My 5 simple steps to starting your remodel:
1-Create a clear vision
Before you start on a remodel you need to create a clear vision of what you want the end result to be. You need that dream of what the end project will look like. It doesn’t matter if this is a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or office, start by answering these four questions. What is wrong with the space you have now? What do you like about your current space? What do you wish you had? and What do you need to have?
Don’t focus on exact solutions yet. We will get to that… For now just start a list of Love, Hate Wish and need.
2- Set yourself a budget
How much are you looking to invest in this project? 10K, 60K, 150K? These amounts can help frame what of your “wants and needs” can get accomplished. This number will help you as you proceed with deciding the size and scope of the project too. Know that this number can and probably will be revisited but if you don’t set yourself guidelines you might just blink and end up with the Taj Mahal.
3- Get some professional help
No, I don’t mean a therapist… Although I tease that a good designer has to be a marriage counseling too! Working with a good design professional can often save you time and money in the long run. Making the right decisions the first time saves you time and money! Whether it is a couple hours of design consultation or a more hands-on service, a designer and or contractor can get you and keep you on track. Also, we can start helping you refine your guesstimates above. Remember, these professionals do this every day. They can tell you if you are in the right range.
4- Get bids & Total your numbers
Once you have a solid design to work with, start getting bids on materials and labor. Now we can total up your numbers so you can get yourself a solid ballpark number. I highly recommend you take that ballpark number and add 10-15% for unforeseen costs. This can be anything from extra materials needed to fixing “monsters in the walls”. (These unforeseen boogie men that quickly swallow up your hard earned dollars can include; electrical fires, wiring or plumbing that is not to code, rot, mold, mildew, etc). I would rather you set this money aside and not need to spend it than get half way done and realize you are going to be short.
5- Leap
This is the hardest part for most people. At a certain point you need to stop making changes to the plans and just jump into construction! Yes, it can be scary but if you surround yourself with professionals you can trust you will make it thru the chaos of construction and be able to enjoy your dream that we started with.
Starting to think about remodeling and this still feels daunting? Give us a call. We will are here to hold your hand and help walk you thru the process. Stop dreaming and start enjoying!!