Where Do I Start With Remodeling My Whole House?

The whole home remodeling process is an exciting time. You’re redesigning a space that serves as your sanctuary  — where you spend time with the ones you love most. Whole house remodeling can improve your home’s function and flow, as well as your quality of life. 

As you know, renovating is a sizable investment. That’s why a concrete remodeling plan is crucial to getting everything you want from your space.

Here are seven tips on effectively planning your house remodel.

1. Do Your Homework

It’s important to first start with your own research far before moving forward with home remodeling partners, designs, and construction.

By the time you begin booking design consultations and interviewing contractors, you should know the following about your project:

• What is the scope of work? Do you need to update finishes in your space or are you looking for a full reconfiguration?
• How much are you investing? Have you established a budget for your project? What do you need to do in order to establish your ideal range? Some examples include meeting with a financial advisor or starting a financial process to learn your option. 
• Which remodeling partner works best for you? Do you need a general contractor to swap out a few finishes, or are you looking for a remodeling firm to reconstruct and reconfigure the space? Are you more hands-on and would like to DIY some of the project?

2. Gauge and Understand the Time Commitment

Your personal time is valuable, and it’s important to understand how construction can affect your everyday life for a couple of months. Remodeling with a design-build firm, for instance, averages 8 – 16 weeks per project. Commit to the timeline and find what works best for you before you move forward.

3. Talk to Others About Their Home Remodel Experience

Talk to people in your circle who have already completed a whole house remodel. Go beyond the end result and ask about their overall experience, how they liked the process, and if they enjoyed their remodeling partner. Use that experience to choose the best course of action for your own space. 

4. Create a List of Potential Home Remodeling Partners

Successful, established companies are most likely to have a prominent online presence and a simple way to submit free inquiries. Beware of companies or individuals who send you bids without seeing your space, don’t have a singular point of contact, or lack a credible website.

It’s also important to look at each partner’s process. Here at FBC, we have a proven design-build process that guarantees your home remodel will be on-time and on budget. Make sure to see what other companies have to offer!

5. Compare Reviews and Past Projects

Design companies and contractors should have galleries of their work and outlines of their process on their website or portfolio. Take note if a company has a similar style to the vision you have for your own home. Do you feel inspired by looking at their past projects? If not, take them off your list.

You should also look at their reputation online. Browse each company’s online listings like Google My Business, Yelp, and Houzz to hear from other homeowners in your area about each potential partner. 

6. Book Design Consults

Now that you’ve narrowed down your top picks, start scheduling design consultations. This is your time to learn about each company’s process and past experience. When interviewing these various companies and contractors, concentrate on the first impression. 

Make sure:

• They’re asking questions about you, your family, and lifestyle rather than going straight into measuring your space. Partners who look into the “why” behind a project will best understand the design you’re looking for.
• They don’t give you a bid without measuring and designing the space first. With any custom design, there should be a custom price so you know exactly where your money is going.
• They plan to pull a permit for the project. If you’re reconfiguring space, finishing a basement, or doing any sort of plumbing or HVAC work, you’ll need a permit. If a contractor/company suggests not pulling a permit, they are intentionally cutting corners.
• They’re transparent with you. Remodeling is not HGTV — it can be a messy process. If they aren’t forthright about the inconveniences of construction, they’re not being honest about your project.

Pro tip: Take a look at our design consultation checklist for a list of questions to ask, and what questions design-build partners should be asking you. 

7. Never Make Assumptions

It’s easy to assume that everything you’ve said you want for your home is in the final plan, but that’s not always the case. Your design may go through several iterations throughout the process. When reviewing your final plan, make sure you know exactly what it entails. Take time to go over every detail discussed at the start of your planning, and ensure those needs are represented in the written agreement.

Be sure to always voice your opinions, questions, and concerns when working with a remodeling partner and/or interior designer. There’s no such thing as a “stupid” question, and voicing your needs can make all the difference in your finished space.

Home Remodeling with FBC Remodel

From basements to kitchens and bathrooms, FBC has your back for all of your home remodeling needs. Our collaborative design process coupled with an organized, well-managed construction timeline makes remodeling a breeze. 

Ready to explore your whole home remodeling project? All you have to do is contact FBC Remodel to chat with our design coordinator about your upcoming renovation. We can’t wait to hear all about your space!