The Do’s, Don’ts & What If’s Revealed
Remodeling your home is much like building new – only you get to live in the mess as it happens. Yes, there will be dust, but you will also have the benefit of watching a new version of your home unfold before your eyes.
Thousands of decisions must be made before and during a renovation. While this is nowhere near a comprehensive guide to your pre-remodel strategy, it covers the three main pieces that are most crucial to a successful remodel.
Believe it or not, these three elements are also the most forgotten, and that is why we’ve chosen to focus on them.
| 1.CREATE A PLAN |
| Whether remodeling an existing footprint, adding an addition – or both – you must start with the end in mind. As you ponder your ideal remodel, keep in mind that functionality is key, from traffic patterns through the kitchen and living areas to the usability of each room. Adding square footage can be advantageous in certain areas of the country, especially for resale purposes. But a renovating is an undertaking so it’s better to remodel to increase your home’s function, use, and accessibility. Not only will your future self be grateful, but so will any future homeowners (as will your wallet when your home sale pays you back several fold). If you feel overwhelmed by creating a floor plan, selecting materials, or scheduling and managing the project, please keep in mind that we offer this service to our clients. There is absolutely no reason for you to suffer undue stress before or during your remodel. Let us take the burden off your mind from the very beginning. |
| 2. CHOOSE A CONTRACTOR |
| Finding the right company to demo, prep, and remodel your home is no simple task. We suggest you start by asking for referrals from friends or family members who have recently had their homes remodeled. If nothing else, do an online search for remodeling contractors in your area and thoroughly inspect their portfolio images and reviews. If a contractor catches your eye, ask them for two or three referrals from past clients. Be sure to ask those referral sources about the contractor’s timeliness, professionalism, and ability to problem solve. Many times a contractor moves on to a new job as your job is culimating, therefore another important question should be whether or not the contractor was available towards the end of project and if they tied up all lose ends. Contrary to popular opinion, time and money are not the most important pieces to consider when choosing a contractor, but accuracy and integrity are most certainly. |
| 3. REVIEW ALL AGREEMENTS |
| Don’t sign any contracts, work orders, or installation agreements until you’ve read every word. While it is rare for a vendor to sneak in a clause or two that would hurt your project, homeowners are often caught off guard if their project goes south and they discover that they are responsible for much more than they had planned. Never assume that a contract or agreement is in your best interest. Keep a paper trail and don’t move forward based on verbal agreements. As an interior design firm, a large part of our service is acting as a liaison between the contractor and the homeowner. We can help you navigate the paperwork, timelines, budgets, and backorders with practiced ease. |
DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
Closed Concepts
In the past, remodeling meant taking down walls. One design “trick” we use is to enlarge doorways. In that respect, you have still delineated the space with an airier feel.
DESIGN TIP OF THE MONTH
Invest in Flooring
Because flooring is the most difficult to replace, and often quite expensive, we suggest taking care to choose materials that will function beautifully according to the levels of traffic in your home.
