One of the worst blunders homeowners often make when it comes to renovating their homes is to jump in without plan. Many of them may stare at each other blankly, realizing they don’t actually have a clear idea of what they truly want like they thought they did when being asked “What would you like?”. Planning for a renovation is an exciting journey and believe it or not, it sometimes demands more work than the execution itself but it’s worth doing. The better you plan towards your intended outcome, the more time and money you can save. To clarify your ideas and vision, here’s a list of questions you should ask yourself before any renovation.
Why renovate or extend your house?
Are you intending to live in that house in the long run? Or you’re planning to add extra value to your home and make it enticing for potential buyers? Different goals may determine a slightly different renovation and it’s a crucial factor in deciding what you will do to your home. For example, if you’re selling then exterior design should be your priority while interior design should be paid more attention in case you intend to live in the long term. Whatever the reason is, it’s important to sit down and figure out what you truly need out of the renovation. It will be a useful document when you talk with your designer in the first instance.
What rooms do you want renovated?
Are you planning to remodel the kitchen, the bathroom or the living room? It’s seems like a piece of cake but remember that remodeling one room will have an effect on the surrounding space as well. If you remodel only the kitchen, will the dining room connected to it appear to be old-fashioned afterwards? Since the budget hardly cover your wish list for the renovation, it’s important to take into account how the remodel affects the next and plan accordingly.
What’s your design style and color preference?
Do you like traditional, modern or transitional style? Do your homework and find out your favorite prior to the appointment with your designer, which will make the process smoother and easier for both of you. Another factor you should let the designer know right off the bat is your color preference. Which color do you like best? Do you like bright color or prefer warm color? You may be surprised to know that color can have a profound impact on your emotions and behaviors, so learn how it affects you in order to make your home feel good.
What is your budget?
It’s important to have a clear picture of how much money you’re willing to spend on your renovation. Does it include the consultant fee or tax? Does it cover the accommodation if you have to move out for a few months? Be straightforward with your designer whether your budget inclusive or exclusive of all these expenses. Besides, renovations are always guaranteed to go over budget as hidden cost may arise. It is therefore recommended to build a contingency fund from the start in case unforeseen issues pop up along the design or construction phase of the project.