How to Get the Most Out of Your House Remodel
Looking to update, maybe get a neat new mud room like the one below from Anchor Builders? Then you should definitely read these great tips from our guest blogger, Susannah Hemmings.
You finally closed on your new house. You couldn’t be happier with the location and you love it overall, but it requires some changes to make it exactly what you’ve always imagined your dream home would be. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your home remodel, now and for many years to come.
Choose Your Contractor Carefully
Your choice of contractor will be the most important decision you make, and it will determine how smoothly the whole process will go. Make sure you find someone who will work with you, listen to what you want and guide you on what will work and what won’t.
There are a few things you can do to help you make the right choice and enjoy the best quality with the least headache:
- Visit remodeled homes on the Remodelers Showcase® or other remodeling tours to see newly remodeled homes and get to know remodelers without any commitment
- Look for online resources about the process
- Get references then contact them personally
- Check their credentials, business and management experience
- Interview more than one candidate
- Get everything in writing
The right contractor will be an invaluable ally and resource as you move ahead with your project.
Think About the Future
Adding features like a zero-threshold shower with a hand-held shower option from Cates Fine Homes are great ways to make a bathroom more convenient for older or less able family or guests.
No matter where you are in life, one thing is for sure: things will change. Whether you are single or newly married and looking for a great place to entertain, or you have toddlers you need to protect or teens that want their own space, your current life situation will eventually change, along with your needs. Even if you are retired and looking for your forever home, it’s important to keep resale ability in mind because you never know when you might need to switch directions.
If you’re expanding your space, you’ll probably need to increase the size of your gas meter, electrical panel and water heater. If you don’t need additional capacity now, a remodel is a great time to plan ahead and either upgrade or put preliminary systems in place for future projects. Make sure to document the location of those future provisions with photos that include a measuring tape, so you can identify them later or pass them on to the new owners if you decide to sell.
Create your Wish List
There are a lot of ways to begin collecting ideas to share with your contractor. Create an idea book or online folder. Include photos and layouts of what you like, colors and finishes that speak to you, even pictures of furnishings and accessories can help your contractor understand your tastes and needs. There are also plenty of online tools that can help you make decisions and determine what you need:
- If you’re making changes to the exterior of the home, use a tool to select the right siding. Siding is a big expense and seeing visual beforehand can help you choose the right colors and other specifics, so you don’t spend a lot of money for something you’ll regret later.
- Try out the Personal Designer tool on this website. Find photos of styles you like, then change colors and finishes to suit your own tastes. Sign on to create your own Idea Gallery to save and share what you like.
You can see how a specific home design looks like in another color, like one by Ryland Homes.
There are even tools that actually do layouts for you:
- Sketchup is a relatively complex tool, similar to AutoCad. It may have a high learning curve if you aren’t familiar with this kind of software, but it provides tutorials and you can download a free version from the website.
- SmartDraw works with Windows, so it’s fairly easy to use. Though you won’t be able to design a three-story house, it provides basic floor plans for smaller projects. SmartDraw offers a 30-day free trial period on the website.
Consider a Design/Build Remodeler
If your remodel is extensive, your best bet it to hire a design/build remodeler or an architect to design your plans. They have the know-how to make sure your remodel is designed to account for electrical, plumbing, HVAC and building codes. They also will be able to provide solutions you might not have considered.
Design/Build contractors know what it takes to add water to a new island and create a truly beautiful space, like the remodeled kitchen from DiGiacomo Homes.
Use Quality Materials
Saving money may seem like a good idea at the time, but you may regret it later. Opting for plastic pipes may spare some cash, but listening to the tune of running water at some point down the road may eventually become somewhat irritating.
The same goes with HVAC units, appliances, doors and windows, and even small things like exhaust fans. If you skimp on quality now, you’ll probably pay for it one way or another later.
One way to offset the higher costs is to purchase some of the materials yourself. Credit cards from home improvement stores often offer deals like 12 or 18 months without interest if you spend a minimum amount. By taking advantage of such offers and supplying your own materials, you can save the added cost of the markups and use your money for quality items.
Remodeling a house can be a stressful endeavor, but if you think ahead and plan accordingly, your finished product will soon make you forget your planning efforts. Enjoying a home you can grow with or eventually sell for a profit will make you appreciate your forethought.
Savannah Hemmings is a lifestyle blogger and personal shopper. She has a passion for curating and creating beautiful spaces. You can read more of her work at SincerelySavannah.com