Before you remodel, you need to clearly define your project’s scope and what you can afford to spend. Investing the time to carefully consider your remodel, the budget for it—and communicate those goals to your contractor and designer—will create a clear roadmap for your remodel and potentially save you time and money in the process. Here are some questions to consider before starting a remodeling project:
- What are the goals of the project?
This may sound like an obvious question, but the clearer your vision is for what you want your remodel to accomplish, the more likely you are to achieve your goals. Having this discussion will also help you determine and discuss different needs amongst family members.
Basic questions to consider: What bothers you the most about your current layout and how would you want to change it? What would make your kitchen more functional…more counter space, better storage, upgraded appliances? Clearly identify both your wants and needs and end goal, and this will help navigate your conversations when initially meeting with contractors and designers.
Interior Remodeling by Next Stage Design
- What’s your budget?
It’s absolutely essential to know how much you can spend before starting a remodeling project or talking to contractors and designers. The rule of thumb is to have an additional 10% of the anticipated budget set aside for unanticipated costs (unforeseen circumstances post demo or needing to rent a place during the remodel. Decide ahead of time where to save costs and where to splurge.
Next Stage Design – Formal Living Room
- How will you use the space?
This is a vital question for your designer. Will the living room be used primarily for TV-watching or for entertaining? This can make a big difference in the furniture plan. Some living spaces are built to provide privacy to the occupants, while others allow people to circulate more freely. Will the new bathroom be used by one person or many? The answer can have a big impact on the layout. How many people will use the kitchen at the same time? A one-person kitchen will be designed differently than one used by multiple cooks. How much cooking do you actually do? If your microwave gets more of a workout than your oven, you may not need high-end appliances. If you do some thinking ahead of time about how you will use the space and what you really need from it, you are likely to be happier with the results.
From Drab to Fab – Dramatic Family Kitchen Update
- What’s your design style?
Do you prefer a modern aesthetic or a more traditional style? To illustrate your design ideas, you can collaborate with your designer via home design sites such as Pinterest or Houzz or collect images from home design magazines. The designer’s job is to help you determine your design style and create a cohesive look for your home.
Next Stage Design – Modern European Kitchen
- What materials do you prefer?
Is it important to use sustainable materials in your home? If so, explain exactly what you are looking for to your designer, therefore it can be factored into the design and budget of your project. Do you prefer a high-end look with marble and upgraded fixtures? Or do you want a more natural aesthetic with lots of wood and stone? Do you want tile or carpet – or real wood underfoot? You also need to be sure that the materials you choose coordinate well with the aesthetics in the rest of the house.
Next Stage Design – Luxury Bathroom
Considering a remodeling project? Schedule a no obligation consultation with us today!
