Let’s face it, remodeling is a totally differently world than new construction. You are blending an existing structure with new updated fixtures, flooring and sometimes space, and that takes a lot of planning and prep to ensure a smooth remodel process. Here are a few things you can do as a a home owner to ensure you stay on budget and come out with something you love in the end.

• PLAN YOUR VISION

This may sound easy and we all know you have your Pinterest Boards already filled up with the latest trending items. But this goes one step further than that. Choosing your selections a head of time and not just on your phone and laptop will make a difference. Go grab actual samples of your tile, flooring, cabinet fronts and countertops. Have them readily available to take with you to appointments. Having a vision or inspiration board, and actual samples, always helps to ensure everyone working on your project knows that look and feel you are going for in your space.

• STAY WITHIN YOUR BUDGET

Knowing ahead of time what the costs are of each of your selections will greatly help you make decisions of where you can save or spend. The tip here is to make your selections well ahead of time so that you know quickly where your budget sits. Making selections and final approval on cabinets, countertops or shower surrounds early on will let you know exactly what the end price will be. If you are making changes along the way or last minute, change orders will happen and that can increase your budget if you are not careful.

• PLAN FOR THE UNEXPECTED

Sometimes with remodeling, there are additional things that can come up that we will not know until we start your project and demo is completed. Most unexpected expenses come from something structural or something we partner with our main sub contractors on like electrical and plumbing. Don’t let this scare you, as most times we have encountered something similar in the past and know how to address it, but it is smart to plan for just in case. We recommend planning for that expense upfront, just incase something happens. Typically, 5% of the total project amount is good to plan for. If everything goes as planned, that will be additional funds you can save or do another project in the future.

• WHERE TO LIVE WHEN REMODELING

It is hard to live in a house that has just been demo’d, we know first hand what kind of adjustment is needed that first day, but, that doesn’t mean it isn’t doble with some planning involved. Whether we are in your kitchen, main bathroom, only bathroom or living area, we want to ensure you are comfortable while we work in your home.

When remodeling your kitchen, plan for meals outside on the BBQ or using a small grill can help with cooking and prep while your kitchen is underway. We know this isn’t easy, but it will be worth it in the end when you have a new space to enjoy.

If your bathroom is under construction, we always try to make sure there is a toilet and faucet, at minimum, that is working in every home. Some homes only have one bathroom and we will always provide a temporary toilets and faucet on those projects. If you dont want to be living in the mess or around when the transformation is taking place, plan to stay with a friend or relative close by. Most of the time, our clients will chose to stay and become friends with the leads on their projects.

We hope that these tips can help you with your remodeling project and hope to hear from you soon to get your new project started!