How to Plan for a Remodel. A Simple Straightforward Guide

Why are you considering a remodel? Do you need more storage? More open space? Just upgrading your look? Do you have a budget? Do you have professional help?

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Several Interior Design and Decor Magazines
• Color Coded Folders
• Notebook and pens
• Plenty of patience!

1. 
    
   Veranda Magazine is a good resource for photos

   Why are you considering a remodel?
   
   * It is important to include every member of the household.
   * Pick up several interior design and decorating magazines from you local book store.
   * Get some manila folders in different colors. Maybe a different color for each person involved, or each room.
   * Cut out pages that reflect your style and interest. Focus on what you like right now.
   * Keep an open mind and gather as much as possible. Weeding out will come later.

2. 
    
   Home Decorators can help you price decor items

   Do you need more storage?
   
   * What is the storage for? Will you need to access this new storage daily, weekly, monthly or? The answers could help determine storage location and the need for ease of access.

3. 
    
   Home Decorators has most anything for decorating

   More open space?
   
   * What will the open space be used for?
   * Play area for the kids? Play area for the kids will also need (hidden) kid size easily accessible storage for toys, school books etc.
   * More open space for entertaining? What are you willing to part with to achieve this open space? A wall? A piece(s) of furniture? Can the pieces being displaced find a new updated place in another room of the home.

4. 
    
   House Beautiful .com has tools for color selections

   Just upgrading your look?
   
   * Why do you want to upgrade your look? Are you staying in the home? Will this be a major remodel? Will you be selling? Do you have an event coming up?

5. 
    
   How much does stuff cost?

   Do you have a budget?
   
   * This is where you will need to begin thinking about your budget. How much are you willing to spend? Borrow? Then you will need to add 20% to that figure. Yes, at least 20%.

Tips & Warnings

• Do you have professional help? It is highly recommended to enlist the advice from professionals. Those professionals can range from retailers who can offer good advice for product selections to interior designers and contractors. Seek out several professionals before you select anyone who will be doing any part of your project. This is your home, take your time, find people to work with that you have confidence in.
• Spend wisely, purchase well made products but shop for them to get the best price.
• Order samples and pick up samples so that you can see them in your home.
• Advance planning can make or break the success of your project.

[designerperson]

on 6/4/2009 Thank you! I am always here to offer suggestions for anyone facing a remodel or moving into a new home.

[IcyCucky]

on 6/4/2009 Great questions to think about before deciding on remodeling!