As a homeowner, getting ready to renovate is an exciting time. Your idealism leads the way. Additionally, your mind fills with visions of your home looking just like those you might find on Pinterest, Houzz, or the popular home renovation shows.
However, the reality can be quite different for some people. I’ve seen renovation projects go from boom to bust due to one fatal error: a lack of planning.
So, if you’re ready to renovate, here’s what to expect so that you know what it takes.
Figure Out What You Want
Do you know what you want? Start a list of what you want to do and see in the space. What problems will your renovation solve?
Creating a Pinterest board with ideas for your space is a great way to get your creative juices flowing. By doing this, you don’t have to commit to anything just yet, and you can also see how your ideas look in real-life scenarios.
Once your renovation plan is underway, there will be little room for changes without creating significant setbacks to the completion time for your project or blowing your budget.
Be Realistic with your Budget
Don’t be fooled by the home renovation shows you see on TV. Sorry to burst your bubble! But, $1,000 won’t get you a brand-new kitchen or bathroom. I see many dreams come to an end when I ask the magic question, “What is your budget?”
But don’t panic. Part of our job as interior designers is to explain to our clients what a realistic budget is for a project. If you are new to the home renovating process, you need to understand and create expectations.
Remember that your wants and needs will determine how much your project will cost. The beautiful thing (and one of the most important reasons you should hire an interior designer or at least talk to one) is that we have many projects under our belt. As a result, we’ll be able to come up with a realistic estimate when it comes to the budget for your specific project.
Dealing with the Disruptions
Prepare before you jump into construction. There are going to be areas of your home that will be off-limits. How will those restrictions affect your daily routine? Think noise, dust, disruption of water and electrical services as just the start of what you should anticipate with a renovation. Make a contingency plan for these concerns.
Your Design Team
Hiring an interior designer facilitates your plan of action. Your design team will guide you on the dos and don’ts. They can also help you save time and money by avoiding common mistakes, such as underestimating the budget and or hiring the wrong contractors.
Getting the right information is crucial. You may be shocked to learn that your project requires permits from the local authorities or that it requires more work than you had anticipated.
A home renovation is a part construction and part logistics. When you put all together, so many different parts and pieces must come together. To make it all work from the specialized tradespeople who have to perform tasks at specific times in the project timeline. The materials that are needed to be outsourced, purchased, and tracked. You have to consider pricing, communication, and the coordination of the delivery of those items and services.
One of the best things about hiring an interior designer is that they can serve as a project manager, mediator, purchaser, consultant, and accountability partner all in one! This takes a lot of the pain out of a home renovation. It’s the interior designer’s job to solve problems and offer creative solutions. If you hire an interior designer, listen to their expert advice, trust them, and lead the way for a successful project experience.
With so much to consider, there is simply no reason to go it alone and make avoidable mistakes.