Next Steps for Remodeling Your Home
You’ve decided on remodeling your home, now what? How do you get from the decision point to the action point? Well, we are here to help! We will guide you step-by-step through what to do next and what to expect at each stage of the process. You’ve already taken the most significant step towards making your house a home; now it is simply time to bring your decision to fruition.
I’m ready to start remodeling my home; now, What?
Remodeling your home is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. Once you decide that you’re ready, you must now choose how you want the remodel to progress. Remember, you have options when it comes to remodeling your home! The first step is the most critical choice you will face, deciding on your remodeling partner.
Deciding on a Remodeling Partner
What are the pros and cons of each, and how do you decide? Your decision will determine how easy or difficult the process is for you and how much involvement you will have after the design is ready and construction begins. Below is a list of the most common options: general contractor, architect/interior designer combo, subcontractors, and design-build firms.
General Contractor
Working with a contractor can have its benefits, but some complications can also come with it. Typically, when you work with a contractor, you will be responsible for outsourcing the design of your space and bringing it to your contractor. Some contractors dabble in design, but if you are going for a large area or would like more than a simple facelift, many don’t want to handle a design plan to that extent.
Partnering with a contractor can also mean that you are responsible for obtaining and overseeing the trades needed for your remodel. This process can be lengthy and include interviewing trades, setting up payments to each trade, and being responsible for anything during the remodel that could delay the project. While some people like to have overall control of their project in this fashion, it is not ideal for all and can lead to a higher level of stress throughout the overall process.
Subcontractors
In general, subcontractors can handle much of what a general contractor can, except they will not aid in any design at all, and you will be required to obtain permits for your project. All project management will fall to you, and you will encounter trade partner bidding, unknown pricing, and periodic changes that could change your construction and project timeline.
Architect/Interior Designer
An architect and interior designer combination will provide you with a more design-heavy approach to your remodel. They will work with you to create a beautiful space, walk you through choosing your design elements, and provide you with a detailed layout of what the finished project will look like. While the design approach is excellent (and typically lacking when working with a general contractor or subcontractors), management of the remainder of the remodel will be your responsibility.
When you work with an architect and designer, you will be in charge of procuring all trade partners for your project, which involves vetting and bidding (a sometimes lengthy process that can get ugly). It will also fall on your shoulders to prepare your home for construction, plan out the project, and obtain the proper permits required to complete the project. For those that embrace the project management mentality, then this could be the perfect partner for you. However, if you aren’t ready to take on the load of managing a lengthy remodeling project, then it is best to choose a partner that handles all of the steps from start to finish.
Design-Build Firm
On the other hand, working with a design-build firm like FBC Remodel takes the responsibility away from you and makes the process much more low-stress. A design-build firm will take you through the design, construction, and completion of your remodel. They are responsible for finding and scheduling trades, keeping track of all progress made on your remodel, and all of the small (and big) details that go into your project. When you work with a design-build firm, you can sit back, relax, and watch your new space unfold!
Pros and Cons of remodeling partners
| Service | Design-Build Firm | Architect/Interior Designer | General Contractor | Subcontractors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Design |
YES | YES | NO | NO |
| Structural Design | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Spatial Planning | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| 3D Rendering | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| Materials Selection | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| Detailed Construction Planning & Preparation | YES | NO | NO | NO |
| Upfront Pricing | YES | NO | NO | NO |
| Project Manager | YES | NO | NO | NO |
| Permits | YES | NO | YES | NO |
| Specialized Trades | YES | NO | YES | YES |
| Project Warranty | YES | NO | YES | NO |
Designing Your New Space
Designing your new space can seem like a daunting task without someone there to guide you. With so many design styles out there, it can be challenging to nail down precisely what you want and visualize in your home. That is where we come in!
Working with the award-winning designers at FBC Remodel makes this step an easy, fun, and exciting part of the process. You will meet with your designer and talk through all possibilities for your space. They want to know you, how you plan to use the space, what you like, dislike (this is just as important as what you like!), and what your life will look like after your remodel. Then they will come up with several design options for your remodel and take the time to go through them with you to make changes and updates to ensure that they create a space that you will fall in love with. Once your design is finalized, you will move into the construction phase.
What Will the Construction Phase Look Like?
The scope of your project will dictate the duration of the construction phase during your project. Construction can be pretty quick for smaller remodels, such as bathrooms and bedrooms. These tend to take anywhere from 4-6 weeks once construction begins. When it comes to more significant remodels such as basements, kitchens, and whole-home remodels, the process can run anywhere from 8-12 weeks (more or less depending on overall scope).
There are two main phases during construction. The first phase includes all of the work that goes in before the drywall goes up (everything behind the scenes), and the second phase consists of all of the design and visual work that goes in (everything that you will see).
Phase 1
This phase is where everything will be demoed and cleared out. Once clear, we will lay out the framework to prepare for phase 2 of your remodel. During this phase, you can expect to see a lot of debris from the demo and other trades that will be there to complete the electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and insulation work. After the trades have completed their work, the framework for your new space will go up. This is an exciting step where you can begin to get an idea of the future look and feel of your new space!
Phase 2
During this phase, you will get to see your new space come to life! The first step is to put up drywall. From there, everything will be primed and painted, the flooring laid, cabinets and trim installed, all wood stained, and any countertops laid. These steps will vary depending on the scope of your project, but this phase will include all of the finishes and design elements that you decided on with your designer. The final step is to install any additional items such as light fixtures and faucets. Once everything is installed and thoroughly cleaned by our team, your remodel is complete and ready for you to move back in!
The Value of Remodeling Your Home
Remodeling your home results in more than just adding monetary value to your home – though that is an obvious plus. When you remodel your personal space, you create a home that brings you joy and happiness, where you are comfortable living your daily life. Taking a home from drab and non-functional to adding your style and personal touches while increasing the overall function is understated when discussing the value of a home remodel. In our opinion, this is the single most important value that a remodel adds.
But, we know that not everyone is as focused on the joy that a beautifully designed space brings and wants to know the monetary value of a remodel. When it comes to adding financial value to your home, the remodel results will vary depending on location, pre-remodel home value, the scope of the remodel project, and finishes chosen. Often we see that higher-end projects don’t yield as much return on the remodel investment, but it again depends on the location of your home. The best way to get an accurate estimate of what a remodel will add to your home’s value is by talking it over and running numbers with a real estate agent. They can look at comparable homes in your area, past and future trends, and much more to give you a reliable estimate of the return you will get on your remodel investment.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN REMODELING YOUR HOME
Remodeling your home is a big decision, but armed with the correct information, it is one you can make confidently and comfortably. If you start with the right remodeling partner, then the rest should fall into place and result in a beautifully remodeled space that you will love and cherish for years to come. Don’t be afraid to reach out to various contractors and remodeling firms and ask questions to find the right fit for you. If you have questions regarding our process, you can contact us here!
