroughly about the project’s schedule, materials, and backup procedures in the event of unforeseen problems. Meet with your selected team to discuss your objectives in advance and make sure they mesh. Protect your interests by negotiating payment conditions and contracts without hesitation.
Pay Attention to Every Detail
While major decisions like new flooring, cabinetry, and paint colors tend to receive all the attention, the little things make a difference. As you plan your redesign, don’t forget the finishing touches, such as hardware, light fixtures, baseboards, and more.
Plan for What’s to Come
Renovating well isn’t just about the here and now; it’s also about the future. Consider the possibility that your requirements may evolve during the next several years. Will you need an aging-friendly design, or are you intending to establish a family?
Think of amenities like rooms with multiple uses, energy-saving technology, and long-lasting materials. Updating the kitchen and bathroom with contemporary fixtures is a great way to increase your home’s market value.
