Homeowners tossing around ideas on whether to remodel or redesign their homes are in a great position to weigh the pros and cons.
Regardless of how big or small the plan is, the best advice is to obtain the input of a talented Louisville architect, especially if changes will affect the home’s footprint, mechanical features, or flow from room to room.
This is also the best time to compare the expense of a moderate redesign versus a full remodel.
Change is Possible
It is rarely the case that a home comes with all the features pleasing to the individual homeowner. There are always aspects to a floor plan that could have been designed better.
It may be that the bathtub is not strategically placed or the kitchen lacks functionality. Very often, tract homes represent the variation of a limited set of themes, better known as cookie-cutter, that truly lack imagination.
Aside from feasibility, changes should be reasonable. It just doesn’t make sense to transform a modest home into the only mansion on the block. However, that does not mean some clever planning cannot deliver the home of your dreams.
One Step at a Time
Consulting with an architect will allow the homeowner a chance to contemplate structural changes. Finding a building contractor who also performs as a remodeler is a matter of choosing the right candidate for the job.
If changes involve the kitchen or bathroom, planning the stages of alterations or additions will be best served by utilizing certified designers.
Interior designers can offer input on more than just the fabrics and textures to be included. Use them for their integral advice on quality flooring materials or other millwork. The construction team will work together under the direction of a general contractor who keeps a project on time and within budget.
A Goal is a Good Thing to Have
Even a good cook has to start with a recipe. Tackling physical changes to the home should have at least as much consideration. While redesigning may only involve interior changes, such as lighting, paint, furnishings, floor coverings, and fabrics, it helps to have a concept or theme that will tie elements together. Taking on structural changes is best rolled out with well-defined, goal-oriented objectives.
Here are some tips to help guide the remodeling project:
- Plan ahead: The investment should anticipate how changes may appeal to future buyers or accommodate an empty nest.
- Exercise Constraint: Home values need to match the demographic, especially when it comes time to sell. Your Realtor (trusted real estate advisor) can help with this.
- Stick to a Budget: Establish a limit and monitor expenses to avoid any budgetary sacrificing.
- Inspire the Desire: Have some fun getting ideas from the home and garden shows, model homes, magazines and catalogs, television shows and home improvement programs.
- Create a Guide: The collection of clippings, photographs, sketches, samples, swatches, and product flyers will provide a wealth of resources throughout the project.
- Research Resources: Visiting nari.org, Angie’s List, and listening to word-of-mouth recommendations are all excellent methods of locating reliable professionals to help with design, provide bids, and execute plans.
- Rely on the Paperwork: Check references, ask for credentials or licenses, review bids, and be aware of code requirements. Learn up front to ask about costs associated with changes to plans or materials and pay attention to deadlines.
Enjoy the process and trust the professionals who are ready to help manifest your dreams. It is well worth the effort.
