Secrets to Starting Your Renovation!
So, you purchased your home over 5 years ago and still have dreams of making that outdated kitchen your own. Maybe you have thought about bringing your 1970’s bathroom into the 21st century? But, every time you think you are ready to move forward, you stop as soon as you begin. All of those details and choices are so overwhelming (not to mention the anxiety of the installation process). The company you hire will need to be trustworthy and professional enough to come into your home, your comfort zone. The headache of it all!!!
But, fear not! I have some industry secrets to help you get started! Here are 3 things you should know and research before starting your renovation process:
Hire an Interior Designer
First and foremost, you want to find a reputable Interior Designer in your area. I know what you are thinking. “Oh my goodness! I can’t afford an Interior Designer!” NOT TRUE! This is a very big misconception. Interior Designers are professionals in this industry and will work with ANY budget. They will help you avoid VERY costly mistakes during the entire process and take away the stress of project management. They either charge by the service or by the hour, so be sure to ask how they charge during your search. During your first conversation with an Interior Designer, ask if they can provide a ball park estimate on what their design services will cost before you decide to move forward with the project. This is usually provided after an in home assessment/consultation can be made to measure your space and go over your wants/needs.
Full design services usually consist of design conception (with detailed designs), material sourcing, and follow through with material procurement and project management. Having someone on your side during this process helps significantly.
The contractor you hire for the labor portion of the project will want direction and will want you to have everything picked out in order to give you an accurate bid. Hiring an Interior Designer first will not only help you, but will help the contractors. With that said, I highly recommend an Interior Designer/General Contractor duo who work well together.
Hire a General Contractor
During your quest for that perfect Interior Designer, an important question to ask is “Do you work with any General Contractors?” General Contractors have an educated background and are required to take continuing education courses to maintain their license. If you have found an Interior Designer who works with not just one General Contractor, but a few, then you are on the right track. This shows that they have worked on renovations together as a team and are familiar with each others work. Ask to see their portfolio along with any testimonials from past clients.
Do your due diligence! Ask for the General Contractor’s name and business name. You should have access to verify the active status of the both businesses, and this is where you will typically find the license information for the General Contractor. PLEASE do not go off of the license listed on the side of their company vehicle. It could be an old number, or inactive. This person will be handling your renovation and your investment, so this is very important! Another important question for your General Contractor: “Do you have insurance?” Let’s be real. Issues can arise during renovations. It is the nature of the beast! If something does happen, the General Contractor should have insurance coverage to handle it.
Develop a Budget
Renovating your home is unlike any other purchase. You can’t walk into a retail store and take home a new kitchen the same day. There are services involved (design and labor) as well as materials. Discussing your dedicated budget for the space with your Interior Designer and General Contractor from the beginning is very important. There are many variables (for example: type of cabinetry, paint, countertops, relocation of fixtures, etc. ) involved with renovating your home. So, having this very important conversation at the beginning can lead to a smoother design and installation process.
While determining your budget, keep in mind that you will need to set some allowances aside for issues that may be found during the demolition process. Your initial quote from your General Contractor(s) will be to renovate the space based on what is visible. A rotted plumbing pipe will only be visible after demolition, so those allowances you have set aside will allow a repair on something like this.
If you start with these three tips, rest assured your renovation will be handled with professionalism at it’s finest!