The Remodeling Process – How to Plan Your Home Remodel
When you are planning to remodel your home, the best way to ensure that the process will go smoothly is to plan as many details beforehand as you can. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for a remodel could spare you and your family lots of stress and wasted time. From starting the project at an optimal time to securing financing for the endeavor, a variety of factors should be considered before you begin.
Special Considerations
When you’re organizing the details of your remodel, be sure to consider any changing circumstances or special needs related to your household. If your elderly parent may need to come live with you soon, you might include the addition of an extra room in your remodeling plans. This will prevent the need for another remodel later.
If anyone in your household suffers from asthma, be sure to discuss the issue with your contractor. A variety of materials can be installed to replace potentially irritating ones, such as wood instead of laminate for flooring. A contractor might also install custom-made cabinets and shelves to replace items that may exacerbate a chemical sensitivity.
Understanding the Timeline for a Remodel
Depending on the extent of your remodel, you may need to plan for a time frame of one or several months. If you’re simply having a guest bathroom remodeled, you might expect to allot a month or two from the time you begin planning through completion. Extensive renovations could take six months to a year or more. You’ll want to consider the time it takes to plan, consult, determine estimates, find materials, have materials delivered, get the work done, and deal with any unexpected events or complications.
Choosing the Best Time for the Project
Timing can be a critical factor in the success of your remodel. You’ll need to think about your lifestyle and circumstances. If your college-age student has just gotten engaged, you may want to start your remodel long before the wedding planning begins. If you want to have the project completed before the winter holidays, you might want to start the project in the spring. If you’re expecting a child, plan to have your remodeling completely finished well before the due date—the last thing new parents need is the added stress of living in a construction zone.
Budgeting and Financing
Once you’ve determined the improvements you wish to implement, you’ll need to estimate the overall budget for the project. If you don’t have the money to cover everything, you may need to secure financing. Financing possibilities for your remodeling project could include a personal loan, a home improvement loan, or financing via your contractor.
Preparing Your Home and Its Inhabitants
Be prepared for part of your home to become a temporary construction zone. Be sure to block off certain areas of your home with a temporary dust barrier. Keep all of your important belongings in a secure area of your home, and designate a convenient place to keep the things you use on a daily basis. You and your family should expect your home to be noisy at various times during the remodel process. If the kitchen will be under construction during your remodel, try to schedule the work so that you’ll be able to use it to store food and prepare meals for as long as possible.
A remodel involves a lot of details that must be considered. Whether you’re installing new flooring or renovating your kitchen, you’ll want the process to be as smooth as possible. With some careful thought and planning, you can implement a remodeling project efficiently and get the results you want.
If you would like to talk about ideas for remodeling or renovating your home in Fairfax, Mclean, Springfield, Woodbridge, Alexandria, Arlington, and Falls Church VA, reach out to us at Foster Remodeling. Call now for a free consultation!
