6 Factors to Consider Before and During Remodeling
Remodeling your home is a chance to reimagine your space and fall in love with it all over again. While the process is exciting, it can also feel overwhelming—between managing budgets, making design decisions, and dealing with construction disruptions. The good news? With the right planning and preparation, you can keep the stress to a minimum and focus on the transformation ahead. Before you begin your next remodeling project, take time to consider a few key factors that can help make the entire process smoother and more enjoyable.
1) Design Inspiration: Start With Style and Function in Mind
Before diving into a remodeling project, it’s important to get clear on what you want the finished space to look and feel like. With interior design styles ranging from clean minimalism to bold, eclectic maximalism, the options are endless—which can be both exciting and overwhelming.
To help narrow your vision, spend some time browsing online for inspiration. Save images of spaces you love, and take note of the colors, textures, and design elements that consistently catch your eye. This will help you define your style and make more confident design decisions.
But don’t stop at aesthetics—functionality matters just as much. Think about how you use the space every day. For example, if you’re remodeling your kitchen and love entertaining, consider adding a large island with ample prep space and room for guests to gather. A beautiful design is important, but a space that supports your lifestyle is essential.
2) Let’s Talk Budget—Set It Smart From the Start
Your budget is one of the most important parts of any remodeling project—it sets the boundaries for what’s possible and helps keep your plans realistic. Start by taking a close look at your finances to determine the maximum amount you’re comfortable spending.
Once you’ve identified that number, reduce it by about 10% to establish your actual working budget. This built-in buffer gives you some breathing room for unexpected expenses or changes that may come up along the way. Planning for the unexpected upfront can save you stress—and money—later.
3) Space & Square Footage
After narrowing down the aesthetic you love, it’s time to consider how your ideas align with the realities of your space. Not every design fits seamlessly into every room, and some spaces are better suited to certain remodeling projects than others.
For example, if you're dreaming of adding an en suite bathroom to your primary bedroom, make sure there's enough square footage to accommodate it comfortably. If space is limited, you may need to explore more extensive options like building an addition—which can significantly increase your costs—or rethink the layout to find a more practical solution. Being flexible and realistic early on helps you avoid surprises later.
4) Know When You Need a Building Permit
Many remodeling projects—especially those that expand your home’s footprint, like adding new rooms—require a building permit from your city or municipality. Permit rules vary widely depending on where you live, so it’s important to understand what applies to your specific project.
If you’re unsure whether a permit is necessary, contact your local building department with your project details to find out. Often, your contractor can handle the permit application on your behalf. Skipping this step can lead to costly fines later, and unpermitted work may complicate or delay selling your home, as buyers will face the challenge of securing retroactive approvals.
5) Make Remodeling More Manageable with Smart Planning & Scheduling
Extensive remodeling projects often come with their share of disruptions—think loud noises, dust everywhere, and rooms that are off-limits. But with some thoughtful planning, you can make the experience much easier to handle.
For instance, if you’re tackling a major kitchen remodel, create a temporary kitchen space to keep your daily routine going. Set up small appliances for essentials like morning coffee, and plan where and how you’ll prepare meals during construction. It’s also wise to budget for dining out more often, since your kitchen might be unusable for stretches of time.
Before setting a project start date, check your calendar for any major events. If you have a big occasion, like a backyard wedding in June, it’s best to avoid starting a noisy, messy remodel right before. Building in extra time around important dates can help you avoid unnecessary stress—and prevent hosting guests in unfinished spaces if the project runs longer than expected.
6) Considering a DIY Remodel? Know When to Call in the Pros!
Many homeowners take on remodeling projects themselves to reduce labor expenses. While DIY renovations can be cost-effective, it's crucial to understand that certain tasks—such as electrical, plumbing, or structural work—can be dangerous and are best left to professionals.
Before you begin, evaluate the scope of your project honestly and consider your skill level and safety. If you're uncertain about any aspect of the job, it's smart to hire a licensed local contractor for the more complex or high-risk tasks. You can still cut costs by handling simpler projects yourself, like painting, tiling, or staining.
If you do decide you need a professional home contractor, please get in touch with us. We can be there for you every step of the way.