Category: Home Renovation

Whether you decided to give your existing home a style lift or you purchased an older home with the intention to renovate, you might be wondering what elements should stay and what should go. Remodeling doesn’t always call for full replacement—a skilled remodeling contractor can guide you in making valuable decisions about preserving your home’s character and investment while updating the atmosphere. 

It’s a Keeper! And Other Remodeling Design Decisions:

Hardwood Updates

Solid hardwood flooring is flexible and forgiving when it comes to renovation. New hardwood of the same wood species and dimensions can be feathered into old flooring when altering floor plans or eliminating unnecessary thresholds and uneven floors between rooms. Hardwood of any age can be sanded and refinished in modern finishes for an impactful cost-saving update.

Built-In Cabinetry

Custom built-in cabinetry, like fireplace surrounds and storage nooks, can be timeless in appeal. While some paint colors or stain finishes may be fleeting, the usefulness and aesthetics of built-in cabinetry often endures. Consider keeping built-in cabinetry and restoring with paint or stain finishes that support new design goals. 

Classic Hardware

Hardware design, like cabinet pulls and door knobs, remains eclectic with both vintage and modern styles popular today. Survey existing hardware in your house before renovating rooms, decide what shapes and styles you still like before replacing. Set aside old hardware that can be reused, upcycled, or repurposed before trading in for new. 

Dated Trim Work

To paint or not to paint, a common question when it comes to stained baseboard molding, doors, and windows in older homes. With a “lighten and brighten” interior design mantra widely appreciated, the preference is usually to paint dark-stained wood molding and window trim with a clean coat of white paint for a more refreshing look. Old stained doors can be painted to complement white molding, or sanded and stained in a modern finish to contrast trim and maintain warmth in the house. 

Wall Textures

Never miss an opportunity to preserve existing wall texture like shiplap or similar when renovating. Incorporate these unique textures into new design plans for added visual interest. Blend wall textures seamlessly, old and new, with a monochromatic paint scheme or use a contrasting color palette for a stand-out look. 

We explore design ideas big and small to maximize impact and investment with home renovation projects. Ready to chat creative solutions? Contact us to get the convo started!

Happy Home. Happy Life

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Deliveries, dust, disruption—the idea of living at home during a renovation can be daunting but it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. Remodeling a home is a very exciting time, one that naturally brings on some stress. The long-term enjoyment you will get from your upgraded space will make the temporary inconveniences of renovation well worth it though. After seeing your design dreams come true, you’ll be wishing you did it sooner!

Planning is the key to many successes, including living at home during a renovation project. Below are some considerations for staying on schedule and minimizing discomfort while living around construction. 

Transparent Timelines

Before construction starts it is critical to establish and understand your home’s renovation timeline. You don’t want to be surprised by demo day! Knowing your design project manager’s construction timeline is as important as grasping the design vision. A timeline helps your family appropriately prepare the home for anticipated distraction and disruption—it also indicates an end is in sight with a targeted reveal day. Timelines should be shared transparently in a way that keeps everyone informed, from the homeowner to the help.

Staging, Scheduling, and Securing

Designate staging areas for storing building materials before supplies are delivered. A secure, dry location like an empty garage or outbuilding is usually best. This may require parking in the driveway or on the street while storing project materials. 

Share scheduling concerns with your design project manager, like preferred AM or PM working hours. If necessary, make sure gated entrances and lockboxes are accessible for those requiring entry. Communicate instructions for working around any animals in the house too.

You will also want to confirm with your insurance provider that your homeowner policy includes sufficient coverage for value added as a result of renovation. 

Prepping Work Zones

Confirm with your design project manager what precautions will be taken regarding dust-containment and floor protection. HVAC units that pull air through the house should also be considered, and filters should be added to returns. Floor coverings may need to be replaced periodically to maintain floor protection. Zip walls are best for room separation since they allow easy access from room to room when necessary. 

Route construction crews with a clear path to project zones. Paper or plastic floor coverings help guide foot traffic and keep things clean. Remove all wall hangings and decor accessories both on the path and in project zones. Securely cover furniture with painter’s plastic and bag all exposed linens and drapery. 

Ask your design project manager about their post-construction cleaning process. With all the demo and dust, a professional cleaner is a valuable addition to the reno budget.

Establishing Living Zones

Focus on cooking, bathing, laundering, and sleeping when it comes to evaluating your living conditions during renovation. These are the essentials! 

If your kitchen will be impacted, set up an alternate cooking space in the home if possible. Refrigerators generally can be relocated to a nearby room or the garage if electric is available. Ovens require special circuits and cannot be relocated as easily. Consider using a microwave or toaster oven instead. A sink or basin will be necessary for dishwashing. Organize a small box of kitchen utensils and disposable dinnerware to use for quick meal prep during construction. Dining out and meal delivery is a smart option too! 

Locate local laundry services to help with laundry if needed. Prepare to move to a guest bedroom and/or bathroom if renovation requires. Pack up only your most-needed clothing, accessories and cosmetics to bring along.

Power Through with Positivity

Nothing makes a renovation project run smoother than positivity! Think of the mess as progress. Stay motivated by the end result—a beautiful new space to enjoy for many years. Find activities to do outside of the home, especially if you have kids. Explore community parks and public spaces while out and about. 

Ready to see your house dreams come true? Let’s get renovating! We can help you from visioning to victory—contact us to learn more about the Everything Home difference. We’re more than designers, we’re experienced design project managers. A one-stop shop for your renovation needs! 

