When planning a home project, there are numerous resources available – from big box stores to online boutiques, from a DIY couple with a YouTube channel to Larry Haun books. Some homeowners have very specific ideas for their remodeled space, while others want assistance from professionals. In both cases, proper planning is necessary to ensure a successful project. There’s more to the process than what we see on TV: picking out finishes, demos, project completion, and getting ready to be photographed in Architectural Digest, all in one week’s time! ValEquity Construction has 5 tips for a successful remodeling project.
Define Your Goals
Do you need or want to have work done? Do you love your neighborhood and want to stay, but are seeing the need for an additional bedroom? Do you love to host and entertain but would like to remodel your first floor so that all your guests can gather in one room? Perhaps you inherited a builder grade kitchen, yet you cook daily for your family and want a gourmet kitchen remodel. Identifying WHY you want to have work done will give clarity.
After understanding why a project is necessary or desired, professionals can evaluate the best way to achieve that goal. Having a Pinterest board or Instagram photos can help in the process. Why not incorporate them? Creating a list of your goals and ranking them is a great way to make sure you are communicating your ideas to the company you are working with.
What Is Your Budget?
Establishing a budget with all involved parties is absolutely essential. Many companies, ValEquity Construction included, can give a quick range of project costs that are similar to your project goals. When thinking about budget, homeowners often consider only material and labor costs. However, the budget also includes other costs, such as dumpsters for waste removal, landscaping, or cost for the mechanicals–utilities–to be moved. Having budget conversations with a contracting company better prepares you for a successful project, whether you wind up working with that specific contractor or not.
Simply put, being realistic with YOUR financial situation will help us help you. Withholding budget information will simply inhibit your ability to reach your desired project goal. There is no better feeling than presenting a number that is below a client’s initial budget or being able to tell them – “yeah, we can actually do everything on your wishlist.” When a company educates a potential client on budget, that client can make an informed decision on who they want to work with.
Choose The Right Contractor
What do you do when multiple companies claim to be able to meet your goals for your home project using your budget? You have likely been reading reviews and talking with family, friends and neighbors about their past project experiences. Companies can be vetted through referrals, customer surveys, and a company’s long term reputation. One of the easiest ways to help break a tie would be to ask yourself, ”Who did I communicate best with?” Your project process will require clear communication in order to run smoothly. When a decision needs to be made on the job site or an unexpected roadblock pops up, who can you see yourself working with to come to a solution? Who presents professionalism, planning and detailed care about your project? That’s who you want to work with.
Create a Detailed Timeline
Is your renovation or remodeling project for a specific occasion? If so, let your contractor know about this during the initial consultation so they can realistically tell you if they can meet that deadline or not. Contractors will have a very good idea of how long the project will take and should share that information with you. Additionally, knowing when your contractor can begin your project in a general window of time can typically be shared during the vetting process. Being realistic about a timeline is as important as being realistic about the budget. Feel free to ask questions.
Expect the Unexpected
Even with the careful planning that you and your contractor have done, expect the unexpected. Whether an uncovered structural issue, or a material selection being delayed (weather, labor strikes, shortages etc), stay flexible. Having a good working relationship with your contractor will allow you to plan and budget accordingly to make sure the project continues to move forward without a major disruption. Skilled and experienced crews plan for the unexpected. Make sure you are working with a team who is prepared.
Your project – whether a hall bathroom renovation or an entire first floor remodel which expands the kitchen – will be much smoother if you follow these suggestions. Working with a general contracting company, like ValEquity Construction, who can help plan all phases of your project from design concept to production completion, will ensure that your remodeling project goals are not just met, but your expectations are exceeded.
