A home renovation project is a major investment, but it can be challenging as well. This is especially true if you are looking to find out which space to focus on first. For instance, should you make your accessible kitchen remodeling project the priority or upgrade your outdated bathroom space?
Since no one wants the disruption that comes with doing all the renovations at once, you should ask yourself which remodeling project to tackle first. Which part of your home requires immediate attention? While you may feel like everything in your house needs to be renovated right away, it’s important that you assess your situation carefully and make a priority list.
Today, we talk about the things you should prioritize during your remodel.
Need to Do vs. Want to Do
First, you need to make two basic lists: “need to do” and “want to do.” For your “need to do” list, inspect your home inside out, and take note of any visible irregularities you find. Warping windows in the master bedroom, for example, might be something that caught your eye. If you find a leak on your roof, you may want to put it down on the list as well.
On the other hand, the “want to do” list is completely up to you. However, make sure that the list is realistic and is based on your budget and time. Instead of writing “build a home addition” or “renovate the bathroom,” you may want to be specific like “replace outdated countertops”. By breaking down the items you want to achieve in your project, your contractor will be well-informed of your vision for your home.
Once you complete the two lists, compare the two and determine which list is longer. Most likely, your “need to do” list is far longer than the other. This is because your home is interconnected, so when you add repairs to your “need to do” list, it may affect your “want to do” list.
What to Prioritize When Designing Your Home
Now that you have separated your needs and wants, it’s important that you address your needs first. Chances are, the tasks under your “need to do” list involve outdated electrical systems, water damage or anything that can impact your safety and overall quality of life. When designing your home, you should keep these four things in mind:
1. Focus on Structural Repairs
Your first priority should be structural repairs. One thing you should watch out for is moisture damage, whether it’s from a leaky roof or water penetrating your basement. Remember that even a small leak in your roof can cause plenty of trouble to the rest of the house. Thus, you need to address these issues before anything else.
Aside from moisture damage, you also need to protect the huge investment you have in your house. If you think your roofing or siding system needs replacing, that should be on the top of your home remodeling to-do list. Moreover, replacing damaged windows reduces your home’s energy costs, so be sure to prioritize it as well. This project not only improves the curb appeal of your home, but also makes your space more functional and energy-efficient.
2. Consider Your Stage of Life
When renovating your home, don’t forget to consider your stage of life. Are you planning to stay in your home for a long time? If you’re in a starter home for a few years, you may want to focus on the appearance of your home. For instance, add new carpeting and appliances. If you have a growing family, invest in bigger improvements, such as adding an addition to your home.
For empty nesters, you may want to add dedicated spaces for hobbies, libraries or home theaters. Accessibility remodeling is also another great investment, especially if you’re thinking of retiring at home. Make sure to plan your upgrades as soon as you can so you can enjoy home living no matter your stage of life.
3. Prepare a Solid Budget
Your budget is another big factor in your home remodeling project. While it can be difficult for homeowners to determine the cost of projects and arrive at a budget, it’s recommended to consult a professional designer or architect to provide you with a reasonable estimate based on your needs and ideas. If you’re selling your home soon, remember that bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects often provide the best return on investment (ROI).
Even when the resources seem endless, remember that every project has a budget. For this reason, it’s important to stay within it as much as possible. Be mindful of what you actually get as well as the quality of what you’re choosing and its impact on the overall space. Take note that a splurge in one place can affect a design choice.
4. Hire a Trustworthy Contractor
Your home remodeling project will only be completed successfully when you leave it in the hands of a trustworthy professional contractor. Renovations can be particularly stressful, but a qualified contractor can help you lessen the burden and make sure the overall experience is positive. When hiring contractors, be sure that they have previous experience in a project the same as yours. Check their website to look at project photos, or read reviews from previous clients. Positive reviews mean your potential contractor can deliver satisfactory results and even more.
From historic restorations and home additions to kitchen remodeling and whole-house renovations, Cottage Industries, Inc is committed to providing top-quality services to homeowners in Philadelphia and all of the Main Line. Count on our team of experienced design and construction professionals to create your dream spaces. We’ll work closely with you to make the entire process as simple and enjoyable as possible, from the in-home consultation to the finishing touches on the job.
Got questions in mind? Want to discuss your plan for your home? Give us a call at (610) 293-9750, or fill out our online contact form to schedule an in-home, no-obligation consultation. We look forward to working with you!
