Remodeling? Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Start

04.26.2017

UNDERSTANDING WHY YOU WANT TO REMODEL IS KEY TO YOUR PROJECT’S SUCCESS

Asking yourself a few core questions as you begin to plan your remodeling project will help you discover the real, underlying reasons why you want to renovate your home. Because although you may be thinking, “I just hate my kitchen and want a new one!,” there are always deeper reasons that motivate the desire to change your living space. Your remodeling contractor and design/build team will also need to understand the inherent reasons why you want to remodel so that they can design the most functional and beautiful solutions.

This self-reflection process is an important first step; the answers you discover are essential to your project’s success and will help you:

  • focus your vision and goals for the project;
  • help you communicate them clearly to your Design Build team;
  • result in an enjoyable, no-stress remodeling process; and
  • give you the beautiful new living space that perfectly suits you and your family’s needs.


Here are a few questions to help you clarify the reasons why you want to remodel your home:

WHICH ROOM(S) ARE NO LONGER COMFORTABLE, ARE UNDERUTILIZED, OR DO NOT SUPPORT THE WAY WE WANT TO LIVE IN OUR HOME?

Some examples might include:

    1. The kitchen is too small to allow two or more people to cook or gather together comfortably; or perhaps you cook often and need upgraded appliances, more food prep area, and more storage space;
    2. When family or guests are in the living room or dining room, they are separated from you (by a wall) while you are in the kitchen alone, preparing food;
    3. The master bathroom feels cramped, the vanity is cluttered with products (not enough storage), you share one sink with your spouse, etc.;
    4. An unused bedroom needs to be converted to a nursery, or, is empty now and could be re-purposed as an office, library, or hobby room;
    5. You are embarrassed by the outdated look of the room(s) or the home in general.

WHAT IS THE BUDGET THAT WE ARE “ABLE AND WILLING” TO SPEND?

This may be a delicate discussion, but it’s very important to be honest with yourself and realistic about expectations. Here’s why:

    1. Designing with your budget range as a guide is a key Design Build process that helps ensure that you get the beautiful project outcome you desire within the total amount you plan on spending. And so….
    2. By being upfront about your budget, you actually help the Design Team estimator maximize each dollar spent; the design time and effort on your behalf are focused on the highest quality project at the best value.

DO WE WANT TO STAY IN THIS HOME AS WE AGE? SHOULD WE REMODEL TO INCREASE SAFETY, MANEUVERABILITY, AND ACCESS?

Universal Design (or Aging-in-Place / Remaining-in-Place) incorporates elements into a remodel that can make your home safe, comfortable and accessible for years. Universal Design is for everyone, regardless of age and abilities, but is increasingly popular with aging populations who wish to remain – and live independently–in the home they love.

    1. As people age, they increasingly desire to remain in their homes for as long as possible. An elderly parent living with you, or a family member with limited mobility, are common reasons for a Universal Design remodel on your home.
    2. Universal Design is not just for older people. Kid-safe areas in the kitchen, durable floors that are stroller (or wheelchair-friendly) and privacy solutions for teens are also Universal Design solutions that allow multi-generational living in one home.
    3. See a detailed list of Universal Design Concepts, and a checklist to see how your home could benefit from Universal Design.

WE’D LIKE TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT AND SAVE MONEY ON UTILITY COSTS. HOW IMPORTANT IS SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY WHEN IT COMES TO OUR REMODEL PROJECT?

These days, all good Design Build firms incorporate ‘green’ or sustainable design into every project as a matter of course. Sustainable homes are one of the best ways for remodeling contractors and homeowners to be environmentally responsible. And:

    1. Investment in ‘green’ products and sustainable systems pay for themselves over the life of the building by more than ten times. This is something to think about when you are planning your budget for your remodel or new home.
    2. Sustainable design can be seen as a ‘holistic’ approach to your project. It takes into account the energy savings, water reductions and lower maintenance costs that will positively impact your family and every space in your home.

MORE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR REMODEL PROJECT:

You may have many more questions to ask of yourself and your design/build firm as you begin planning your remodel or new home project:

  1. For a Self-Assessment Survey that helps you determine whether Design Build is a good process for your project, click here. (The Survey will send your answers back to you so you have them when you meet with your Design Team.)
  2. For a list of Frequently Asked Questions that are important to ask of your Design Build firm, click here.
  3. Read a step-by-step outline of the Design Build Process.
  4. Have a question? Ask one of our Design Build experts here.

This is the second in our LEFF Design Build series of blog posts. Read post #1 here: “There is Something Bothering You About Your Home.”

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