A Simple, Remodeling Roadmap for People Who Loathe Planning Their Next Kitchen Remodel

Have you heard a few stories about unfinished projects and trampled budgets? It’s understandable that with the reputation the remodeling has, you may take pause at the idea of tackling a project of your own. Well, we have some news for you; it doesn’t have to be that way. Outlined below are a few critical steps you’ll need to complete your project without going crazy or broke. Let’s get started!  

Choosing Your Destination

     The goals for your project will be uniquely yours. After all, you live in and use your home in a way that is unique to your family and lifestyle. At this planning stage, try not to think in terms of where the walls will be or how to solve specific challenges. For now, think about the ways you’d  like to use the spaces in your home and the things that are in the way of that now. 

Create a list of things you dislike about your space and a list of things you love. Then create a list of things you want, like your wish list on Amazon. Jotting this information down will prepare you to communicate clearly as you work with designers to create your project.  

Establish a Budget

    All remodeling is personal, and your budget can feel intimately personal.  Before meeting with a contractor, give some thought to how much you are comfortable investing to reach your goals. It’s going to be critical to your project’s success that you be upfront and honest about your budget with your contractor. Remember, they’re part of your team and can help you design in a way that respects your budget while achieving your goals, if they know what the target is. 

    For more in-depth information on how to calculate and create a budget for your remodel download our Remodeling Roadmap. 

Assembling Your Team

    Do you need an architect first, or a contractor first? Great question, and our answer is…..both! Just like a great sports team, your remodeling team needs a head coach. An experienced contractor will be able to bring together all the players your project will need and coordinate their efforts to achieve your goals.  

Check out our blog: Trusting Your Contractor Can be Difficult: Here’s Our Guide to Help You With That. You’ll feel at ease with your contractor, and you’ll enjoy the remodeling process! 

Designing Your Space

    A good design will save you money, time, and aggravation. Without a thorough design, budget overruns and construction delays are almost guaranteed. A simple selection like countertop material can be the difference between staying in budget and a $5,000 change order. So even though you may be itching to get hammers flying, take the time to design your space completely and thoroughly. You won’t regret it in the long run. 

    To learn more about the Design-Build Process, check out: What Does Design-Build Mean for My Project. There you will learn why it is now the only way we will do business, and how it can save you time and money in the long run. 

Getting the Best Value

    We did not title this section “How to Get The Cheapest Bid” for a reason. Value isn’t about the lowest dollar figure, it’s about what you get for that dollar. A thoughtful and thoroughly designed project will insure that you not only know the cost of your project, but you’ll also know exactly what you’re getting for that cost. While the old “Get three bids” approach can work to compare pricing, it doesn’t serve to tell you much else. And without a defined design for bidders to use, the three bids will likely not be comparable at all. . We’re  firm believers that the road to a successful project requires choosing a remodeling contractor on a set of criteria that goes well beyond  price alone. Comparing companies on things such as quality of work, the longevity of the company, clarity of processes, and their service record will help you get the best outcome. 

    For a deeper look into bidding and design build, download our Remodeling Roadmap eBook. 

Getting a Contract

    It seems elementary, but a written contract that is fair to both you and your contractor is vital to establishing a good working relationship. It’s like an insurance policy, you hope you won’t need to use it, but you’ll be very happy to have it in case you do. 

    A good contract will include things like: a detailed description of the work to be completed, detailed drawings , and information regarding how changes are handled. It will also include a clear description of how and when payments will be made.  

    In addition to the contract, be sure to get a copy of the company’s warranty and understand what it does and does not cover.  

Construction

    While this might seem like the hardest part, and the one you’re dreading most, it will actually be quite exciting if you’ve followed the steps above. With all the I’s dotted and T’s crossed, you and your contractor will know exactly what is expected and the craftsmen will be able to do their jobs efficiently. 

    Before starting construction, just be sure to get clarity about who your point of contact will be, and get a copy of the written schedule for the project as well. Knowing what to expect will go a long way toward lowering your anxiety while the hammers are pounding.