Starting a home makeover might be intimidating, especially if you've never done one before. Whatever the endeavour, there will be several details to consider, making it easy to become overwhelmed. Take a look at the stages and advice below to learn how to organise, prioritise, and construct a complete home project plan while planning a home remodel.
By Team Savant
Image: Jean-Luc Benazet
Have A Plan In Place
When remodelling, the first step should be to create a plan that clearly specifies your renovation objectives. It should include design inspiration as well as a detailed explanation of the work to be done. Include the following:
Sketches or reproductions of the final product
A thorough, categorised list of wishes and demands
Steps you must take, some of which will necessitate the assistance of a professional
What you will need
Set-up meeting with architects
You should look into local restrictions and permits at this point in your planning. Make sure you're in the correct frame of mind for your project. Garage conversions, for example, are not usually permitted. It varies on your locality; you should also check to see whether you require a permit. If your project will alter the structure of the house or the use of space in your home, you will almost certainly require a permit. Before you begin any work or set your timeline, wait for your license application to be approved.
Make A Budget
Your budget and funding are the next steps for you to take. You'll need to factor in the cost of permits, construction materials, labour, and any further cosmetic touches and decoration. Consider the following when creating your budget:
How much money do you have?
Set aside some money for unanticipated expenses.
Request many quotes and, if possible, haggle.
Calculate the cost of all of your materials.
If your costs exceed your budget, you should reconsider your plans and remove any initiatives that may be put off until later. If you're dealing with a contractor speak to them about whether they can execute your demands on time and within budget, they'll be able to tell you if it's possible.
Recruit Contractors
The next step is to assemble the team of experts you'll be working with. You shouldn't hire a contractor just on the basis of price. When looking for the best contractors for the task, keep the following in mind:
Is there anything you can read about their reputation?
How long have they been in business?
Is it true that they hold a contracting licence?
How about an insurance certificate?
Are you able to provide references from former clients?
What are their terms of payment? Because a trustworthy contractor is unlikely to require you to pay in whole upfront, it's critical that you discuss payment terms.
Even if you're on a budget, it's sometimes worth it to spend a little more to guarantee you get the best contractor for the job. If you're going to use multiple contractors, you'll need a lead contractor to oversee everything so there's no confusion. The other contractor can then be directed around their schedule.
Make A Schedule
It's time to think about building together with your timeline now that you have a strategy in place, a sense of what you want to do, a contractor lined up, and a budget set. Start by deciding on a launch date, or by imagining a date when the task must be done and working backwards from there. Hold meetings with your contractors to assess how long each component of the remodel will take to finish. Which of the steps must be done first? How much time will each one take?
You should have a calendar on which you can clearly mark out your timeline. Set a completion date and allow for a few days of wiggle room in case anything goes wrong. Once you've got it all drawn out, double-check it with your contractors to make sure it's doable for both of you while staying within your budget.
This is just a quick rundown of the processes to take when planning a makeover; do you have any other suggestions to share in the comments section?