TV renovation shows and websites like Pinterest can give nearly anyone the idea that remodeling their Maui home is a great idea. Maybe your friend, relative or neighbor has a new kitchen or bathroom that you’ve fallen in love with. Or you’ve just tired of wanting something that your home doesn’t have, from the interior to the hardscaping that extends your living space outdoors. Nearly every homeowner has thought about some kind of remodeling, even if it’s just a small project.
From small kitchen or bathroom updates to a complete renovation, remodeling is more than choosing the new paint and flooring. If you’ve never handled a remodeling project before, you’ll discover that it can be a trying experience for a family. Even homeowners who have done a renovation or two before understand that their home being taken apart and put back together is a difficult time until it’s completed.
So if this year is the year you decide to tackle that remodeling project, here are some things to keep in mind as you make plans and discuss your new project.
- Consider your end goal—why are you remodeling? Are you interested in raising the resale value of your home, or to make life easier in the home you plan to stay in forever? Consider the renovations that are a good return on investment, as well as the condition of your neighborhood. Will this renovation make your home stand out, or look “overdone?” Remodeling can be for many reasons—your lifestyle and/or family dynamics have changed. What looked stylish when you bought your home may look outdated now. You may want to make your home “greener,” or update your home’s aesthetic and functionality. Answer this question before going to the next step.
- Figure out exactly what you want. This means you’ll take “I want to brighten up my kitchen” to the drawing board. New cabinets, new appliances, add in a full-size dishwasher, more counter space, bigger pantry, or just new paint—now is the time to put them on paper. These ideas will ultimately become your new kitchen or other remodeling project.
- Decide on a budget. This is what will determine the size of your project, how much you can accomplish and the style of your final project. Be realistic with your budget, because it’s the road map that determines the rest of your project.
- Consult with professionals who can help realize your remodeling goals. From an architect to a general contractor, it’s important to get professional help before you dive in. Get estimates on what your project may actually cost, and speak with a few previous clients from the professionals you are considering working with. Don’t assume that the “lowest bidder” is the person or company that will give you the renovation you have in mind.
These are just a few of the things to think about when discussing remodeling your home.
Dealing With The Process Of Remodeling
One of the things you don’t generally see on TV renovation shows is the impact this process has on your family. There’s a period of difficulty from inception to completion, unless you move out of your house for a while. especially for a kitchen or bathroom renovation. Consider what kinds of workarounds you’ll need for the temporary upheaval until your project is completed.
For instance: if your kitchen is out of commission for a while, you’ll need to consider what kind of meal preparation your family will have for the duration. Small appliances like slow cookers, induction burners, electric pressure cookers and counter top ovens can be deployed in other parts of the house (preferably near a sink if possible) to enable meal preparation. If that’s not an option, you’ll need to figure in the cost of meals out as part of your renovation budget.
While the difficulties associated with a remodeling can be very inconvenient, remember that it’s temporary, and that the finished result will be worth the short-term trouble.
Ready To Remodel? Contact Pro Draft For All Your Architectural Design Needs
When you’re ready to begin building, remodeling, or adding to your home or commercial property, Pro Draft can help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, permits, and answer all of your questions before the first day of construction. We’re happy to help, and will work to ensure your project is exactly the way you envision.
Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland
