The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Successful Home Remodeling Project

Learn from an expert in home remodeling and renovation about the essential first step in planning a successful home remodel. Budgeting for unexpected expenses, prioritizing wants and needs, and avoiding common mistakes are all key factors in ensuring a successful p

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Successful Home Remodeling Project

As a seasoned expert in the field of home remodeling and renovation, I have witnessed the excitement and challenges that come with transforming a house into a dream home. And let me tell you, the first step in this process is crucial. It sets the foundation for the entire project and can make or break its success. This initial step involves developing a clear vision of what you want to achieve with your home remodel, and creating a prioritized list of your needs and wants. When I first embarked on my own home remodeling journey, which involved an older house that belonged to my father, I knew that careful planning and consideration were key.

This is why I always advise my clients to take the time to think about their goals and priorities before diving into any renovation project. One important aspect to keep in mind during the planning stage is budgeting for unexpected expenses. No matter how well you plan, there will always be unforeseen costs that arise during a home remodel. This is why it's crucial to set aside at least 10 percent of your project budget for these unexpected expenses. At my company, we have worked with numerous homeowners in Central Ohio on their home renovation projects. Through our extensive experience, we have developed a comprehensive checklist that outlines all the necessary steps for a successful home remodel.

This checklist helps our clients better understand the process and ensures that no important details are overlooked. As you begin planning your home remodel, it's important to outline your vision and determine your wants and needs. This will help you make informed decisions about where to allocate your budget and how to prioritize different aspects of the project. It's also helpful to research which renovations will provide the best return on investment in your neighborhood. When creating your list of wants and needs, be sure to prioritize them based on their impact on your daily life at home. For example, kitchen and bathroom remodels are popular choices as they add value to your home.

However, they can also be costly and time-consuming. It's important to carefully consider the pros and cons of each renovation before making a decision. One common mistake that homeowners make is overspending on high-end appliances, floors, countertops, and cabinets for their kitchen remodel. While these may seem like great investments, they may not provide a good return if they are significantly more expensive than what other homes in the neighborhood have. It's important to strike a balance between quality and cost when making these decisions. Lastly, it's important to keep in mind that a home remodel will leave you without a usable space until the project is complete.

This is why it's crucial to plan accordingly and make arrangements for alternative living arrangements if necessary.

Betsy Defilippis
Betsy Defilippis

Wannabe baconaholic. Wannabe coffee evangelist. Typical zombie scholar. Total zombie fanatic. Subtly charming social media ninja.