REMODELING 101

Does your home work well for the way you live? Are you happy coming home to your beautiful space or does walking through the front door makes you feel frustrated and disheartened? Are you proud to have guests over at your house, or would you rather go to their place because you don’t like the way your home looks? If you’re interested in improving your current space, this article will help you understand the basics of a successful remodeling project. Learn how to get started, what to look for and the different options people use to remodel their home. 

Everything starts with a well thought out idea.

Make a list of the essentials that you need to change in your home in order to accomplish your perfect space. This could be things like “more light in the kitchen”, “bigger family space” or “an additional bathroom”. Then, make a list of things that would be nice to have in your home. Keep this list handy, but separate from the first list. This list might include “custom cabinetry”, “a Jacuzzi” or “travertine floors”. Prioritize your lists. Know what you absolutely can’t live without, and things on which you’d be willing to compromise. This will come in handy if your estimate comes back higher than you are expecting. And, most of the time, it will. 

From idea to action

Equally as important as identifying what you want, is finding someone who can deliver what you need. When looking for a remodeling company, consider the following questions:

• Does it seem like the remodeling company is telling you everything you need to know?

• Will the details and the finishes of the project meet your expectations?

• Does it seem like you’re on the same page? Is communication clear or are things a little  hazy? Would working with this person be a case of “hoping for the best”?

• Will the project be completed by the deadline you set?

• Will the remodeling process create strain for your family or your neighbors?

• Will your remodeling project get full attention and be the top priority for your remodeler? Or is your job small potatoes to this firm?

Find a remodeling company that is right for you by deciding what is important to you. Consider the fact that “quality” and “on time” are the most often overused cliché’s in the industry. Find someone who impresses you with their workmanship, not their salesmanship.

Once you’ve selected the remodeling company or design professional, determine a budget for the must haves and nice to halves. Sometimes remodeling your home might not be the answer, a different house might be more cost effective.  Sometimes it’s necessary to do some detective work to see if the proposed renovation is even feasible –there may be issues with the city or pre-existing conditions that make the project cost prohibitive. Sometimes you’ll need to bring in a few professionals and consult with them to find out if the project makes sense.

A PIONEER IN GREEN REMODELING | MINNEAPOLIS | MINNESOTA