Written by Lorraine Hart, Ideal Consulting Services
Published in the January 1st, Sunday edition of the Houston Chronicle
Happy New Year! Now is the time for us to make our home remodeling resolutions come true. No matter where you are in the home remodeling planning process, it’s important that you set your expectations for your home as well as the professionals you will be working with. Although it’s best to lay out your needs, wants and goals before you get started, it’s never too late to clarify them.
Plan Ahead and Do Your Homework
In setting your remodeling expectations there are a number of factors to look at. Most of these factors entail doing some homework. Depending on your needs and wants, this homework can be relatively simple and straight forward, or much more complex. Go shopping for ideas to get a feel for the type of fixtures and materials you would like to use in your remodel. Houzz.com is a great online resource for home design, decorating and remodeling ideas. The more prepared you are, the better the outcome will be. As Benjamin Franklin said “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Selecting a Remodeling Firm
Part of your homework should also include the selection of the remodeling professionals you choose to work with. Just as it’s important to know what you want for your remodeled home, it’s equally important to know what you want in your remodeler. To ensure a positive remodeling experience it’s essential to verify the credentials and traits of potential designers and contractors. By choosing remodelers who are members of a professional association such as GHBA, you will increase your chances of having a successful project.
Your Budget
Equally important to your pre-planning is determining your budget for your project. In addition to affordability issues, you should formulate your wish list so that it falls within your comfort level. To not do so will set you up for frustration and disappointment. Although it’s not necessary, or advisable for you to determine the detailed costs involved in your project, your remodeler will certainly need to know your budgetary constraints in order to create an appropriate proposal. Just as it’s necessary to know the style and functionality you want, it’s also necessary to determine and share your budget with the professionals you choose to engage.
Set Your Priorities and Move Forward
Even though you may not get exactly everything you want, you can certainly end up with a wonderful project and home that you love. The key is to prioritize your needs and wants. It’s important to share your goals and communicate with your remodeler. Having a good line of communication with your remodeler will help keep your project on track and within your budget. A good remodeler will work with your wish list and help you come up with alternatives to stay within your budget. The end result will be a stress free remodeling experience – a great way to start the New Year. Enjoy your newly remodeled home!
For reprints and/or questions about this article please contact Ideal Consulting at 516 826-6725 (NY) 832-569-5079 (Texas).