Maybe it happens when you open the pantry door and three cereal boxes and a stack of Tupperware that had been carefully wedged in the small space fall at your feet. Or perhaps it happens when you're late for work yet again, because you can't get to the shoes in your closet, which is located on the other side of a locked master bathroom door. Regardless of the source of your frustration, you know that it's time that you did SOMETHING to make your house more functional, beautiful, hospitable … more your home.
Yet when you're considering a possible renovation, where do you even begin? When we meet with potential clients, we often see them make two different mistakes that we want you to avoid - not knowing what they want and not knowing what they want to spend. Here's how to begin your project the right way, so you won't fall into either camp.
First, take the time to make a list of your concerns. Simple statements like: "I hate my kitchen. My master bathroom is ugly." are fine at this point. Just jot them down and then prioritize them. By doing so, you'll naturally begin to define the scope of your project. Also, think about what isn't working for you now. Don't fret about how to design or construct it at this stage, just think about what you would really like to change or add. A professional, experienced remodeler will know exactly how to achieve the end results you want and will guide you through the process.
Next, give some thought to how much you really want to invest in your home. Since they don't do this every day, most homeowners don't have a solid grasp of what a renovation actually costs, but that's also okay at this point. Initially, your main concern should be with what you want to invest. Consider your home's value and the market value of other homes in the area. Bear in mind that we are living in unprecedented real estate times, so if a Realtor says your home is only worth $X per square foot, look at the history of the area and realize that value could escalate again in the future. Then take into account intangibles like how long you plan to stay in your home – is it one year, five years, ten years, or are you never planning to move. If you're considering moving, ask yourself whether you like your current home's location, the schools your children attend, the neighborhood, its level of convenience, etc. Ask whether you really need a larger house or just one that better fits your lifestyle. (Read our 10 Reasons to Renovate Instead of Moving blog article to learn more.)
Going through this process will help you crystallize your thinking. You may decide that you need a new home, which is great and you'll have made a well-informed decision. But you may discover that to fall in love with your home all over again, you just need to update a kitchen or bath, remove a wall to better utilize existing space or add more room to entertain.
If that's the case, then it's time to talk to a qualified, professional remodeler who has substantial experience dealing with the type of projects you're considering. Being honest with your contractor about your hopes and budget is critical, because at this point you will begin to officially define the project's scope and determine whether it is realistic within the confines of your budget. Don't lose heart if the initial proposal comes in over budget, because if you have clearly prioritized, a qualified, professional remodeler can find practical ways to phase in the project over time as your budget allows.
Are you frustrated with the lack of a workable home office? Does your home really need a more functional and updated kitchen? A larger, updated master bathroom? An accessible master suite on the main level? Instead of selling your house, you may want to consider renovating. Adding an extra room, reconfiguring existing areas or even tackling a second-story addition may be your most cost-effective and least disruptive option. Here are 10 reasons why people opt to renovate:
Over the past decade or so, granite has emerged as a solid leader in kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Yet many people still have misconceptions about the material. Here are some common myths and a look at the hard facts about this natural product.
The ebb and flow of the housing market over the past few years may have led us into uncharted waters, but one result has been a wave of people considering home renovation projects. Some homeowners that we at Palmer Custom Builders work with are in need of a change but have opted against selling, instead choosing to renovate their homes to improve their comfort and safety while protecting their longstanding investment. Others who are in the market for a home are eyeing existing home deals, hoping that updates will boost the value of their bargain while making it a more enjoyable place to live. We’ve helped many such homeowners renovate poorly functioning kitchens and baths, finish un- or under-utilized space to create beautiful living areas, bring safety issues up to code, and make much-needed repairs. Yet we’ve also heard of many people in both situations who are mistakenly crestfallen when they hear rumors about other homeowners who are unable to secure renovation financing.
Whether you are looking to buy a new home, sell your existing residence, or renovate the home you already own, the first and most important question on your mind is likely to be: What’s it worth?
Do you have a good friend whom you don’t see very often, yet every time you get to talk, it’s as if you’ve never been apart? That intangible connection and natural flow of communication between two individuals is key to a long-lasting friendship, but you might not have realized just how important chemistry can be when it comes to selecting a contractor for your renovation project.
