The Single Most Expensive Remodeling Mistake, and How to Avoid it
Let’s cut to the chase: the single most expensive mistake you can make during a remodel is changing your mind right in the middle!
Sometimes, your vision for your remodel abruptly changes. But more frequently, this issue is tied to a lack of planning. New materials, changes in layouts, and longer timelines are headaches, but you don’t want to settle for a subpar remodel simply to avoid additional costs. So, what’s the solution?.
Read on for some of the best ways to enjoy a smoother home remodel from start to finish.
Work with an integrated Design & Contracting firm.
It’s tough to juggle various contractors, especially when you’re not sure they all share your vision for the finished project. Worst case scenario, you end up with various levels of craftsmanship throughout the home and an overall “patchworked” effect.
Instead, choose to work with an experienced design firm that has an expert construction management team onsite–like Design Studio West. That way, you’ll know that everyone on the team sees your unique vision for the finished product. With an onsite construction management team, you can easily relay information to one point of contact and avoid communication breakdowns that can result in a subpar remodeling job.
See and feel all materials in a showroom.
This step is hugely important. If you can’t actually see and feel the texture of granite versus quartz, or feel the way a cabinet closes, you’ll increase the potential for regret. Make sure you head to a materials showroom where you can actually see and test all potential materials in a realistic home-like environment. This is the second step in Design Studio West’s 4-step remodeling process. It ensures that you’ll know exactly what to expect before everything is paid for and installed.
Nail down as many details as possible at the beginning.
Of course, every step of the way, we at DSW believe you should have a say in costs and materials. However, we encourage you to make the hard decisions at the beginning and we provide plenty of options for layouts and materials during our in-person meetings. Make sure you’re asking the right questions. An experienced home remodeling design firm will ask the questions you don’t even consider, but are crucial for a successful remodel.
Focus on functionality first.
Yes, aesthetics are important. Ideally, the focus is on marrying beauty and functionality in one beautiful package, and that’s one of the aspects of design and construction that we focus on.
This is another reason many people change their minds part way through a project. That beautiful tile floor is impossible to keep clean, even without kids or pets. Those stunning cabinets were installed too high to be fully utilized past the second shelf. Whatever the case, all of these functional features should be considered at the beginning, and a good firm will be able to combine the best of both worlds.
Be assertive.
Most design and remodeling companies make suggestions for layouts and materials, but in the end, it’s your responsibility to relay your requirements. Be totally honest about your needs and don’t be afraid to let them know if something simply won’t work well for you and your family. They may be the experts, but they won’t have to live with the end result, so make sure it’s something you love!
Now that you know the best ways to avoid a mid-remodel fiasco, it’s time to get started planning! Make your home entirely yours this year, and get in touch with our expert design and construction managers today for a free consultation!