Successful renovations require careful planning and expertise
Article Takeaways
- Plan before beginning the work
- Gather all the materials required
- Hire a professional if possible
With so many of us spending so much time at home, it’s not surprising that remodeling is rising to the top of countless to-do lists. But before you bust up the drywall to make way for a renovated bathroom, kitchen or family room, pick up a pencil and make a detailed plan. The hours you invest upfront, will save you a lot more time—and money—down the road. Here are some tips for getting started.
Set a budget
While it’s great to dream big, your bank account (or ability to borrow) will determine what becomes reality. Research the price tags behind those lavish photo spreads, and even if you want to go DIY, check out reputable contractors in your area. Depending on the scope and scale of your project, hiring a professional could actually cut costs and eliminate a lot of aggravation.
Make the most of your budgeting efforts by creating a detailed spreadsheet where you track every expense. This invaluable tool will help you reign in expenses and provide an accurate breakdown of all your costs. That’s vital not only for this project, but other projects you tackle later.
Reimagine the space
That guest bathroom with tired fixtures from 1983 is much more than an eyesore. It’s a hidden canvas awaiting your creative vision. Check out Pinterest and Houzz for thousands of inspirations. After researching the look you want, make a sketch or concept board that shows how each new element fits and works together. Then measure carefully and use blue tape to rough out space for each fixture.
Make a materials list and put in your orders
Once you have a plan, order everything you need to execute it, from the state-of-the-art stovetop, plumbing, tiles, lighting, appliances, right on down to the last woodscrew. When all the materials are on hand, that’s when it’s time to get started. Remember, beginning your renovation without everything needed to complete it is like cooking dinner without all the ingredients. Order early and be prepared!
Take a deep breath (you got this!)
Whether you hire a contractor or take on the project yourself, there are bound to be pitfalls and complications. Maybe the custom counters were cut to the wrong dimensions. Or a lighting fixture wasn’t wired correctly. Or perhaps that vanity was delivered in the wrong color and had to be returned. Be sure to keep a spreadsheet and document every step of the process for future reference. After a remodel it’s easy to forget that the flooring ran over budget or that those wall tiles you wanted were discontinued. Take your learnings from this project and apply it to the next!
Whatever issues emerge, adjust your timeline accordingly and keep moving. And if you’re working with a contractor, be patient and understand that projects can take longer than anticipated, especially when clients add tasks or make other changes. In the end, you’ll reap the reward of enjoying a beautiful new living space in your home.
Learn more about the process of remodeling by reading Top Do’s and Don’ts of Remodeling in NAR’s Realtor® Magazine.