As the weather starts to warm up and you are thinking about your upcoming projects, take into consideration these 10 steps to help prepare for your remodel!
1 | RESEARCH – It is important to have a good idea of what your looking for in the end result. Take some time to look through magazines and websites such as HOUZZ to get some ideas. It will also be helpful for you to research what is involved such as price, scope of work, return on investment and new product and material options. It is also a great idea to research the property value of your neighborhood to make sure the money you’re spending is a wise investment.
2 | LONG TERM THINKING – Ask yourself how long you plan on staying in your home and how might your family structure change over time? Expecting a new baby? Children off to college soon? Is this your forever home? The more quickly you are able to answer these questions, the more we can help your project fit your needs.
3 | BUDGET – Of course one of the most important steps in this process is deciding on a realistic budget and ensuring you have the finances to support it. Every project and budget is different. Don’t be afraid to share your budget with us as it will help us plan your project and materials accordingly.
4 | RESEARCH US – It is important to know about the company you hire for your remodel. Ask your friends and our past clients about their projects. Review our website for examples of past projects, certifications, affiliations and more.
5 | ASK QUESTIONS – Get all the information by asking the questions. Ask us anything! Ask about our background, specialties, past issues with clients, how our Design/Build process works and how we present projects to our clients.
6 | VERIFY – Don’t take our word for it. We can provide you with a list of past client references as well as proof of licenses and certifications. Request a visit to past or current job sites even!
7 | REVIEW CONTRACTS – This is something that we take very seriously as our contracts protect both our company and our client. We review our contracts with our clients thoroughly to avoid any miscommunication. Have a question about something you see in the contact? PLEASE ASK!
8 | DESIGN – Your design ideas pave the way for your project. Think about your current space and what you like and dislike and how the new space will be used. This is a good time to make use of sites such as HOUZZ and PINTEREST. Our designer will be able to create a space that incorporates your ideas, needs, style and functionality.
9 | SELECTIONS – Deciding on products and materials can be a daunting task. There are so many options to choose from and more added each day. Product selections are often the reason for delays in project timeline and price increases, so having solid ideas and decisions about these items upfront can save you from a big headache down the road. Don’t know where to start? That’s exactly why we have a designer on staff!
10 | COMMUNICATION – Communication between us and our clients is key. It is important to keep in contact with your builder through the entire process. We create and go over a communication plan at the beginning of the process to clarify roles, communication methods, availability and frequency of communication to be expected.
Going through these steps prior to getting started with your remodel project will set you ahead from the start by saving you both time and money.
