COMMON REMODEL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
A remodel is exciting because it means your home is getting ready to be transformed. What was dysfunctional, dated, and dim will be turned into a functional, stylish, and bright space. Of course, like anything else, there are questions you have, questions we have been asked numerous times over the years, and we are sharing our answers with you.
How long does a remodel take?
This is usually the first question homeowners ask when thinking about doing a renovation, and it is only natural since your routine will be altered during this process. There is never a definite answer because it will depend on the type of cabinetry you choose, the availability of the products, the extent of the renovation, and even the surprises. There are also differences between a kitchen and bathroom remodel as well.
- Kitchen remodels: this tends to be a more extensive renovation due to the multiple aspects of this project. Ordering items such as appliances, backsplash, lighting, and countertops can vary in arrival time due to the availability of each manufacturer. The choice of materials for your cabinets can also play a part in the timeline since certain woods may not be as available as others.
- Bathroom remodels: Although this area is usually smaller, certain items can lengthen the renovation timeline. For example, a specialty bathtub or tile may take longer to arrive.
Please remember that remodeling any area in the home requires a lot of planning and design before the actual construction phase begins. It is good to keep this in mind when starting your renovation journey. We also recommend that if you are considering ordering a specialty item, you find out the current lead times so that you can plan accordingly.
How much will a remodel cost?
This is a big question and one that is very important. There are several determining factors when preparing to budget for a remodel, including:
- Size: will you do the whole house, one level, or just one area? And how large are each of these areas?
- Specific features: are there certain items that are a must-have, such as granite countertops, a specific type of wood for the cabinets, or unique features like built-ins?
- Purpose: Are you remodeling to resell, or will this be your forever home? If you are planning to sell, consider the necessity of costly upgrades and special features to ensure a good ROI (return on investment).
It is difficult to nail down a particular price point, but here are a few helpful articles that provide general guidelines on bathroom and kitchen remodels.
What to remodel first?
Where do you start when you have several areas in the home you want to remodel or even the whole house? It can feel a little overwhelming to try and tackle it all at once, but putting a plan in place can help ease the stress. Take a moment to ask yourself these questions:
- Will you be staying in the home during the renovation? If so, it is best to tackle the remodel room by room, allowing you to only have limited areas where construction is taking place. It might take a little longer, but it will make it easier on you and your family’s daily routine.
- Do you need it done as soon as possible? If you are operating on a strict timeline, you will want to do as much of the remodeling as possible, as this can streamline the process.
- Do you work from home? This can be an important question, especially in the last year or so as more of us work from home. Consider that if you work from home, the noise level will increase, so be prepared to go to a coffee shop or even back to the office on certain days if possible.
Knowing your needs and routines can help you develop a remodeling plan that works well for you and your family. Ask for the input of your designer and contractor, as they have extensive experience and can answer any additional questions you may have.
How to prepare for a remodel?
The plan is in place, and you are ready to begin, but what should you do to prepare your home for the remodeling process? Should you move everything to the garage or just cover it with a sheet? Should you plan on buying easy prep food for dinner or going out to eat? We get it; here are a few things to do to prepare for your remodel.
- Get rid of what you don’t need: sometimes, it can be super helpful to go through each room in the house and purge. Goodwill is a great place to donate gently used items. You can help someone else while lightening the load for yourself.
- Make a list of your things. It is helpful to know what was in each room because sometimes when it’s time to move everything back in, we can forget what goes where. Write down all the things that were in the bathroom, kids’ bedroom, kitchen, and such. You can also take a picture so it’s easier to remember, and it will also make a great before shot so you can see the transformation!
- Use up what you have: if you can minimize the number of shampoos or boxes of cereal, it means less to pack and move.
- Essentials only: We often don’t need as much as we think we do, so when it comes to knowing what to leave out of the box during a renovation, mentally go through your routine and only keep what you need. If you can pair it down to a small box, that will make it easy to get through the renovation by knowing where everything is.
- Keep tabs on the important documents: nothing more frustrating than needing a specific receipt or contract and being unable to find it. Keep these items scanned and saved in a file or old school save them in a large envelope and label them so you can always have access to them.
Taking the time to prepare for a remodel will save you stress later. You can even write down a list of everything that needs to be done and check it off one item at a time.
What to do during a remodel?
While we enjoy the idea of living in a newly remodeled home, the process of remodeling can be a little long at times. We understand that and have a few helpful tips on what to do during a remodel to make it less stressful.
- Remember that your normal routine will be disrupted.
- Keep the end goal in mind.
- Stay on track with receipts.
- Be flexible.
- It will be more dirty than normal
These things are all to be expected and when you keep them in mind it helps lessen the surprise and the stress. Be prepared to adjust how things are done in the home. Remodeling can also be hard on the children so consider ways you can help make it easier, maybe planning on going out to eat for a big breakfast on Saturdays. Giving the kids something to look forward to can make the week go by faster and easier. Flexibility will be key to going through the remodeling process as things will come up, plans changed, and orders delayed. Keep in mind that in the end you will have a new space that is updated to meet your needs and it will be worth it.
Ready to start?
Our experienced team has helped thousands of clients over the past 20 years achieve their remodeling goals and we are ready to help you with yours. Whether you want to redo your bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, or basement, we are here to assist you by creating a design that fits your lifestyle perfectly. Serving more than 16 counties, we look forward to serving you and going on your remodeling journey with you.
