The Importance of Planning Your Remodel in Advance
Over the course of my interior design career, I have helped guide hundreds of clients through the home remodel and renovation process. Embarking on a home remodel is an exciting opportunity to reimagine how spaces look and feel, but more importantly, take a look at how the home functions. Thoughtful planning is the foundation of a successful project, no matter how large or small!
Taking the time to plan your remodel in advance allows you to establish a complete design vision from the outset, and one to follow throughout the whole process. It ensures that every decision — from layout and materials to lighting and finishes — works together toward a cohesive result
In this article, we’re going to explore why planning ahead is one of the most valuable steps you can take before starting a remodel — and how it sets the stage for a more successful, enjoyable renovation journey.
Full Design Intent
Have you heard of the saying, “fail to prepare, prepare to fail”? Well, it’s as true when it comes to home remodel projects as it is for taking an exam! Starting the planning and design process of your home remodel project as early as possible ensures that the full design intent can be met.
Allowing yourself enough time to consider what you need and want from the remodel enables you to look at all the angles. You can then make informed decisions as to what can be added as a “nice to have” if the budget allows, or make cuts where necessary.
It’s important to prepare a full design intent for the remodel project that covers everything from demolition plans, electrical, plumbing, and furniture layouts. Plus, there should be decisions already made on the final finishes, such as flooring.
Middle Excitement
There’s a moment in the middle of any home remodel where homeowners tend to get extremely excited! This is great, but it can be a time when decisions become reactive rather than intentional. These sorts of decisions can lead to unexpected costs, design inconsistencies, and unnecessary stress along the way.
A well-defined plan also helps you stay grounded during the process, preventing spur-of-the-moment choices that may not align with your overall design goals. Not to mention – these impulsive decisions are often the more costly ones that will sting later!
Decreasing Stress
Having a full plan in place before any work starts on your remodel project significantly decreases stress. We have been called in to help halfway through house renovations because the homeowners have become overwhelmed and stressed by the process.
As an experienced design firm, we guide clients through the whole remodel process from start to finish. We ensure all decisions have been made prior to work commencing, and also deal with setbacks on the client’s behalf if they come up.
Working with numerous contractors and trades at once can also become overwhelming, which is where having a clear plan in place with trades lined up can really help alleviate any stress.
Accurate Labor Pricing
Did you know that labor can’t be priced accurately until the full design is completed? Yep! This is another reason why planning your remodel in advance is so crucial to the overall outcome.
If you plan to get multiple quotes for the labor, having a clear plan outlined will help any contractors fully understand the scope of work so they can price accurately. This will also pay dividends when it comes to knowing who is doing what and what’s not included in quotes.
Additionally, pricing out a large home addition or new construction home often requires three or more weeks from the general contractor.
Overarching Goals
When speaking to clients about their intentions for their home remodel project, we like to ask them what their main overarching goals are. How do you want to feel in the room? How do you want to be able to use the space? What is the main aim of the project?
It’s a good idea to think about what your overarching goal is for your remodel project, so this leads to the decisions made throughout the process.
Expert Design Services
If you’re looking for thoughtful interior design within your home, we’re ready to help. You can expect thoughtful design that is custom tailored to your needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you are contemplating a project.