I often think of remodeling projects as an opportunity to evolve your home into your current lifestyle. As we grow, so should our home. So if your kids are growing up, or if the space feels outdated, a remodel should be something exciting to look forward to. But it so happens that you don’t know where to begin or what to do first. 



If you’re at this point where you’re thinking about kicking things into gear, then this post is for you! I’ll share my ultimate tips and guides to start your remodeling project! A must-read you do not want to miss!

One of the most common mistakes is to start a remodeling project little or no information. Your home may be ready for a remodel if:

1. It feels out of date: Are you looking at your home and thinking it doesn't feel like me? Perhaps it’s time to spruce it up. If something feels outdated, then it probably is. You should love your home and feel comfortable in it.
2. You need more space. Has the family grown over the past years? Or perhaps you moved your office to your home since the pandemic, and you can’t manage to find a space of your own. If you need extra space, then you probably need a remodel. Not every remodel involves construction.  In the case of an addition, you may need an architect, designer, and a contractor to ensure your project is completed successfully.
3. You spend most of your time at home. This is a no-brainer. You should feel comfortable in your surroundings. Your home should reflect your personality, the colors, the feel, and the mood you’re trying to create; but if something doesn’t feel “connected” or “cohesive”, perhaps it’s time to change something. This is a great reason to change the look of your home.
4. Your space isn’t functioning properly. Is something in your house bothering you or not functioning according to your needs? Then I recommend you change it. Again, your home must fulfill all your needs, including functionality, look, and mood.
5. You’re not using all the space you have. “With extra space comes extra mess”, am I right? If that’s your case, I’d recommend you look for inspiration to see some creative ways you can use that space, or book a call with me to give you some ideas and make your home as efficient as possible.

If your home is ready for a makeover, keep on reading these essential steps!

Read all about my office makeover here!

#1. Know your why

Why do you want to renovate your home? Answering this question will help you stay focused on your goal to help set expectations in time and money.

This first step is the most important one because if you have a clear vision of the goal you are trying to achieve, it will be easier to get there. 

Some examples of your why could be:

• I need a remodel because I need to improve the functionality of this space or,
• We bought this house 20 years ago, and it feels outdated. I want a modern, comfortable, cozy space that reflects our personality as a family.

Write down your why in short statements and keep it handy so you don’t lose the visual throughout the project.

#2. Make a list of must-haves vs. nice to have

I get it. Once you start looking at those design magazines or boards, you want it all; it looks so pretty, right? But perhaps you don’t need all of it.

Writing down your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves will help you prioritize and tackle your immediate necessities and keep your feet on the ground. 

Designer tip: Make this list with your spouse or your children. Asking for someone else's perspective will help select the specific areas that you need to change.

#3. Make a budget

I talked a lot about how to make a budget in my previous article (If you haven’t read it yet, click here.), so I’m not going to go through this in detail. Just remember to be realistic, ask your contractor or designer, and set something aside for unexpected expenses.

#4. Find some inspiration

This is a fun one! Step 4 is about scrolling through Pinterest, Houzz, and Google to find what style and colors speak to you. It’s important to find what you love and not necessarily what’s trending. I recommend creating separate folders or boards, one for every aspect, for example, one for paint colors, and look for paint colors that you like, palette combinations, brands, etc. Then another for furniture. You get the point. The more information you gather in this step, the better. Then when you meet with your designer, you’ll know exactly which way to go, and they can guide you through the project.

#5. Get at least three contractor bids

Finding the best contractor is essential to your remodeling project's success. Get at least three contractor bids, and let them break it out for you. Ask why it costs the way it costs. Do your research, ask a professional, and please don’t go with the lowest one. Base your decision on experience, availability, chemistry, and what best fits you.

#6. Expect the unexpected

“Remodeling is like pulling a loose thread on a cheap sweater, the job keeps unraveling.”

I know this is perhaps something that you do not want to hear, but sometimes things happen. Something might go wrong, there could be delays, or we need to add some extra tasks to the list. Whatever it is, I recommend telling your brain that something may happen, and when it does, you’re not so surprised, and your brain doesn’t freak out as much. But the great thing about hiring a designer is that if something happens, you have a skilled-problem solver that will help the project move forward.

#7. Just hire a designer

Last but not least. Hire a designer for your remodel project. A remodel is a BIG project and having a professional designer by your side is vital to your success. It will save you time, money, overwhelm, and stress. In addition, having someone that knows your space will help you make the most accurate decisions and achieve great results.

If you’re interested in renovating your home, book a call with me to get started. And comment below, and let me know which part of your home needs a remodel.

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