Even if you have done a home remodeling project before, many of our clients ask where they should start. Following the tips in this article will help you have the best odds for a successful home construction project.
Establish A Scope
It is best to sit down with your family to discuss the scope of your project before you meet with builders or designers. Questions to consider include:
- How do I use my current space and what do I wish functioned or looked better?
- Do I have a friend of family member who has a space that looks or functions the way I want my future space to?
- How do I want my space to feel?
- Do we have enough space inside of our home’s footprint or will we require a home addition?
- Establish a list of “must-haves” vs. things you would like to have.
Collect Inspiration
Collecting pictures for inspiration and ideas helps your architect, designer and builder. These pictures help them understand the level of finish you expect, incorporate storage or space planning ideas you have found, and determine your design style. Popular places to find inspiration include: Architectural Digest, Houzz.com, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Hire A Designer And Builder
We recommend hiring a designer and architect at the same time you hire your builder. Hiring both firms at the same time helps ensure that your budget aligns with the design, and that the design is buildable. An experienced home remodeling contractor can recommend materials and construction methods that would be best for your home and budget.
Establish A Budget
If you have done your due diligence and selected the right builder, sharing your expectations for your budget can save you time and money. Many clients try to conceal their real budget, thinking the builder will offer a lower number. Home remodeling is not a high margin business. Any builder who has room to discount his price was not treating you fairly to begin with.
Establishing trust through referrals, online reviews and an interview. Next, share your budget with your remodeling contractor to assure you are not designing a project that exceeds your budget. Your builder should be able to ensure that your project will be completed in your expected timeframe and to your desired finish level.
Review The Contract
Make sure the contract and the plan match, and that all of the finishes are called out. Leaving products or materials open to interpretation is a recipe for a disagreement down the road. Make sure you are comfortable with the project’s start and end dates as well as the payment schedule.
Start Your Home Remodeling Project with LaBonte Construction
By properly planning for a home remodeling project or new construction build, you can alleviate much of the stress related to you project. A relationship built on trust with your design and building teams, combined with clear, thorough plans and communication will ensure a successful project. Please contact the team at LaBonte Construction for a professional start to your next home improvement project.