Renovating your house is an exciting adventure that can breathe new life into your home. However, the process can quickly spiral out of control if you make frequent, last-minute design changes. Not only can these changes delay the project, but they can also lead to unforeseen expenses, stress, and a lack of cohesiveness in the final design. Here’s how to avoid costly last-minute changes during your home renovation:
Plan Ahead:
A major benefit of a Design Build firm is that they know the cost of construction and what design choices will impact the bottom line. Interview builders, make a selection and work with them through the design process with your budget in mind. Design Builders will also help you through the selection process making sure your selections match the design and your budget accordingly.
Define Your Style:
Whether it’s modern, minimalist, or traditional, make sure you have a clear sense of the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for.
Establish Priorities:
Identify which elements of the renovation are most important to you. Are you going for more storage, better functionality or more entertaining space?
Create a Mood Board:
Use visual tools like Pinterest or Houzz to gather your design ideas. This will give you a clear reference point and help keep your vision consistent throughout the project. Your designer can utilize these items to help narrow your design style and find finishes that will go together seamlessly and within your defined budget.
Budgeting:
Everyone has a budget and an amount they are willing to pay for the renovation.
• Set a budget: Working with your Design Builder determine a budget that makes sense for you financially, your neighborhood and your home.
• Stick to your budget: As you go through the design process your builder and designer can tell you if your choices are going to hit or miss your target budget. Listen to their experienced advice, products may cost the same but the installation needed may vary greatly in cost.
Choose Materials and Finishes Early
The choice of materials, finishes, and fixtures significantly impacts the cost and timeline of your renovation. Delaying these decisions can result in price fluctuations, delays in delivery, etc.
Select key materials before the project begins: Spending time on the preconstruction side of your renovation designing the space as well as picking out the fixtures and finishes will ensure time spent on the job during construction is moving as quickly as possible since all (or most) of the decisions are made.
Order Early:
The earlier your contractor orders materials, the less likely you are to face shortages or shipping delays. Some items like cabinetry have long lead times, ordering them early allows plenty of time for production and delivery.
Think Long-Term: Don’t just choose materials based on current trends; consider durability, ease of maintenance, and how they will hold up in the long run.
Communicate Effectively with Your Contractor: A good working relationship with your contractor is critical to staying on track. When you communicate your expectations clearly from the start, you reduce the chances of misunderstandings or costly changes down the line.
Discuss Your Vision and Budget:
Be upfront about your goals and limitations. A good contractor will help keep you within budget while still achieving your design vision.
Be honest: If you don’t like something let your builder know immediately so the issue can be rectified. For example, it is easier to make changes to electric or framing before the drywall goes up.
Anticipate Future Needs:
When planning your renovation, think beyond your immediate needs and consider how your lifestyle may change over the next few years. Incorporating flexibility into your design can save you from needing costly changes down the road.
• Plan for Growth: If you’re planning a family or foresee hosting guests often, make sure your design reflects those needs with ample space, storage, and layout flexibility.
• Think About Resale Value: If you plan on selling the home in the near future, keep in mind what buyers will be looking for. Invest in timeless design choices that will hold up overtime vs short lived trends.
• Aging in place: Add backing in walls where you may want grab bars, add an outlet by a toilet for future bidet seat, make the hallways and doorways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. These well thought out details can save thousands in the future.
Stay Involved Without Micromanaging
While it’s important to trust your contractors, don’t just sit back and forget about your project. Regular check-ins will help you stay on track and minimize any potential issues before they become bigger problems.
Communication is key: Stay informed about progress on your project and any potential challenges or changes in the timeline. Early communication can help avoid last-minute alterations.
Conclusion
Renovating a home can be an exciting project, but it requires careful planning, thoughtful decisions, and a proactive approach to avoid costly last-minute changes. By following these tips—creating a clear vision, setting a realistic budget, choosing materials early, and communicating with your contractor—you can steer clear of unexpected expenses and enjoy a smooth, successful renovation process. A little effort upfront can save you a lot of hassle, time, and money in the long run. This is why Aleto takes you through a thorough preconstruction process, it makes construction easier and faster.
