7 Must-Know Tips BEFORE You Get Started on a House Renovation

So you've decided that you want to make some changes to your home...where do you start? The Thomas Designs team has put together a list of 7 must know tips about getting started. ​

1. Your Team Matters.

Read reviews, ask your friends and neighbors for referrals. The lowest bid does not mean the best bid. Cutting back expenses in other areas to hire a good team will be money well spent. Ask the people you hire for references for other parts of the team. A group of people that like working together makes for a successful project.

2. Clearly Define the Scope Before You Start.

Set the scope and budget of the project before you begin. It’s okay to get started on remodeling the kitchen and then decide to add on a bathroom but projects like that need permits which can take a long time to get approved. Then your project can last an additional 6+months costing you precious resources like time and money and possibly your sanity! ​

3. Pick Finishes Early.

Begin researching the types of finishes you want early on in the process. Start a Pinterest or Houzz page to keep track of  all the wonderful ideas and materials you come across. If you don't know where to start, hire an Interior Designer to consult. They can help with material selections and save you time and money because they will know exactly where to direct you to see tile plumbing and other finishes. Delays due to shipping times or items being out of stock can really set back projects and add to the overall budget. It’s also nice to have time to look at your options so you’re not rushing decisions you could regret.

4. Know Where to Cut Corners if Needed.

Invest in the structural foundation of your home. Make sure the plumbing and electrical locations are exactly how you want them. Consider putting in a few lower cost items. Maybe instead of that crazy expensive marble you substitute it with a beautiful faux option that is much more durable and will save you money now and in the long run. Some things can also be changed out later on but if you only give yourself one outlet in a room, you will probably regret it later.

5. Consider Temporary Housing.

Depending on the scope of your project, it may be easy to stay in your home during construction but if you are doing a more extensive remodel where you need to have power and water shut off or the kitchen completely demolished you might want to consider temporary housing for you and your family. If you can’t stay with friends or family, planning the times you would want to be out of the house and including it in your overall remodeling budget could be worth offsetting costs with more standard finishes.

6. Be Careful of Change Orders.

Change orders are when the client changes their mind about something and the contractor needs to amend the contract you had originally agreed on. These can be very expensive and add up quickly! This is basically another reminder to take the time to plan out your remodel with your expert team before setting your ideas into contracts.

7. Keep Your Perspective and Sense of Humor.

Sometimes things don't go as planned. In fact things don't go as planned often in a remodel and at no fault to the team. Remodels can be extremely stressful when you have specific timelines and budgets set. But as we all know good things take time. And when you have the right team we do our best to help educate you through the process so any issues or delays get taken care of quickly and instead of experiencing pitfalls they're just bumps in the road. Try to keep perspective and laugh off the little things, it will all be worth it in the end. ​

We want to help you build it right the first time! If you have questions, ask. If you have concerns, lets talk.  At the end of the day, if you hire a good team that you trust and respect and take the time to think about what you need in your home things should go smoothly! 

Have a tip of your own? Leave a comment below to help our fellow readers. Pease share this with a friend and feel free to contact us with any questions.