Remodeling a home should be easy and simple.
But all too often, people start a project without thinking about either the small details or the larger picture. You need to have a detailed plan before remodeling a home, and that starts with asking yourself some very important questions.
When you ask these questions, you’ll be prepared to remodel your home to the perfect style!
What’s Your Realistic Budget?
Before you can start coming up with plans for renovations and remodeling, you need to define your budget. Sit down at the kitchen table and decide exactly how much you can afford to spend. Having a concrete number in front of you will help you stay on budget through the entire process and make the final results all the more rewarding.
What Rooms Need to be Renovated?
Now that you know what your budget looks like, think about what rooms or areas need to be remodeled. Are you doing a single bathroom, or are you remodeling all the bedrooms in the entire home? Are you just updating the kitchen or finally finishing an entire basement. It might sound obvious, but knowing exactly what you’re doing and not doing will help you stay on track. (This is especially important for couples, as being on the same page is essential.)
How Will the Renovated Rooms be Used?
You need to understand exactly how the renovated rooms will be used. Are they kid’s bedrooms? Is it a guest bathroom? Is it a downstairs entertainment room? When you can say exactly how the room will be used, you can make better decisions for flooring, walls, and more.
Do You Have a Design Theme or Style?
What’s your favorite design theme? Do you prefer bold modern colors or rustic, earthy tones? To help this process, think about homes that you really like; maybe a friend’s or family member’s. What are the themes and styles that make this home standout in your mind?
Are There any Concerns for Accessibility?
Does anyone in your family need special concerns for mobility, such as wheel chair ramps or grab-handles? In particular, this should be considered for two specific areas: the bathrooms and the entryways. You may need to add an easy-access shower or grab-handles in the bathroom, and you may need a special ramp for patios, decks, and other outside areas.
Do You Want a Sustainable Design?
Sustainable design, also called “environmental design,” is an engineering philosophy based around environmentally-conscious practices. This can include better heat retention, smart use of land, and the implementation of solar-energy panels. If you’re going to remodel your home, it’s worth thinking about. This can include more-efficient windows, superior insulation, and making ecologically-wise decisions about wood suppliers. You could also look for energy-efficient appliances and find products free of carcinogens. Discuss this with your contractor to decide how much time, energy, and money you want to give sustainability.
Do You Have a Color Preference?
Thankfully, choosing colors is a lot less complicated than choosing sustainability practices. Decide what colors you like, and use this theme to create a plan for your home. You can choose bright and vibrant colors or neutral tones, whatever makes you happy. Remember, however, to choose a color theme that will go with the cabinets, furniture, or appliances that will be around after the remodeling project is complete.
What Would You Like for Flooring?
The flooring can make a huge impact on the final results of your remodeling project. If you’re remodeling a kitchen, do you want hardwood or tile? If you’re finishing a basement, would you prefer a soft carpet or an elegant ceramic flooring? Deciding which floors will go best with the purpose of the room (entertainment, bedroom, etc.) will make that area much more enjoyable in the future.
Do You Need Lots of Storage?
Different people have different storage needs. If it’s just you and your spouse, then you probably don’t need too much storage space. If, however, you have a large family living in your home, you’ll likely need lots of space for bikes, toys, equipment, tools, utensils, clothing, and more. Keep this in mind when creating your remodeling plan, as you may need to add more closets or leave space for a storage room in the basement.
Do You Have a Favorite Material?
If you could pick one material to highlight in your home, what would it be? Do you prefer the classic depth of wood? Do you like the sleek modernism of stainless steel? Do you love the way rich ceramic enhances a kitchen or bathroom? Think about the right materials for your home and you can make a plan to highlight these elements throughout your remodeling project.
Is There a Type of Stone That You Prefer?
If you love the way stone lifts a room, then you probably want to add it to your remodeling plan. But as you probably know, stone is a diverse material that comes in all sorts of colors, designs, and textures. You can go with granite, marble, slate, travertine, and more. One thing you’ll want to think about is cleaning, as porous stones can be difficult to clean and may require advanced sealers and coatings.
What Do You Desire from Your Cabinets?
You’ll also have lots of options for your cabinets. From a practical standpoint, you’ll need to think about how much storage space you need to for your kitchen and bathrooms. From a design standpoint, you need to first choose between painted or wood cabinets, whichever reflects your preferred design theme.
What Do You Prefer from Appliances?
Finally, let’s take a look at the appliances. Think about what you want from your stove, fridge, washing machines, and other important appliances. Do you want an overhead microwave? Do you love stainless steel dishwashers? Do you like the water and ice dispensers on the front of your fridge? This can be the final touch to your perfect home!
Get Expert Advice on Remodeling Your Home
Contact us today to learn more about remodeling your home. By asking the right questions, you’ll be able to create a home that keeps you happy for years!
