How to Start a Home Remodel: A Step-by-Step Guide

It's exciting to look into remodeling your house. You envision the spa-like bathroom or the gorgeous new kitchen. However, there are a lot of uncertainties that develop, and it can seem like a daunting task to know how to begin remodeling your house. Before a single hammer is swung, it seems like you have a mountain of choices to make. Don't worry; if you have a clear plan, you can figure out how to begin remodeling your house. We'll go over the specific first actions you must take before beginning your next major remodeling project.

First, Figure Out What You Really Want (and Why)

Before you look at a single paint chip, you need to ask yourself a big question. Why are you remodeling in the first place? Your answer will guide every single decision you make from here on out. Are you looking for more functionality, like a kitchen that actually has enough counter space for your daily life? Maybe your goal is purely aesthetic, and you just cannot stand looking at that 1970s wallpaper anymore. Or perhaps your main driver is increasing your home's real estate value for a future sale.

Get crystal clear on your motivation. This will help you create a list of your needs versus your wants. A need is something you must have, like fixing a leaky roof, while a want is something that would be nice to have if the budget allows, such as high-end bathroom cabinets.

This simple list will become your best friend when you start planning your budget and talking to professionals. Consider your current lifestyle and any future changes. Thinking through how you use a space, like your living room, helps you develop design ideas that are practical and beautiful.

Crunch the Numbers: Setting a Realistic Budget

Let's discuss money. Although it's the most crucial aspect of a home renovation, it's frequently the least enjoyable. Before you fall in love with expensive finishes, you need to know how much you can afford.  Determine the total amount you feel comfortable spending first. Examine your savings or look into financing options such as a home equity line of credit (HELOC). You can work backwards after you have a top number.

A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10-20% of your total budget for a contingency fund. This isn't fun money; it's for hidden costs and unexpected problems that pop up, like finding old plumbing issues behind a wall. This also covers additional expenses you might not think about, like the cost of eating out more while your kitchen is out of commission. According to the 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, even a minor kitchen remodel can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so renovation planning is vital. Here's a simple way to look at your initial budget:

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Having this buffer gives you peace of mind. It prevents a small surprise from derailing your entire remodeling project. When you request estimates, understand that a contractor's price includes their profit margin, which covers their overhead and allows their remodeling business to operate.

The Ultimate Guide on How to Start a Home Remodel Team

You probably cannot do this all on your own. Building the right team is a critical early step in the remodeling industry. Your project's success often depends on the people you'll hire. For big changes like moving walls, you might start with an architect or a designer specializing in interior design. For smaller renovation projects where the layout stays the same, you may go straight to a general contractor. 

The general contractor is the person who will manage the entire project and hire subcontractors like plumbers, electricians, and flooring contractors. When planning a bathroom upgrade, hiring a trusted bathroom remodeling contractor in Bucks County, PA, means every detail, from design to installation, is handled with expert care.

Finding and Vetting Your Pros

It can feel tough to find a trustworthy remodeling company. Begin by getting referrals from neighbors, family, and friends. Sharing experiences with local professionals usually makes people happy. Finding local experts can also be done through internet resources, but be sure to carefully examine their reviews and online presence. Verify their standing with the Better Business Bureau and look for a track record of good reviews. Do your homework before hiring someone.

Check if they have the proper contractor license and insurance coverage. A professional business will have general liability insurance and workers' compensation. This contractor insurance is crucial because it protects you from financial responsibility if a worker gets injured on your property or if your property is damaged during the remodel. For whole-home projects, working with experienced home renovation contractors in Blue Bell, PA, can give you peace of mind knowing your remodel is in capable hands.

Meeting with Potential Contractors

When you meet with them, come prepared with contractor questions. Ask to see a portfolio of their recent work and a list of references you can actually call. A confident and experienced contractor from a reputable renovation business will be happy to provide this information.

Some key questions to ask include:

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• How long has your small business been operating?
• Can you provide proof of your general liability and workers' comp insurance?
• Who will be the project manager responsible for task management on my job?
• How do you handle change orders to the project plan?
• What is your experience with remodeling projects similar to mine?

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Trust your gut feeling. This is a person who will be in your home for weeks or months. You need to feel comfortable communicating with them openly and honestly about your vision for the project.

The Planning and Design Phase

With your budget and team in place, you can focus on the fun part. This is where your vision starts to become a real plan. Your strategic planning here will save you headaches later.

If you've hired interior designers, they will help you create a detailed floor plan. These plans should specify everything. We're talking about the exact layout, where outlets will go, and what type of lighting you want.

Now is also the time to choose all your materials and finishes. That means picking out your cabinets, countertops, flooring, paint colors, and fixtures. It may seem early to be thinking about the finishing touches, but locking in these decisions now is much cheaper than making changes after construction has started.

Making a late change is what leads to change orders, which cause delays and add to the final cost. Gather samples and view them in your home's natural light before making final decisions. Good business practices from a contractor will involve helping you stick to the plan to keep your project on budget.

Understanding Permits and Paperwork

No one likes it, but it's a necessary part of most remodels. Building permits are required by your local government for many types of projects that remodeling requires. Why do you need them? Permits make sure that the work done on your home is safe and meets building codes. Without the right permits, you could face fines and have trouble selling your home in the future.

In some cases, your city could even make you tear out the work. A quick visit to your local municipality's website should give you all the information you need. Getting your permits early is always a good idea to avoid delaying the start of your project. Your general contractor should know what's needed and will typically handle the process of getting the permits for you. Make sure this responsibility is clearly stated in your contract. It's one of the key components of a contractor's job.

Get Everything in Writing: The Contract

Never, ever start remodel work on a handshake agreement. A detailed contract protects both you and your contractor. It outlines everyone's responsibilities and expectations.

Your contract should be extremely detailed; a vague contract is a red flag. Before you sign anything, make sure it includes the following elements. A reputable contractor will be transparent and happy to walk you through their standard agreement.

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• Full Scope of Work: A detailed description of all the work that will be done, from demolition to the final touches.
• Payment Schedule: A clear breakdown of when payments are due, which helps manage your cash flow. Never pay for the entire project upfront; instead, agree on specific payment terms tied to project milestones.
• Total Cost: The final price for the agreed-upon work.
• Project Timeline: An estimated start date and completion date.
• Materials List: Specifics on the major materials to be used, including brand names or model numbers.
• Change Order Process: A description of how changes to the original plan will be documented, priced, and approved in writing.
• Proof of Insurance: Copies of the contractor's liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance should be attached. Your contract should include general liability insurance details.

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Read the contract carefully. Establish clear communication and ask questions about anything you do not understand. A good contractor will be patient and happy to clarify any points before you both sign.

Bring Your Remodel Plans to Life

It might seem like a lot, but this detailed planning is what makes a renovation go smoothly. Taking these steps gives you a solid foundation for a successful project. Following this complete guide sets you up for an amazing transformation.

You are now prepared with a clear vision, a solid budget, and an understanding of what needs to happen. Getting the planning right is the hardest part of figuring out how to start a home remodel. With a great plan, you can look forward to seeing your dream space become a reality. Turn your renovation plans into reality with A&Z General Contractor, contact us today to start building the dream space you’ve been waiting for.

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