When you are ready to start a home remodel project, you have one thing clear in your mind: this is not something to be taken lightly.
It will cost you a good amount and it’s not something you can repeat if it doesn’t come out right the first time.
That’s why taking the necessary steps to ensure your project reaches a successful end is so crucial.
Quick Navigation
Create Your Vision
Let your imagination visualize the project when it is finished. What does it include? Imagine that island in your new kitchen, big enough to seat the whole family, the double ovens, or wine fridge.
And if the plan is for a new bathroom, think about the free-standing tub, huge shower with several showerheads, and twin sinks. Create a detailed list of all the must-haves in the finished product. This will be your starting point.
Determine Your Budget
As you start working on a realistic budget, you may price out all required materials, request cost estimates from professionals, and, if needed, talk to your bank about available financing options.
When coming together with the final numbers, don’t forget to add items such as permits, disposal of all debris, and contingencies, or unexpected costs.
If the final budget is higher than what you were expecting, consider whether some parts of the project can be eliminated or postponed.
Put Together the Right Team
Who is going to work on your project? Start by interviewing potential contractors and getting some quotes. Interview the most promising ones and ask them not only for project costs but estimated timeline.
And if you are planning on tackling the project on your own, make sure to line up the subcontractors you will all upon for each step of the job.
You may need a construction crew, tile or floor installers, plumbers, electricians, and more. Make sure they all understand that you are in charge.
Set a Schedule
Are you ready to start right away? Or maybe you need to set a date in the near future. Let everyone involved know when the project is set to start. But if you have hired a general contractor, ask them when they are available to begin and plan to have your budget ready and available by then.
Be Prepared to Face the Unexpected
When you open up old walls, take out old and rusted plumbing, or change a floor, surprises may be lurking underneath. Your budget should allow for the unexpected and your timeline as well. And don’t stress, these incidents are part of plenty of construction projects.
Put Your Stuff Away
Make this project as simple as possible by allowing all pros to work unimpeded. Empty out the kitchen drawers, clean out the bathroom, move any furniture or items that may be in the way of the remodeling project. Secure them in a different area of your home or put them in storage, if necessary.
Make Substitute Plans
If you are going to get a new kitchen, how will you survive without a stove or refrigerator during the construction? You may have to plug the fridge, microwave, and toaster in your garage or get a grill for cooking.
Planning for this will make the remodel much less stressful for your family. Home Care Contractors can help you plan for this and any other remodeling project.