Do you have some remodeling ideas you would like to put to practice but don’t know how? Such a project requires time and money, so it is very important that you handle it in the best possible way. Surely, it is much easier if you are experienced and when you know what to expect. But there’s a first time for everything, right? That’s why we are presenting you with a beginner’s guide to residential remodeling.
It is all about organization and planning
Every successful project starts with a thorough plan and good management. That is not a secret.
Even if you are planning to leave all the work to the professionals, there are still so many decisions you will have to make.
Who knows what you want better than you do?
You should start this residential remodeling project by making a plan for everything you would like to have done in your home. Give yourself enough time to do this.
Have a notepad where you can write down all the ideas that come to mind. Brainstorming is always a good starting point.
Budgeting is crucial
After these ideas have matured in your mind, you should start budgeting.
If you are not so good with numbers, or you simply do not know how much you should set aside for a certain service or material, you can always check online or contact the professionals.
You might have to cross out some of your wishes from the original list, but setting a budget and sticking to it is crucial when renovating or remodeling a home.
But, the good news is that there are still many remodeling ideas that can be done on a budget!
Speaking of the budget – always set aside at least 10% more money than originally planned. You never know when a pipe can burst amid the remodeling and you have to be ready to act fast.
Hiring pros or the DIY method?
Nobody knows you better than you do. Ask yourself:
- Do I really want to do residential remodeling on my own?
- Do I have the skills and equipment to do this?
- And do I have the time to handle such a project?
If the answer to any of the questions is NO, you shouldn’t think twice about hiring professionals to do the remodeling.
There are some great interior design companies that can help you with the ideas. Now, will you hire a contractor who will have their own people for any part of the work, or will you organize the job by yourself and hire subcontractors?
The first option might seem a bit more expensive, but it often turns out to be better in terms of the nerves you will have saved.
Know what you want
Before you start your residential remodeling, you should have a definite list of all the work you would like done.
Changing your mind about some details is fine, but having second thoughts about some major decisions can create a total mess.
For instance, changing the color of grout will probably not hold your subcontractors down, but if you decide to install marble countertops instead of previously planned regular ones – that can be a problem and cause many delays.
Make the timeline of works to be done
If you decide to be the project manager and you are doing this for the first time, the timeline can be problematic.
Who should do their work first? Is it electricians or plumbers? And, it often happens that the crews start blaming each other for the misunderstandings or mistakes made.
That is why you should have a group meeting with all of them at the beginning of the work to determine the actual timeline of the tasks. Make sure everybody understands what their duties are.
Also, it would be useful to have the timeline printed and handed out to all the crews so that there are no unnecessary pauses or overlaps when the remodeling starts.
Prepare your family and your home for residential remodeling
You might have it all arranged with your contractor or subcontractors, but does your family have a place to stay while the work’s in progress?
Have you moved all the art pieces and valuables that can easily get damaged during remodeling?
Have you protected those pieces of furniture that are not leaving your home and have you found a place for those items that you do not want to risk keeping at home while renovating?
Self-storage is the easiest solution for keeping your possessions safe and available to you at all times, so you shouldn’t think twice about renting it.
Be present and communicate
Of course, there is no need for you to be in your home throughout the entire remodeling process, but it is important that you get updated regularly.
Keep track of what is already done and what is yet to be so. Have a diary where you will write down all the plans, changes, deals, deadlines, deposits paid, delivery dates, etc.
Meet your contractor or subcontractors once or twice a week to check the progress they have made and discuss further details or solve the issues that might have occurred.
Also, you should be very specific and clear when giving instructions. Don’t assume anything and double-check everything.
What might seem like common sense to you might not even occur to your contractor or subcontractors.
Residential remodeling is so much more than a project
Remodeling a living space can be rather stressful.
After all, you are rearranging the place you will come to after a hard day at work or where you will have your family reunions and some of the most special family memories made.
It’s different from redecorating your home office. Of course, you want it to be warm and inviting.
You will probably be investing a lot of money into this design, so you shouldn’t be making any compromises about what you want it to look like after remodeling.
Conclusion
Take your time to make a thorough and precise plan for your residential remodeling.
Once that is done, you need to be consistent and present to make sure that you are on the same page with the subcontractors.
And finally, be flexible about the details but don’t let anyone talk you out of having it your way.
After all – it is your home that is at stake and not somebody else’s.
