Diving into a home renovation is mix of excitement and, if we are being honest, a tad bit of fear, right? I mean, let's be real – a lot can go wrong if you don't have a solid plan before you break out the toolbox.
Picture it: panicked homeowners reaching out to us after knocking down their walls, desperately seeking a remodeling professional to fix things, pick materials, or even (gulp) design that kitchen.
Fortunately, we’ve done thousands of Florida home renovations over the past 46 years, and know just how many details go into getting it done right.
So, keep scrolling for our best tips on how to start planning your remodel. 🛠️✨
1. Define Your Goals and Budget
The start of any home remodeling project requires serious thought - you need to sit down and get clear on WHY you want to remodel and what you want to accomplish. Do this before you start pulling inspiration photos together. There are several reasons to remodel from increasing your home value, designing your forever home with aging in place in mind, modernize the space or add functionality to better meet the needs of your family. Being clear on your intentions will help you better share your goals with your remodeling designer and also help you get what you want.
Needs vs. Wants
Our designers always ask our clients to organize their wish list in terms of needs vs. wants. Which rooms need to get renovated and which ones do you want to update? Do you care about sustainable design, the longevity of a style, or do you want to be able to age in place? What are you not willing to sacrifice? If you want to increase natural light, you may need to install windows or knock down a wall or two. To maximize the functionality of your kitchen, cabinetry, layout and appliances will be at the top of the list.
All of these elements will help you and your remodeling designer determine how to plan your remodel and set your budget.
Budgeting
Know what you want to spend and what you have budgeted for your project. Your remodeling designer will be able to help guide you through this process.
2. Gather Inspiration
Start thinking about what you like and what you want your space to look like. You can find ideas by looking at magazines, social media like Pinterest, design sites and, of course, make sure to check out our remodeling portfolio for tons of ideas.
When it comes to trends, be sure to ask yourself if you really like it or if you just like it because it’s everywhere. Our design team always recommends our clients choose styles they love regardless of what is "in" because trends come and go!
Save your inspiration on Pinterest or wherever is convenient for you so you can share your inspiration with your remodeling designer.
3. Hire Your Team
Once your plan is in motion, start the process of hiring a remodeling firm.
The remodeling professional you choose will be spending a great deal of time in your home over the next several months, so make sure you do your due diligence to hire the right firm.
Read: How to Choose a remodeling contractor and comparing bids.
4. Prep Your Home
Once you have hired your remodeling designer, you can start counting down the days til demolition! Depending on what rooms you are renovating, you'll want to have a plan in place so that your family can eat, cook and bathe comfortably during the remodeling process. You'll want to plan on:
- Remove all items from the areas that are getting remodeled
- Come up with living arrangements so that you can comfortably bathe, cook and eat during your project depending on which rooms are getting done.
- Let your neighbors know you are remodeling
- Take before photos
Your designer will be able to help guide you through this process. Make sure to check out our handy tips for surviving a kitchen remodel.
5. Be Available and Flexible
You need to be able to reach your remodeling designer, and your designer needs to be able to reach you throughout the course of the project. Anytime you are remodeling, situations will always come up. When this happens, we will reach out promptly to communicate and problem solve. Our team is diligent about working to resolve issues as they arise and working with you to develop a plan B, C, or D to keep your project moving.
We will be with you every step of the way!
Ready to get started? Schedule your free consultation!