Remodeling projects range from small to large. Bigger remodels tend to require more steps and consideration, but even smaller projects have several things to consider before starting them, especially if they are highly-used areas or rooms with essential functions. Working with an experienced, reputable contractor can go a long way in making sure you have everything covered. For a range of remodeling projects, here are some questions to ask yourself before starting a remodel:

1. What is the Main Objective? Why Do You Want to Remodel?

Regardless of the size of the remodeling project you’re considering, it’s important to think about the main objective of it. Why do you want to remodel? What do you hope to get out of the remodeling project you’re considering?

Taking some time to consider why you want to remodel can help identify specific pain points the remodel needs to address and also the goals you want to achieve with it. This information can help you guide your choices related to the project and is invaluable to the contractor you’re partnering with for it.

2. How Do You Plan to Use Your Home Now and in the Future? Does the Remodel Align With Your Long-Term Goals?

In addition to thinking about why you want to remodel in the first place, it’s also important to think about how this remodel fits in with how you currently use your home and how you plan to use it in the future. Essentially, does this remodel fit in with your long-term plans for living in the home?

Are you planning to expand your family? Do you have kids that will be moving out? Are you planning to move in a few years? Are you planning on remodeling for aging in place? You want to make sure that the remodeling you’re doing and how you’re doing it takes your plans into account.

3. Do You Need to Remodel or Do You Need to Consider Moving?

One of the big questions to ask yourself before starting a remodel is whether you should remodel your home or move. There is a lot that goes into the decision to move, but if it’s something you’ve already been thinking about and everything else aligns, it may not make sense to remodel a home that you don’t plan to stay in. This is particularly true if you think you’ll be moving soon and the remodel won’t make a big difference in your home value or curb appeal.

If the remodeling project is fixing serious issues or fixing things that can hurt your home value, then it likely makes sense to do it even if you are planning to move. If you are planning to stay in your home for several more years or have no plans for moving, then it probably makes sense to go ahead and remodel. Another consideration is how happy you are with your current home.

If you have no plans to move and this project just improves comfort, convenience, etc., then it makes the most sense to remodel. If you feel like all you’ve done is remodel different areas of your current home and you still aren’t happy with it, it may be worthwhile to check the local inventory and see if you can find a home that is closer to what you want and doesn’t require as much remodeling to make you happy with it.

4. Have You Defined and Prioritized Needs and Wants?

Another one of the important questions to ask yourself before starting a remodel is about your needs and wants. You don’t necessarily have to know all the details going in, but you should have some idea going into exploring a project of what you want and need out of it.

A lot of these things can be identified by figuring out the main objectives and goals for the remodel and why you want to do it in the first place. From there, you can think further about anything specific that you want your contractor to consider or help you figure out. You also want to spend some time prioritizing needs and wants.

You want to be able to share with the contractor you’re considering for the project what things are must-haves vs nice-to-haves. This will be helpful in narrowing down different options for you to choose from, making the most of the budget for the project, and ensuring the finished remodel provides what you need from it. This can also be helpful in prioritizing home remodeling projects if you have a few you want to do, but aren’t ready to tackle them at the same time.

5. What is a Realistic Budget For You?

Remodeling projects can sometimes cost more than you expect depending on your home, any repairs that need to be made, and the options you choose, which can make trying to estimate a realistic budget difficult.

Reputable contractors will help give you an idea of what to expect based on your project and needs. You can also get quotes from a few different contractors that you are considering to help determine what might be realistic to expect. Just make sure every estimate you get includes the same things and all details are provided when you are comparing home improvement quotes.

6. Do You Have Specific Preferences For Function and Style?

Another question to think about before starting a remodel is whether you have any specific preferences for function and style when it comes to the area you are remodeling. This is an important consideration that adds more details to your overall needs and wants for the project. It also helps give contractors you’re working with a better idea of your style and tastes to help inform any design aspects of the project.

7. What is Your Desired Timeline?

When considering a remodeling project, other considerations are your desired timeline and expected timelines for the project. When do you expect to start the remodel? Do you want to start it right away and have it done as soon as possible?

Do you have things coming up that make the remodeling schedule more or less flexible? How long does the contractor estimate things will take? Projected timelines and expectations are things that should be in a home improvement quote as well as any expectations around communication.

There are things that can delay your home renovation project, but a good contractor will minimize the risk as much as possible and communicate anything unexpected. Depending on the timeline and the extent of the remodeling project, you may want to work with your contractor to decide whether you stay in your home during the remodel or stay somewhere else during certain parts of it. Good contractors will work to minimize disruption as much as possible and you should know what to expect before things get started.

8. Have You Found the Right Contractor For Your Remodel?

Between personal references, online searches, local building associations, and more, there are plenty of ways to find home improvement contractors. More importantly, how do you find the right home improvement contractor for you?

Once you have a few options in mind, looking over reviews and testimonials, checking references and licenses, etc. can help you ensure you’re working with reputable contractors who have the experience needed for your project.

In addition to that, you want to make sure that you will enjoy working with a contractor on your project. You can set up interviews with your final options and ask home improvement contractors questions to get a better feel for their experience and what it would be like to work with them.

9. Are There Repairs That Need to Happen First?

Sometimes, repairs are one of the reasons behind a remodeling project. In other cases, sometimes repairs need to be done first before a remodel can start. For example, if you have a leak and water damage in your basement, you will need to address the source of the leak and the damage before remodeling or finishing your basement.

If there are any code violations or building issues, those will need to be addressed before or as part of the remodel. A good contractor will work with you to identify repairs that need to be done before the remodel can begin and address anything that may come up during the project.

10. Do You Need a Permit?

Depending on the nature of the remodeling project and your location, approvals and permit requirements may vary. One of the questions to ask yourself before starting a remodel is what sort of approvals, permits, etc. you need. If you live in an HOA, there may be other limitations or approvals you will need to consider.

An experienced contractor in your local area will be able to give you an idea of what to expect ahead of time. They will also work with you as part of the project to handle permitting and approvals on your behalf. If a contractor or home improvement company is trying to get you to handle permits for your project, this can be a red flag for a home improvement scam. Ethical and licensed contractors handle permits.

Work With Zephyr Thomas on Your Next Remodel

These are just a few questions to ask yourself before starting a remodel. Choosing the right contractor for your remodeling project is a big help in ensuring all your questions are answered, things are covered, and that you end up with an end result that you are happy with. If you’re ready to get started on your next home remodeling project, contact Zephyr Thomas at 717-399-4708 to schedule a free estimate.