It can be daunting to start a new home remodelling project, even more so if this is the first time you’ve done one! There are tons of details to keep track of and it can be overwhelming even to those who have remodelled their house in the past.
Thankfully, Leenan Homes has provided an overview on how to remodel your home with the least amount of stress involved! By following our advice, you can lower your anxiety while keeping your project on schedule and within your budget.
Steps to Planning a Remodel
1. Create a Detailed Project Outline
The foundation of your remodelling project is key to making it a success. This stage tends to be done 6-12 months prior to construction. You want to have an outline in place for your project before embarking on any serious changes.
Your project outline should include the following:
- A clear goal for your project/design inspirations
- Blueprints of the finished renovations
- A list of what you need to have vs what you would like to have
- Tasks divided by those that will be DIY and those that need professional help
This is also the stage where you should research construction permits and zoning regulations. Certain neighbourhoods may have restrictions on what you’re permitted to do with your property.
The last thing you want is to finalize plans only to realize a key component isn’t allowed! You may need permits, especially if the structure of your home is being altered.
2. Determine a Budget
While we’d all love to make every last detail of our dream home into a reality, actually budgeting for it is another story. You don’t want to run out of funds halfway through. That’s why a thorough financing plan must be in place prior to any actual remodelling work.
Here are some tips when setting a budget:
- Determine the max amount you’re willing to spend
- Take 10% of your budget and set it aside for unexpected costs
- Receive estimates from your contractor for the project
- Find the price for the required materials
Leenan Homes prides itself on achieving your ideal home within your budget. We can give you a clear estimate of your project and identify the different cost factors. You won’t have to worry about blowing your budget when we handle your remodelling project!
3. Choose Your Contractor
When you have a solid plan and budget in place, it’s time to officially hire your team! Remember, don’t hire contractors just based on the cost estimate they give you. There are multiple things to consider when hiring, such as:
- Experience. Those who have been in the business for a few years tend to be more reliable than brand new companies
- Contracting license. Official certifications are important, so make sure your contractor has the correct licenses
- References. See how your contractor has performed for previous clients. Reviews carry a lot of weight!
It’s not recommended to do a DIY home remodel unless you’re experienced in home renovations yourself. Even then, it can be a big job for just one person.
Additionally, it’s recommended to hire a remodelling company that can handle every stage of the remodelling process. It can be a headache to coordinate between multiple companies. Leenan Homes can cover every step of your home remodel project thanks to our specialized team!
4. Have a Timeline
So, you’ve solidified your remodel plan, have a budget, and have hired a contractor. Great! You’re almost done the planning process. The next step in this process is determining a proper timeline for your home remodel.
You can choose to begin with determining either a start date or an end date, the latter being if you’d like it done by a specific time.
In this stage, it’s important to have a conversation with your contractor to learn how long each portion of your remodelling work will take. Here, you can prioritize certain aspects of the remodel, and decide what parts can be completed simultaneously.
These are a few key points to keep in mind when building your schedule:
- The time it takes to clean the project area
- The time needed for shipping materials
- The time off that’s needed for holidays
5. Prepare for Your Home Remodel
So, you’ve got all your plans in place when it comes to actually remodelling your home. But what about your lifestyle adjustments during all this work?
If you are remodelling your kitchen, for example, you will need to set up a temporary cooking and dining space. If it’s your bedroom that’s getting redone, you may need to stay with family or friends during the height of the remodelling work.
Having plans in place for how to organize your life around the remodelling project shouldn’t be overlooked in its importance.
Additionally, you may want to cover up furniture to avoid it getting accidentally damaged or covered in dust. There are many small things that are surprisingly important when it comes to prepping for such changes in your home. It’s best to get them sorted sooner rather than later!
Bottom Line
Preparing for your home remodel is vital for ensuring its success. Not having a thorough plan in place can cause problems ranging from scheduling issues to your budget spiralling out of control. By following the steps above, you’re sure to make your home remodel as smooth as possible!
If you’re ready to make the leap into home remodelling for your Regina home, contact Leenan Homes today! We’re an experienced and reputable home remodelling company based locally. We pride ourselves on making your dream home into a reality, and we’d be happy to speak to you about your home remodelling goals!