10 Tips I Wish I Knew Before I Remodeled

It’s so easy to look back and wish you would have been better prepared for a major project. While there will always be surprises along the way, hindsight is 20/20. In looking back, most homeowners almost always have a few “wish I’d known” aspects to their renovation projects. Check out the following tips pre-reno, and consider yourself one step ahead when it comes to remodeling preparedness!

1. Have an emergency savings fund

We always recommend budgeting an extra 20% into your remodeling budget for incidentals, but an emergency savings fund goes far beyond that. Before embarking on a remodeling journey, be sure you have your savings intact. Just last week we discussed the importance of an emergency fund, because you never know what is going to happen. Not only will you probably need that extra 20% of your remodeling budget for incidentals, you might need to employ your emergency fund for a roof repair or plumbing problem at the same time. Don’t be caught off guard and unprepared.

2. Study your style

Discovering your own personal style can be a challenge. Walt Disney said, “I don’t know if it’s art, but I know I like it.” Think of your style like this, it doesn’t have to fit into any sort of mold; it’s whatever you like. But it is not everything you like. Utilize a designer’s advice and they will help you pick and choose which pieces and design elements work best together. Work with one of our talented designers and they will help you discover your style and figure out how to translate it into a stunning design. Do your homework prior to your first meeting and find Pinterest, Houzz, or magazine images that excite your design sense.

3. Don’t design on your own

Houzz states that, “Some projects require an architect, some an interior designer, and sometimes a talented builder will get your aesthetic and help you come up with a good plan. Whatever you do, don’t start a remodel without a detailed floor plan. A lot of elements interact in a space — put them all on paper and you’ll catch problems before they are built. You may be able to build a functional space without a plan, but if you want a functional and beautiful space, hire a designer.” We couldn’t agree more! The help of a designer is just a click away at MBS Interiors.

4. Insist on a detailed contract

This tip contains “no if, ands, or buts.” A detailed contract is non-negotiable. Houzz recommends the following tips as a starting point, to “get you thinking about the most critical thing to have in hand before work starts.”

1. The contract itself.

2. A physical address.

3. License.

4. Insurance.

5. Scope of work.

6. Duration of work.

7. Exclusions.

8. EPA lead safety certification.

9. Payment schedule.

10. Warranty.

5. Pick your battles

Whether it be with your partner, your designer, or your contractor, you are going to be given recommendations along the way that might send some of your wants and desires careening off course. Sure, some things (like that beautiful range hood) are worth fighting for, and others (like the high-end hardwood) are worth letting go. If your financial allowance for your remodel has a cap, then be prepared to say goodbye to a few of your dreams. Remember, there are no splurges that feel as good as staying in budget.

6. Pack away valuable possessions

Protect your pricey possessions and pack them away! The worst time to have your expensive heirloom vase teetering on the edge of a shelf is when walls are being knocked down and your house is experiencing earthquake-like shockwaves. Although there may be a few accidental dents and dings along the way, it is better to go a couple months with your prized possessions out of sight, safely secured in a box, than to have them fall victim to your remodel.

7. Lighting Matters

Even the most gorgeous remodels won’t look complete until you have lighting that does the space justice. With the flip of a switch, harsh fluorescent lights can make a palace look like a jail cell. HGTV recommends opting for a layered look with a combination of task, ambient, accent, and decorative lighting.

8. Quality over quantity

If you are forced to choose between a whole house remodel with cheaper materials versus remodeling a couple rooms with high quality materials, you know the correct answer . . . right? Just in case you are uncertain: it’s the lower scale remodel with high quality materials. If need be, start your remodel slowly and tackle one space at a time. You’ll be happy you opted to take the deliberate route and chose quality over quantity. Before you know it, your entire home will be complete with the highest quality finishes you can afford.

9. Functionality before beauty

There are a few things that come before aesthetics when remodeling, and one of the most important is functionality. What good is a beautiful kitchen if you can’t open your refrigerator when your drawers aren’t closed? Think about efficiency and how you will actually use the space. Commissioning the help of a designer who knows the ins and outs of space planning will be sure to save you the headache of figuring this out on your own.

10. Treat Yourself!

All work and no play makes for a miserable remodel. It can be difficult to justify spending a penny on yourself when your check writing hand is already aching from overuse. However, you must make your health and wellbeing a priority during a stressful time such as this. Whether it be a massage, a day away from the kids, or a relaxing cup of coffee; give yourself time to breath and break away, if only for a few hours!