Undertaking a home renovation project is more than just changing a toilet or a new coat of paint. It’s critical to have the proper help available, develop a comprehensive plan to achieve your project goals, secure the right funding to complete that plan successfully, and empower your construction partner to implement the plan fully.

To start on the right path, it’s essential to put some time and effort into the various steps and phases of home renovation to ensure that every aspect has been addressed, so there are no hidden surprises or costly mistakes.

Every home renovation project needs somebody to do the work. There are three basic ways to handle yours:

Do-it-yourself (DIY)
Some homeowners have the skill and tools to do their own remodeling work. Some, however, might overestimate their ability and run into problems. Some typical pitfalls include underestimating costs and going over budget, buying the wrong materials, and making costly construction mistakes that need to be corrected by a professional.

Act as your own general contractor
Homeowners who have a clear understanding of their own skills and the ones they lack will sometimes act as their own general contractor and subcontract the work they can’t do, such as plumbing or electrical. Trying to juggle multiple schedules, myriad estimates, and delays that can negatively affect the entire project can cause significant headaches and cost more time and money.

Work with a full-service design/build firm
This is a company that provides all the services necessary to complete a construction project – from designing and permitting to purchasing materials and constructing. Whatever path you choose, many homeowners have some important questions when considering a home renovation project. It’s helpful to know what they are and review them because they can provide some insights into what can affect most projects:

What do home renovation projects cost?
How long is it going to take to renovate my home?
What do I need to know about hiring a home renovation company?
How do I avoid the horror stories and costly mistakes I hear about?
How do I get the most return-on-investment (ROI) on my home with a renovation project?
What are the most popular and efficient renovation ideas?
What are the essentials of a kitchen remodeling project?
How can I maximize my kitchen storage space to match my lifestyle?

Guidelines to Achieving the Home of Your Dreams
To start on the right path, it’s essential to put some time and effort into the various steps and phases of home renovation to ensure that every aspect has been addressed, so there are no hidden surprises or costly mistakes. Begin by choosing the right remodeling project to add functionality, beauty, and value to your home.

Here are some of the top remodeling and renovation projects to consider:

Master bathrooms
One of the most popular rooms people judge a home by, bathrooms are a favorite remodeling project for most homeowners. Today’s bathrooms can be a marvel of digital technology, with WIFI-controlled heating and cooling systems, smart mirror displays, boldly designed fixtures, and appealing colors and textures.

Master bedrooms
The most central and personal room in a home, master bedrooms are ideal for bringing creative ideas to life. Turn a drab, unappealing room into a peaceful, personal sanctuary with all the creature comforts. Modern materials and architectural touches can add unique appeal and value.

Home additions
One of the best ways to add value and functionality to a home is with a room addition. For example, a family room can be a cost-efficient addition that provides much-needed space for family game nights, movie-watching, or kids to have friends over. Another benefit of an addition is it often enables the homeowner to reconfigure the functionality of adjoining rooms to significantly improve the flow, sightlines and openness of the primary living spaces in the home.

Renovated kitchens
Kitchens (especially open floor plan kitchens) with more and better storage and counter space, better lighting, and a more functional workflow have always been popular. Open floor plans enable you to integrate better spaces that touch, such as food prep, cooking, and dining areas, for a seamless design flow. More efficient and convenient storage spaces such as roll-out shelves, pull-out cabinets, and more useful corner cabinets are more accessible and contribute to cleaner, clutter-free countertops.

Once you’ve settled on what’s the best renovation investment for your home and lifestyle, it’s time to begin the steps necessary for a successful project. Start by selecting your contractor so that you can develop a plan that will enable you to receive an accurate quote so you can set a budget and apply for necessary financing.

Selecting a contractor:

Get referrals and ask a lot of questions.
Start by evaluating construction firms to see if they are a good fit for you and your project. Look for firms with the process, team, and culture in place to efficiently and successfully complete your project. Seek a firm with a proven track record for completing renovations on time and on budget, producing high-quality work that is attractive and exceeds the homeowner’s expectations. Selecting a design/build firm has many advantages
The most efficient and effective way to accomplish all of this is to work with a design/build firm. This type of renovation company provides all the services necessary to complete a construction project – from designing and permitting to purchasing materials and constructing. The most significant benefit of working with this type of firm is the single source of accountability it provides. You have one point of contact for every aspect of the project. Of course, it’s essential to make sure that the firm you hire can provide all of the services it promises. That means having licensed and credentialed design and construction professionals on staff and experience with projects like yours.
Look for firms with the process, team, and culture in place to efficiently and successfully complete your home renovation project.

Learn about the firm’s reputation and approach
Ask any firm you’re considering for your project how they go about the planning phase.

How do they schedule?
Do they have dedicated project managers?
How do they ensure a project is on time and on budget?

Develop a detailed plan to receive an accurate quote
To get an accurate quote, you must have a detailed project plan. Some contractors are willing to provide a best-guess estimate, but this can easily lead to wildly inaccurate numbers, cost increases, and project delays. A reliable, professional firm will have a process-based, disciplined approach to estimating that yields accurate, reliable quotes to help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Establish a reasonable budget
Everyone starts a home renovation project with the best intentions. To save money, some homeowners focus on the lowest price for everything, and the old saying inevitably comes true: “you get what you pay for.” Quality workmanship adds financial value while making it more enjoyable to live there, adding immeasurably to the home’s true value and the return on your investment.

Set a realistic schedule
Be sure to allocate ample time for every step of your remodeling project. The fact is that for nearly every large-scale project, you will likely come up against at least one unexpected delay. Delay-causing events can range from discovering unknown structural problems with your house to material or appliance shipping issues to unpredictable weather.

Good planning, estimating, and scheduling produce excellent results and a successful home renovation project you’ll be proud of and will enjoy for years to come.

Thinking of upgrading your property? Call us for a Free Consultation and Quote today!