Essential Factors to Consider When Remodeling Your Home

There is no doubt that remodeling your home is an exciting prospect, filled as it is with the promise of new-look spaces to live your life in. At the same time, it is also a complex process that requires careful consideration and the right decision-making to ensure that it is the type of success you dreamt of.

While it is easy to get caught up in design elements and finishing touches, there are more rudimentary factors that will define whether or not this all goes to plan. Therefore, in order for you to stay “on mission” and not be distracted, you need to draw up a plan of action that contains the following elements.

Know what you want (and how it fits your budget)

Every plan needs to start by defining what you want to achieve when you are remodeling your home. You need to decide if the main purpose is to:

• Increase your living space
• Improve the functionality of your current space
• Update the look of your home and possibly the technology within it

Understanding this from day one will stop you from wandering down some expensive paths that achieve nothing.

You also have to measure this up against your budget and see how it all fits together. You need to consider all of the costs involved, including materials, labor, and any permits or certification that is required. You should also build in a contingency for inevitable unexpected costs.

Evaluate your space (and how best to use it)

Once you have completed this first step, the next is to analyze your available space and see how it can be used to meet your goals. This is especially key if your remodel involves a kitchen or bathroom, as there are elements such as the plumbing and electric cabling to accommodate as well.

You also need to think about any structural changes (for example, removing walls or constructing an extension) which are likely to involve consultation with an architect or structural engineer. This is an important step as it helps to ensure safety and means that you will find out at an early stage if your plans are actually possible.

Engage the right contractors (especially for fitting bathrooms)

While there is a very small chance you might want to take on all the work yourself, it is more likely that you will want to get the experts involved. After all, you will already be investing a considerable amount of money in this project, so you won’t want to cut corners. You will need contractors for your project because they have specific attributes that will make your project a success. For example:

• Expertise and experience – the right contractors will have invaluable expertise from doing the job for years. This will mean that the job is more likely to be done correctly, especially in disciplines such as plumbing and electrics, where building codes apply.
• Quality workmanship – by tackling jobs yourself, you are unlikely to get the kind of finish that you are after. A professional job is not only one that is done properly, but also one that is visually appealing and long-lasting.
• Problem-solving – due to their experience, they are likely to be able to get their heads around the inevitable challenges that occur during a remodel. They might come up with a solution in minutes that could leave you scratching your head for hours without their help.
• Warranties and insurance – any work that is carried out by professionals should come with some sort of guarantee so that they can put right any subsequent problems. In addition, they will also be insured so that any accidental damage they do will be covered.
• They will be local – as they are on your doorstep, they will know the quirks of properties like yours and are more likely to know and cooperate with other trades. To this end, if you live near St Albans, you should employ bathroom fitters in St Albans—and the same applies to other traders wherever you happen to live.

Choose materials and finishes (the bit you were looking forward to)

The finish is important, so you need to choose your materials carefully. This is most likely going to be done in conjunction with the advice of a professional, but should be defined by durability and functionality. For instance, in the case of a kitchen or bathroom, you need to consider materials that resist water damage and mold.

You also need to consider those little touches that will provide the wow factor, such as light fixtures, door handles, and blinds or drapes. Again, in an area such as the kitchen or the bathroom, faucets and splashbacks can add an extra touch of quality that makes all the difference.