You don’t always have to build a house from scratch to cultivate the home of your dreams – sometimes you can take the framework of your existing house and create something beautiful. When you decide to work with what you have and pursue a home remodel, you’ll need to plan carefully. The whole ordeal can be a massive undertaking.
A complete home remodel project could take anywhere from 3-6 months to complete. There are a number of factors that will play into how long a project may take. The overall size and complexity of the remodel will determine your timeline.
Here is a general timeline for the various components of a complete home remodel:
This is just an estimate of how long each of these subprojects will take. The size of your home, the complexity of the work, and the speed of your contractor could make this timeframe longer or shorter.
The first step in any home remodeling project is nailing down your budget. Sketch out a tentative plan for the project. Determine a realistic figure for how much you’re willing to put toward your remodel. Now make a list of your wants and must-haves and do some quick research to get a rough estimate of how much each of these items will cost.
If your wishlist is made up of mostly cosmetic projects, consider including some practical, money-saving projects in your plan as well. For instance, it might be worthwhile to add insulation, add additional electrical fixtures, or upgrade electrical panels while you’re in the remodeling mindset.
Once you have your list of wants and needs with rough cost estimates, decide which ones if any that you’ll DIY and which you’ll pass off to a contractor. Include labor fees next to the projects you’ll hire out for. This can be tricky to determine but it’s safe to assume labor will make up 20-40% of your project budget. Be honest with yourself through this part of the planning process. Some projects will require a professional touch to complete safely.
Here are some examples of projects you should definitely hire a pro for:
Include a 10-20% contingency for incidentals. Now you should have a rough idea of how much your project will cost if you complete all of your wants and needs. If this figure is above your budget, you’ll need to spend time determining which subprojects you’ll pursue and which you’ll save for another time. Once you have a rough plan within your budget you can proceed to the next step.
One of the most pivotal parts of the home remodel projects is finding a trustworthy, skilled designer and contractor. Start by making a list of viable options in your area. Narrow down that list to a handful that seem like they could be a good fit for you.
Here are a few qualities to look out for…
Reach out to your shortlist of remodelers. This part of the process will give you insight into their responsiveness, professionalism, and willingness to help so be sure to take note of this initial interaction. Ask for references and work examples. Interview the candidates you’re excited about. You’ll want to discuss payment terms and what their work style is amongst other characteristics.
Take a look at what you’ve learned about each team of designers and contractors. Go with the one you feel you can trust and work well with. Be sure you have a good rapport – you’ll be spending a lot of time with these individuals for the next few months.
With a budget and team in place, you can flesh out a rough timeline for your remodel project. Choose a desirable start time. If you’d rather have the project done by a particular date, work backward from that date instead. Either way, account for time for potential setbacks.
Your contractors will be able to help you flesh out a realistic timeline. They can break down how long each subproject will take. They will likely factor in time for shipping and delivery of materials which you should do for DIY projects as well. You’ll also need to include time for cleaning out the project area.
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time for materials to arrive. Order necessities such as lumber, drywall, new windows, and doors ahead of time. You should also remember to secure items such as dumpsters for the demolition process as well.
As the remodel start date approaches, plan for a sort of “mission control” area within your home. This area should be reserved as a place to store tools, materials, manuals, and checklists for the duration of the remodeling project.
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to secure all necessary permits. Don’t skip this step! Permits help you stay within the good graces of your local government and assure that your home meets structural and fire safety protocols. Your contractors should be able to help you through this process.
Be sure to declutter before the project kicks off. Clear the construction zones and move any furniture you don’t want debris and dust to land on. You might want to consider moving your items to a short-term storage unit until the project is over if you have no other space to store them.
Remodeling projects can be disruptive to everyday life. You’ll need to decide how you plan on adjusting. Will you live in the construction zone for the duration of the project or try to stay elsewhere during some or all of the project? This will likely hinge on the type of work your project involves.
Your kitchen, bathroom, or living space may be out of commission for a period of time. It may be dusty, noisy, or even unusable. For instance, your water might be shut off during a bathroom or kitchen remodel. You could simply adjust by setting up a schedule with your contractor to work around your daily routine. Or you might need to stay at a hotel or Airbnb for some of the time frame. If that’s the case, be sure to factor this into your budget.
At Forge & Bow, we work to keep the character and charm of your home while also helping better shape it to your unique tastes. We combine artistry, architectural design, and high character to create a truly special place to call home. It’s an honor and a privilege to help our clients see the potential in their abodes come to life. Get in touch to learn more about our process today!
