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Remodeling your entire home at once requires a lot of management, whether it’s cost, time, or expectations. You may also have plenty of questions from the very beginning. Like, how will you manage to control the cost? What remodels add the most value back to your home? What should you expect if you live in your home during the remodel? Having the answers to these questions, and a few others will set your whole home renovation on the right track before you even begin.
1. Make A List Of Priorities
Listing your priorities may seem like a no-brainer, but getting swept up in all of the remodeling possibilities means you can lose track of your home’s biggest needs. A great remodeling team will help you stay on track.
You’ll also want to be sure that you and your contractor are on the same page about your priorities. Ask questions about their ideas and suggestions during the initial consultation and the following home visits. If their focus doesn’t seem to align with yours, it’s possible you aren’t on the same page about what’s most important.
2. Choosing The Right Contractor
Plenty of contractors do great work and come recommended. This doesn’t mean that every great contractor is going to be right for you and your project. Being certain that you and your contractor will work well together is very important. Communication methods, design style, and the spaces they are experienced in remodeling are just a few of the many factors that go into choosing the right professional.
When you’re ready to look for a contractor, consider working with a design-build company. Having all of the services under one roof means the process will be streamlined and you can trust that your team has an excellent working relationship already in place. For you, this will mean that your project will be within your budget and your timeline.
3. Increase Your Home’s Value
When you’re planning a whole home renovation in Gainesville, be sure to do your homework to know where to best invest your budget. Even if you plan to stay in your home well into the future, it’s always a good idea to factor in your return on investment, or ROI. Some rooms or additions have a higher ROI than others, and knowing this may sway where you’ll allocate your investment.
For example, remodeled kitchens and bathrooms tend to pull in some of the highest ROI. This doesn’t go for every remodel, however. To get the best ROI, keep the upgrades to the midrange level. Ultra high-end upgrades tend to slightly diminish your ROI. Talking with your designer will help you to determine how midrange and high-end differ. Other remodeling projects or additions that offer a great ROI are an in-law suite, adding a master suite, and improving your outdoor living space. Each of these has become a must-have for homebuyers, which means you will likely benefit from any of these additions as well.
4. Too Many Trends
Designing your remodel can be very exciting! You may be coming to the table with loads of ideas about style, colors, lighting, and tile. Idea hubs, like Pinterest and HGTV, can make it easy to get sucked into the latest trends. Unless you are comfortable with having to invest in more remodeling projects in the not-too-distant future, hold off on investing in trends.
Instead, work with your remodeling team to incorporate timeless designs and indulge in trends in furnishings and décor. You can even use trending paint colors, lighting, and plumbing fixtures, but be prepared to repaint or replace after a few years once the trend is overdone and you’re ready for a change.
5. Control cost
The best way to control costs during your Gainesville remodeling project is to not rush the design phase. Once you have an estimate, a signed contract, and the materials are purchased and on their way, any change you’d like to implement will come at an added cost. Spend as much time during the design process to get every amenity you’d like added to the design so you won’t require a lot of change orders during the construction phase.
Also during the design phase, spend time considering where you’d like to focus the budget and where you may be content with the basics. If a spa-worthy bathroom with high-end technology is important, you may be required to compromise on the gourmet outdoor kitchen. Spending here and cutting there is a normal part of the process and takes some time to make sure you will be over the moon on move-in day.
6. Living In Your Home During A Remodel
The ability to live in your home during a major remodel will depend on what rooms you will have available to you. Chances are, if you’re remodeling multiple rooms in your home, you’ll be better off making alternative living arrangements for the duration of your project. With some diligent planning, you can live without a kitchen, but living without a bathroom, a kitchen, AND a living room is all but impossible.
When making arrangements to live elsewhere, make sure you will have the option to extend your stay if necessary. Ideally, a remodel will follow the timeline set out in your project plan. Unfortunately during the remodeling process, unexpected challenges can happen and cause a delay.
If you are able to stay in your home, there are some things you can do to prepare for the stay. Ask your project manager for a work schedule so you can expect when the crew will be at your home. Also, mentally prepare for a lot of noise. If you work from home, this may be a deal-breaker for you. Another note about staying in your home for a renovation is to prepare for construction dust. Even the most diligent construction teams can’t control all of the dust.
Ready To Discuss Your Whole Home Renovation in Gainesville?
Remodeling your entire home can feel like a lot to accomplish. With the right Gainesville remodeler at your side, you will feel like you have a partner in managing your design priorities. Choose an experienced custom home builder that can help you through a major whole home renovation, resulting in less stress and a beautiful outcome. Robinson Renovation & Custom Homes is a full-service custom home builder that takes pride in excellent communication and customer service. We understand the importance of your home remodel experience, from beginning to end. Contact Robinson Renovation & Custom Homes to schedule a consultation to start planning your whole home remodel.
