If you’ve spent much time watching HGTV, it seems a whole home remodel takes just 28 minutes while you sit comfortably on your couch sipping a margarita. In reality, nearly all home renovation projects take substantially longer.
Plus, sitting on your couch while the walls transform around you isn’t all too practical. Whether you are planning a simple bathroom remodel, kitchen renovation or whole home improvement project – it takes time to plan and complete.
The good news is, you don’t have to live through your remodel. Whether you plan to travel or spend time at your other home during the height of Tucson’s summer heat, you can plan now and have updates made when you’re away from home.
In order to make sure your project is done correctly and on time, we put together the ultimate home remodeling checklist.
Make a Wish List
Take some time to consider what you want and what you need. Do you want an open floor plan designed for entertaining? Are you interested in adding an exercise room to make working out easier? Do you need another bedroom for when the whole family visits?
Is this a home you plan to stay in for quite some time? If so, it may be beneficial to consider updates that make it easier to get around. Or perhaps what you really want is more kitchen storage and countertop space for making cookies with your grandkids.
Determining your wants and needs in advance can help you prioritize your decisions moving forward.
Define Your Budget
Take an honest look at your finances. How much you can reasonably afford to spend on a home remodeling project. It doesn’t do you any good to shoot for the moon only to blow your entire savings on a home update.
Typically, it’s a good idea to add some padding to this number for unexpected expenses. These expenses might include minor last-second changes and splurge-worthy fixtures – like an elegant tile backsplash.
Check Your Calendar
What upcoming events do you have planned, specially at your Tucson residence? When do you need your home renovation to be complete? Does your family come for Thanksgiving every year? Do you regularly host a New Year’s Eve shindig for all of your friends?
Make sure you know which events are a priority to you and where they are. You’ll need to share those dates with your designer. A good designer will be able to help you determine if the size and scope of your project can be completed within your timeframe.
In the unlikely event your project can’t be completed on time, your designer can help you weigh the pros and cons of scaling the project. She may be recommend doing updates in stages. Or, this might be the year you let someone else host.
Find a Designer
You certainly can work with a designer and Tucson remodeling contractor from different firms. However, there are some substantial benefits of working with a designer and contractor who have an established relationship. These benefits can include:
- Familiarity with quality of work
- Realistic expectations for timeline
- Dependable craftsmanship
- Trustworthy personnel
- Warranty-backed service
Whenever we make a recommendation about how to choose a Tucson design and remodeling contractor, we always recommend asking for recommendations, doing research, and conducting interviews. Learn more about how to choose a Tucson remodeling contractor.
Examine the Contract
Before you sign, make sure to read the contract thoroughly. This includes the fine print. A remodel is no small undertaking. Your contractor and their staff will be inside your home.
Make sure you know what they are going to do. What areas of their home they are going to work on. What updates they are going to make. How much it is going to cost. And when you can expect the job to be completed.
Determine How You and Your Contractor Will Communicate
When it comes to a home remodeling checklist, this is an item not to be overlooked if you plan to remodel while you’re away from home. Even with the most thoroughly planned home renovation projects, questions come up. Your designer or contractor may need to know your preference on everything from tiles to hardware.
Furthermore, you’re likely to want to know how your project is progressing. When you’re in town, this typically means visiting your home and seeing the progress. When you’re out of town, this can be more difficult. But, it’s far from impossible.
A good remodeling contractor will offer a variety of ways to keep you as plugged in to your project as you want to be. These could include:
- Email updates
- Text updates
- Sending pictures
- Video walkthroughs
- Live FaceTime consultations
Finalize Your Arrangements
Before you leave, make sure you finalize any arrangements for the contents of your home. This could be moving items to a spare bedroom. It may require renting a storage unit for larger pieces of furniture. Or, could require you to make special arrangements for prized artwork.
The key is to make sure any space that will be worked on has been cleared of all items you wish to keep.
Start Planning Your Summer Remodel Now
Want to update your home while you’re gone for the summer? Now’s the time to start planning. Schedule a consultation with our lead designer today so we can make sure your project is finished when you return.