Want to make sure your next home improvement project is straightforward and stress-free? From starting the planning process to choosing a contractor, here’s a step-by-step guide for how to plan for a home remodel.
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is how early to start planning for a remodel. In an ideal world, you’d probably start at least 6 months before you want your project to begin.
Sometimes starting that early just isn’t feasible, so don’t worry if the 6-month mark has passed. Just keep in mind that the earlier you start, the better your chances of finding a great remodeler who is available during the dates you want.
What do you want to get out of your remodel? Are you hoping to expand your kitchen to accommodate a big family? Your home remodeling plan might center around custom features to suit your unique needs, like specialized storage spaces, a homework nook, a chalkboard for your shopping lists, or a mudroom by the back door.
Or maybe you’re planning for a remodel because you’re getting ready to sell your home. In that case, you might prioritize styles and materials that homebuyers in your area are looking for.
Before you get estimates, we recommend you start by looking at local market data to see what you can expect to spend for the type of remodeling work you want.
You can also look at our breakdown of the most common factors that affect the cost of kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodels. This will help you create a design plan that allows you to get the absolute most out of your remodel while staying within your budget.
If you need to cut costs, see if you can spend less on items that can easily be replaced or upgraded later. If you can get permanent features (like the layout) the way you ultimately want them, you can upgrade your stove or cabinets later.
Tip: Set aside about 10-15% of your budget for unexpected costs.
Once you have a solid understanding of your goals and budget, it’s time to find the right group of professionals to handle your project.
If you’re working with a design-build remodeling company, this process becomes easier, because you don’t have to hire separate designers and remodelers and act as a mediator between them. At Creekstone, we use the design-build approach, which means our design team and our construction team will work together to make sure your design plan is achievable and within your budget. You’ll also have a project manager who will act as a point person and be available to answer your questions at any point.
No matter what designers and remodelers you choose, you’re more likely to get the results you want if you take the time to consider your options and choose a team that’s truly right for your project. You also want someone you trust to communicate well from start to finish. Here’s what we recommend:
This is the part where you get to start envisioning the details of your new space! If you’re planning to work with a designer, it’s time to schedule your design consultation. If you’re working with a design-build remodeler, this will be a collaborative process involving you, the design team, and the construction team.
If you choose to work with us, we’ll give you 3D models and design boards to show you what your space will look like and make sure we are on exactly the same page before we begin. As we move forward, our construction team will continue to communicate with your designer throughout the whole remodel to make sure their work is in line with your original vision.
The biggest decision is whether or not to stay in your home during construction. This is a personal decision that really depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and how much you want to be at the jobsite to oversee progress day by day.
If you’re planning to stay in your home…
We’d love to help you plan the home remodel you’ve been dreaming of. Our experienced team and our streamlined, collaborative process make it easy to deliver results you love.
If you’re ready to talk about your project, or just have questions about how we work, we’d love to help! Give us a call at (503) 405-9771 or contact us online.