If you’re considering a home remodel, you know that it can be a stressful and time-consuming process. Maximizing time in the remodeling process is a critical component that often causes homeowners’ stress. Not only do you need time to get to know how your house lives throughout the seasons, but you also need to take the necessary time through design.

The Importance of Design

Design is a crucial part of any home remodel. Rushing through the design/build process can result in regret and remorse later on. We always caution our pre-move-in customers to avoid rushing through this phase of the process. Taking the necessary time during design ensures that you’ll end up with a finished product that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Financial Strategies

Financial strategies for home remodeling vary, but one common approach is to live in the house during construction. However, this can become increasingly difficult as projects become more invasive. Alternatives include renting a nearby home during construction or going on an extended vacation. Another option is to begin renovations immediately after closing on your purchase.

Soft Costs vs Hard Costs

Every project has soft costs and hard costs, which are important to consider regardless of financing options. Soft costs include relocating furniture and utilities during construction while hard costs are generally represented by the amount of the construction agreement.

Total costs are generally much less when you occupy before remodeling because it allows you to complete the renovation project in stages rather than all at once. By occupying the space during the renovation, you can avoid additional expenses associated with temporary housing and storage of your belongings. Additionally, living in the space during the renovation process allows for more flexibility in terms of scheduling and budgeting, as you can prioritize which areas of the home to renovate first based on your needs and available resources. This approach can also help identify any unforeseen issues or changes that may arise during the renovation process, allowing for adjustments to be made before significant time and money have been invested.

Whole-House Projects

If you’re considering a whole-house project, we recommend doing so when the house is empty if possible – i.e., newly acquired. This is because new floors, paint, etc., requires vacating most personal items. However, without having spent time living in the house, it’s difficult to envision the best solutions for individualized needs.

We recommend taking adequate time during design and maximizing time throughout the remodeling process to help minimize stress and ensure a successful outcome for any home renovation project.