— Happy Home. Happy Life

Will setting a budget be the most fun part of your home renovation? Probably not. Will it be essential to the success of your project? Absolutely!

Every successful home renovation project starts with a realistic budget. The budget is the foundation for which all design decisions are built on. There are several factors to consider when setting a renovation budget — house goals, financing options, and anticipated improved home value are a few.

We’re here to guide you through some renovation budget basics:

Flip or Forever

Goals are always good! Know what yours are before you get started. When setting your renovation budget think about how long you plan to own the home. This really helps put a renovation project into perspective. Is this a house you plan to fix up and flip? If so, obviously you will want to set a smaller budget and prioritize projects accordingly to maximize equity. If this is your forever home, a bigger budget will help you to get exactly what you want so you can enjoy your investment over many years. 

Financing Options

Self-funding a renovation project is an option for some, but not everyone. Financing a renovation project will depend on if you already own the home or are preparing to purchase the home. If you already own the home, a home equity loan or refinance are likely your best options. If you have yet to purchase the home a renovation mortgage loan that includes renovation funds tied to the improved value may be an option. Having a professional design rendering and plan of the renovation project handy when talking to lenders is helpful in securing the necessary financing to complete your renovation.

Design Investments

Prioritizing a renovation project usually has a lot to do with resale value. Over-improving a home will ultimately lead to less equity or even a loss at resale. For many years, homeowners have received a great return on investment with kitchen and master bath remodels. Recently, outdoor living investments in covered porches and 3-season rooms have joined the list! New builds often include a covered outdoor gathering space as an extension of the living room. These spaces may include a seasonal mini-kitchen, bar seating, fireplace, and plenty of comfy lounge space. 

Buffer Budget

A buffer budget helps guarantee success and alleviate stress. Set aside extra money in your renovation budget for surprises — because we all know life is full of them. Most designers require a contingency budget (usually 5-10%), which works like a checkbook with any balance funds returned once the project is complete. If you are rolling renovation costs into your renovation mortgage loan include a buffer budget in your pre-approval request to avoid the need for additional financing after closing. 

Experts Make it Easy

Working with an experienced designer can help you to prioritize your design goals, secure financing through partner lenders, invest wisely based on area norms, and ultimately maximize your budget. Hiring a professional to navigate a renovation project start-to-finish also helps to avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary setbacks. Experience pays off — an expert’s opinion is a valuable renovation tool. 

Imagine less worry, less work, and more wow! Everything Home’s experienced designers turn unique budgets into beautiful spaces every day. We would love to chat about your renovation project, schedule a quick phone consultation with our team here. 

Happy Home. Happy Life. 

Home renovation is definitely exciting, but it can be a little intimidating too. Understanding the process will help you to minimize stress and maximize efficiency. We’ve put together a list of home renovation FAQs to help you navigate your next remodeling project.

From where to start to what to expect, here are five common home renovation questions answered:

#1 What Should I Remodel First?

Evaluate your home for design issues and then work towards solutions. Start by determining what you want to achieve with a remodel including which parts of the home are most in need of renovation. Fundamentals first! This means investing in a sound foundation, roof, windows, plumbing, and heating/air is a necessity if they are in need of repair. Then prioritize your design update list—since updated kitchens and baths often bring the best return on investment we recommend homeowners prioritize these rooms for remodeling if they are undesirable or outdated. 

#2 How Do I Prepare?

Renovation is an investment in yourself, and also your real estate. After prioritizing your renovation wishlist, establish project budgets. This may require methodically scanning a space to determine what the remodel will entail—floor to ceiling. Then get to know what you like and don’t like. View online galleries (Houzz and Pinterest are great places to start!) and visit model homes to get a feel for your own personal style. Consider your home’s anticipated value post-renovation and how long you plan to reside in your residence to determine what investment makes sense. Look for low-interest funding if necessary and begin to interview qualified designers and/or referred contractors. 

#3 Do I Hire Help?

Seeking pro advice is definitely recommended. Even just one consultation with a professional designer can save money and especially time in the long run. Working with an interior designer and/or project coordinator is usually the easiest and most enjoyable way to remodel a home. DIY is an option too depending on homeowner skill, interests, and especially timeline. A combination of the two may be the best fit and a good option for modest project budgets. Everything Home offers flexible design services ranging from design coaching (designer provides a professional design vision for the client to implement with their own contractors) to full-service design and install (designer is retained to design, coordinate, and oversee the renovation project from concept through completion using preferred vendors and construction partners). 

#4 How Long Does Home Reno Take?

Home renovation can take weeks to months depending on the scale of the project. Timeline is an important consideration before planning a renovation. Reno often leads to some disturbance at home, including some rooms being inaccessible or relocation from the job site. Plan renovation projects during appropriate seasons to accommodate altered schedules and living. Project timelines can change, sometimes speeding up and other times slowing down. Surprises can be mitigated with ample research and upfront exploratory work. The more planning, the better!

#5 Will I have to Move Out?

Though not necessary for every renovation project, typically for convenience it is best to relocate during extensive remodels. Living off-site may even help contractors to accelerate construction since working hours will be less limited. Projects requiring demo are particularly messy and often generate large amounts of dust, and sometimes even toxins. Reno zones may be deemed unusable for extended periods of time—a potential need for temporary housing is definitely something to consider when formalizing project budgets.

Working with an experienced remodeling contractor like Everything Home can take the mystery out of home renovation. Contact us to learn more about our flexible design services and award-winning home makeovers. 

What home renovation questions do you have? Leave them in the comments below and we’d be happy to answer them. 

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