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You might finally be ready to refresh your home, whether it's experimenting with a new paint color or changing out your light fixture. However, there are some key considerations that designers, architects, or renovators want you to remember before embarking on a remodeling project to avoid dissatisfaction with the results.
Experts share their top tips to save you from headaches during your next home project.
Overestimate the Budget
It’s no secret that budget plays a crucial role in any remodeling or renovation project, yet the actual costs of materials and labor can still catch you off guard.
“Add 15% of your total budget as a contingency for the unexpected,” advises Tanya Selway, co-principal of the Austin and London-based interior design studio Stelly Selway.
During renovations, you may uncover unexpected issues, such as severe damage that requires an unplanned overhaul of the plumbing or electrical systems. Selway recalls a gut renovation where her team discovered that the plumbing wasn't as new as they had assumed, necessitating a complete pipe replacement.
Additionally, be aware that local regulations may require extra work.
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6 Essential Tips to Consider Before Starting a Remodel
“In some areas, if you renovate more than a certain percentage of a structure, you're required to bring the entire property up to current codes,” notes John Cialone, partner and vice president of Tom Stringer Design Associates in Chicago and current board chair-elect of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
This often involves updating electrical wiring or plumbing, and some state laws might mandate new systems like high-efficiency heat pumps or measures against severe weather events such as hurricanes.
Go With Your Flow
Gideon Mendelson, founder and director of the Mendelson Group in New York City, encourages you to thoughtfully consider how you envision the space and its intended functionality. This understanding will enable your team to proceed with a clear plan.
Think about how you will utilize the areas on a scaled floor plan, consider everyday movement, and plan where you want specific furniture.
“Pre-planning furniture placement is crucial,” Selway emphasizes. “You may want to place a table in a specific spot with plans to hang lighting above it, but if the electrical plan doesn’t allow for it, you won’t be able to.”
Show and Tell
Be ready to express your vision to the renovator in whatever way works best for you, even if it's basic.
“You can create your own architectural drawings in a simple manner by taking photos and doodling on them,” suggests Thomas Schaer, principal of the design-build firm SHED. He predicts that in the future, AI tools, like 3D scanning with smartphones, will provide valuable insights into the aesthetics of your remodel.
Another effective presentation idea is a mood board that includes everything from paint colors to furniture styles and upholstery textures.
“A mood board for your entire home at the start of your project helps ensure consistency and continuity across all updates,” Selway explains.
Do Everything, Everywhere, All at Once
If you can afford to do more at once, reconsider the idea of renovating in phases—such as updating the kitchen this year and the HVAC systems next year.
“People often hesitate to secure financing and end up splitting projects,” Schaer states. “However, if they had taken out a loan, like a home equity loan, the overall expense could have been lower than breaking the project into pieces.”
This is mainly due to the need to bring back multiple construction trades, resulting in increased labor hours.
Selway agrees, noting that contractors may offer different pricing based on the work type.
“If they're already there doing demolition for all areas at once, it will be much less expensive than if they return a year or two later to prep for another project,” Selway adds.
Pack Your Bags
While it’s not ideal, be prepared to temporarily relocate for part or all of the project duration and budget for interim housing. You may need to leave your home if necessary amenities like running hot water or clean air are unavailable.
Also, protect your belongings, furniture, and clothing from construction dust. Standard furniture covers and garment bags are not always sufficient, so consider additional measures.
“I would recommend utilizing storage solutions like portable pods that can be parked in your yard or garage,” Selway suggests.
Roll With the Punches
Mendelson emphasizes the importance of clients understanding the true cost of quality and the time required for high-quality elements to be crafted properly.
Moreover, supply chains—from production to shipping—have experienced significant slowdowns since the pandemic, and many businesses are still catching up in 2023.
“Changes in costs and timelines are often the most challenging surprises for clients to manage,” Cialone remarks. However, he adds, not all surprises are negative.
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