Planning a Remodeling Project? Here are Ten Tips For Success!

Planning a remodeling project can be an exciting time. However, every remodeling project comes with its own set of surprises. Knowing what to do, and more importantly, what not to do is important to remaining sane and productive throughout the process. 

In this post, we're going to look at some tips that can make the process for your remodeling project run smoothly, from assembling the right team to keeping your sense of humor!

1. Put together a first-class team.

This is probably the most important element of remodeling success. If you choose the traditional “design – bid – build” model or choose to work with a design-build-remodeling firm, don't jump and take the lowest bid unless they come highly rated, positively reviewed, and well-regarded. Speak with past clients, ask to see examples of their work to make sure they have a proven record.

2. Set your budget and the scope of work before you get started.

Before demo day, make sure you define your project, work scope, and budget. Nothing can stop a project in its tracks faster than “scope creep.” Imagine you've set the scope of work and budget, then decided to add elements to your project when the city found out and insisted you update your permits – something that could take weeks to resolve in a major city. Now your project is on hold, your timeline is short, and you're over budget. So the lesson is, define your project, think about the scope of work before you get started, and avoid change orders and stick to your plan, so you stay on time and budget.

3. Plan contingencies for both your budget and timeline.

Plan for success, but prepare for “worst-case scenarios” because it's inevitable something will happen. You probably know that it's a good idea to add a 5-20% contingency to your budget, but you should also add the same to your timeline. Of course, your contingency should reflect the scope of your project. If you're rebuilding from the ground up, you might need a smaller contingency since there will be few unknowns. But if you're working with existing elements – the condition often remains hidden until you start demolition, so you'll likely need a bigger set aside!

4. Make and finalize materials selections early.

Nothing is worse than falling in love with a material like a floor tile only to bring your project to a screeching halt because it's out of stock. As the homeowner, it's up to you how much involvement you want to have in the material selection process. Some homeowners rely entirely on the designer to pick finishes. Others prefer to get advice and direction from the designer but want to make the final choices. Either way, you need to make sure that you know availabilities, so you're not making last-minute changes when the tile you love is out of stock until next April!

5. Think about temporary housing.

If you're redoing your guest bathroom, then you can probably stay put. But if you're doing a major project that will require having the plumbing or electrical shut down throughout your house for several days or weeks, you may want to consider temporary housing. You and your family's sanity is worth relying on family or the extra expense of a hotel. As a bonus, not only can temporary housing lower your stress, but your job can move faster if the contractor isn't working around you.

6. Pop in on the job site – be persistent, but not a pest!

Even if your designer or project manager monitors the job site on your behalf, it's still smart to regularly drop by the job site to see how it's progressing. However, don't interrogate the workers or get in the way! If you took the time to build a good team, you should trust them to do the job. That being said, accidents happen. If you see something that doesn't seem right, talk to your project manager or whoever is acting as the point person on site.

7. Be mindful of change orders.

Nothing can make your budget get out of control faster than change orders. If you're unfamiliar with the term, a change order is an amendment to your original contract/plan. It's used to add or delete something that has been contracted and is part of the expected scope of work. Want to move the pendant lights after they're installed? That triggers a change order. And that can impact your budget. That's why planning and defining the scope of work early is the key.

8. Don't Skimp! Do it right the first time.

It's never fun to pay money for things you can't see, but don't skimp when it comes to the fundamentals like insulation, structure, waterproofing, etc. There are elements where you can save or cut the budget when needed, but they're not the fundamentals! Invest in the basics to ensure you'll have a smooth-running, tight house that will stay safe and secure for years!

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9. Know where to skimp!

If you took our advice, you'd have a solid structure that you get to turn into your dream home! If your budget is getting tight and you need to cut costs, making small adjustments in certain areas can help. Consider switching some materials for lower-cost alternatives, keep paint simple (few colors and sheens) or swap high-end appliances and fixtures for more modestly priced options. For example, using a marble patterned porcelain tile for the backsplash instead of Carrara marble or granite instead of quartz countertops.

10. Don't lose your sense of humor.

The truth is, even the best-made plans can go awry, and it can be incredibly stressful, especially when it impacts your budget or timeline. But you need to find a healthy way to cope! You need to be able to laugh off the little things, and if it gets really tough, try to visualize the result: your dream home that will make you happy for many years to come!

Working with a design-build-remodeling firm for your next kitchen or bathroom remodeling project is a great choice. If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and are planning a remodeling project, give the Degnan Design-Build-Remodel experts a call at (608) 846-5963. Their award-winning design team is ready to help you realize your creative vision. Call today and arrange a free consultation to discuss your upcoming project.

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 9/26/2022.