Remodeling? How to plan & what to expect - a guide for a smoother remodeling process.

Remodeling a space or your entire home can be a very stressful endeavor for most. The thought of disruption and lack of control in life is quite jarring to say the least. The best way to move forward with any remodeling project is by doing one thing really well - PLANNING. Planning helps you prepare for the expected and the unexpected and can diffuse much of the stress that surrounds home remodels. So let’s get started with the absolute MUST dos when you plan for a remodel.

1. What to Remodel? Defining Project Scope

This is where you really have to look at your space and ask what would you change. What would you like in terms of functionality & design? The extent of your remodel will be easier to define when you have clarity on these elements. If you are thinking of remodeling the kitchen ask yourself what do you like about the space and what would you like to change. Take time to understand your needs and wants for the space. This will make it easier to define the extent of the remodel. Start a pinterest board and collect visuals of spaces that you want to incorporate in your own space. This can be a fun process - get everyone in the family involved!

2. Designing your space - translate your vision

You know what you want from your space - what next? This is where an interior designer comes in. A designer will help translate your vision to a well-designed executable blueprint. Your designer can provide options that you may not have thought about and bring a creative edge to the project. 3D renderings of the finished space will give you a better understanding of the transformation in the space. This is where you also get to refine the design to be exactly what you want. This is an important step - once your design is finalized you can use the construction documents to get bids for the project.

3. Cost of Remodel - Budget for Success

This is one of the most stressful aspects of remodeling. Be realistic about what you want to spend on a project. Research what the average cost of similar projects are in your area. Try to get details around project scope, what is included, what are the finishes like, was any part of the project DIY, when was it done - a remodel done 5 years ago would cost quite different from one done now. Make sure to account for the unexpected during any project. Cost of materials may change, local building codes could require unexpected upgrades or you may find your subfloor needs to be replaced. Make a list of must haves in for your project and budget accordingly. Be flexible when it comes to finishes to accommodate for any unexpected costs.

4. How long will my remodel take? Scheduling your remodel

Do you want to make your Thanksgiving dinner in your newly remodeled kitchen? Then you must start your remodel by August/September. That also means you should have your design, financing and permits all done by then. Here’s a timeline for the most popular remodels: Kitchen - 6-8 weeks, Bathroom - 4-5 weeks, Basement - 6-8 weeks. This is a broad guideline - depending on custom cabinetry, specialty equipment/fixtures, time taken for inspections/permits these can change as well. Do you have a special order tile that is handmade by an artist? Or maybe you have a special chandelier that is shipping from Morocco. Give yourself ample time for all of the parts of your project to come together - it will truly be worth it!

5. DIY or Contractor?

It might be tempting to DIY your entire remodel project or parts of it. The extent of doing all the work yourself will come down to your expertise, time available and patience to execute. Some projects like painting, laying tile, changing out light/plumbing fixtures or installing flooring may be great for DIY. The complexity of larger remodels may require certified & experienced professionals - like laying out the plumbing for kitchen/bath remodel, electrical/HVAC work of any kind or building structural elements. Understanding limitations of DIY is essential for safeguarding yourself from reworks & unnecessary expenditure.

6. Hiring a contractor

Hiring a contractor should be done carefully. Getting bids for your project is the first step towards selecting who you would like to work with. Make sure that the quotes you receive are as detailed as possible. Talk to the contractors about your concerns regarding the site safety, going over budget, timeliness and get details around their process and quality checks. Ask about permitting for the project - who procures it and what to expect. Be clear around your expectations for the project. Get client reviews and if possible talk to previous clients about their project experience.

7. Living through a Remodel

Remodels can disrupt your life in many ways. If your kitchen is being remodeled have a good plan around how you may be cooking your meals. Maybe a microwave or a hotplate in the garage or outdoor grilling could work & you could also do the dishes in your bath sink. Expect inconvenience as part of the remodel. If you whole house is being remodeled budget for staying elsewhere during the project. Make sure you have accounted for the added expense a rental could cost.

8. Site safety & Material storage

As you prepare for your remodel you will need to plan for storage of materials - for example, wood floors will need to be acclimated prior to installation. If your kitchen cabinets/equipment show up before the space is ready for installation you may have to figure out a safe space to store them. You may need to rent a storage pod if necessary. Your contractor should also have a good plan around storage of materials as well as site safety. Construction dust is another problem that needs to be addressed. Sealing air returns/vents and creating a separation between the remodeling area and the rest of the house is important to minimize construction dust getting everywhere.

These are some of the most important things that you should think about before plunging into a remodel! Plan for everything and you will be organized and well prepped for anything that comes your way!