Remodeling your home can be a daunting task. Whether you are updating one room or your whole house, it is important to be prepared. Before you begin your project, go over a few tips and tricks to make sure you are on the right path. Prepping ahead of time will ensure a smooth remodel.
Where Do You Start?
It is important to know where to begin when you are remodeling your home. Sorting out your budget and time constraints is the first step. Calculate exactly how much you are willing to spend and the time frame in which you want to complete the renovations, because this will help you decide where to begin.
Once you have determined your budget, it is time to choose which part of the house is first on the remodel list. This decision can be made based on a few factors: Personal preference on which rooms visually need the update is important. Added value to the home is also great to consider. Determine which project will have the greatest impact before moving forward with the remodel.
Preparing the Room
Now that you have chosen which room you are going to remodel, it is time to plan, organize your ideas and come up with a design. Typically, this is the stage where you are eager to call a contractor and start working on your renovations. Take a step back and make sure you have everything in place before you begin. The following steps will ensure you are ready to begin your remodel.
- Decide on a style. You have been imagining this remodel for some time, and probably have plenty of design and style ideas. Flesh out those ideas. Start by going through design magazines or websites and print off some designs that are appealing to you. Write down what you like about each design and start to build the theme and style for your remodel.
- Stick to your goal. Think back to the initial reasons you began with this room. Was it for better functionality of your kitchen? Adding living space and bedrooms to the basement? Updating a tired bathroom? Keep that goal in mind as you move forward and make design choices.
- Set realistic expectations. Do some research and find others who have experienced the type of remodel you are doing. Gather some information about their processes and the time and energy required. Set realistic expectations for your project; having these expectations in mind before you begin will help prepare for any bumps in the road throughout the process.
Get Ready to Design
You are prepared for the remodel and ready to begin with your design process. Many have undertaken this process before, and have discovered tips and tricks to help make the remodel process move along smoothly. Below are common design tips for the most frequently remodeled rooms:
Kitchen Remodel
1. Bright White Cabinets
If your cabinets are in good shape but made with outdated wood, consider painting them white. This technique brightens up your kitchen and gives your cabinets a more modern look.
2. Remove Cabinet Doors
A common design trend is cabinets exposed with no doors. This is another inexpensive way to update the kitchen if the cabinets’ structures are still intact. Exposing the inside of your cabinets allows you to incorporate your kitchen supplies into your design scheme.
3. Update the Windows
Allowing more natural light into your kitchen can brighten up any design scheme. Consider updating your kitchen windows. You can include a larger window for more natural light, or update the windows to make your kitchen more energy-efficient.
Bathroom Remodel
1. Refinish Existing Items
Take stock of the existing items in your bathroom. The shower, bathtub, or tile may not need to be replaced. Assess their conditions and see if you can refinish these high-priced items rather than replacing them.
2. Add More Lighting
Dim lighting might be beneficial when you are relaxing in the bath, but all other uses of the bathroom require bright lights. Adding lighting around your vanity will add to the functionality and design of your bathroom. Adding a larger window allows more natural light into the room.
Call in Help When You Need it
Know your limitations if you are planning to do most of the remodel on your own. Even with DIY knowledge, the average person’s abilities are limited. Call in a professional for help if you feel in over your head. With any remodel, getting it right the first time will save you the most money. Contact Able Roof if your remodel involves window replacements or updating.
