How to Plan for a Home Remodeling Project

Use these helpful tips to prepare your home and your family for renovations

As a homeowner, you have a vision for your home remodeling project. At Bernhardt’s Remodeling Center, it’s our job to help turn your dream into reality.

Even small home improvement projects require careful preparation. Defining your project expectations, setting a budget and choosing a contractor are just a few items on your to-do list. So we put together the following tips to help ease the stress of planning a remodeling project.

Determine the project scope When thinking about your project, gather your ideas and make a list of the items you must have. For example: additional storage, more countertop space or a spot in the kitchen for your grandmother’s china. Think about what else needs to be updated. Would you like to move appliances or add cabinetry? Remove a wall or add a closet? Is your electric, plumbing and HVAC in good condition?

Choose a remodeling team

You have a few options when choosing a team for your home remodeling project. In the past, homeowners would often work with a designer or architect to draw up the plans and hire a general contractor to do the construction. Today, you can work with a design-build firm to execute the entire project—from design and material selection to permits and construction. A design-build firm also provides the additional benefit of providing you with one point person throughout the entire project to help ensure it’s delivered on time and on budget.

When interviewing and selecting your design-build firm, consider things like years of experience and portfolio of work, make sure they have a valid contracting license and certificate of insurance, and check references.

Set a budget 

Although it can be difficult, it’s important to set a realistic budget for your project. To do this, consider the value of your home, length of time you expect to live there and how much you can afford to spend. Budget creation is just one area where it can be helpful to work with a design-build firm. During the initial consultation, they’ll talk about your vision and priorities and help guide you through a project that works within your budget. Once you know how much you can afford to spend, set aside 10 to 20 percent of your funds for unexpected expenses. This could include finding electrical work not done to code or mold hiding behind plaster. In the event the funds aren’t needed, you can use them for a material upgrade or to accessorize your new space!

Set a schedule

Once you have set your budget and chosen your team, it’s time to build your project timeline. Consider your family’s schedule and, if possible, arrange for the work to be done when it will have the least amount of impact on daily activities. If you’re hoping to have the project completed by a certain date, say for a holiday or event, make sure to communicate that to your project planner. They’ll outline the project steps, explain the length of time required for each step and help you to determine an appropriate start date.

Prepare your home

When your project details have been finalized, your project planner will provide you with a contract and work schedule, and set expectations for waste removal and site cleanup. You should begin to prepare your home for the project and make plans to avoid using the room while it’s under construction. This includes packing up personal items in the areas that will be renovated and creating a temporary space for essential activities. If you have children or pets, you’ll want to find ways to keep them safe and away from the construction area until the project is completed.

Work with us

At Bernhardt’s Remodeling Center, we are committed to treating each customer the way we would like to be treated. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service at every step of a project, with the utmost courtesy and professionalism. No project is too big or small for us.

Learn more about what it’s like to work with us and read what our customers have to say, then contact us to schedule your free design consultation.