Planning a Home Remodel Next Summer? Get Started Right Now

A good home remodel doesn't happen in a day...or even in a month. Home remodels require time, effort, and planning. It's winter now, and renovations may be the last thing on your mind. However, if you're a homeowner who would like to remodel your house this coming summer, now is the time to start making plans.

Planning early makes it possible to hire a reputable contractor. Good contractors make their schedules months in advance, and often can't be hired at the last minute. Shopping for a contractor early gives you more choices, enabling you to hire the best professional for your upcoming project.

Why Start Planning Now?

There are several steps to planning and executing a home improvement project. Just finding the right contractor can take several weeks, and then that contractor will need ample lead time to order materials and create designs. Permits add more time to your project. Planning in the winter for a summer renovation gives you ample time to complete each step. Ultimately, this helps ensure that your project will be successful.

Steps to Planning a Remodel

1. Set Goals and a Budget

Setting renovation goals starts by asking yourself questions such as: what am I trying to accomplish? What problems am I trying to fix? Work with other members of your household to collaborate on your project and set priorities.

Once your goals are settled, create a budget. If you need financing, work with a lender you can trust. Some contractors offer in-house financing, but you'll get the best rate by shopping around and choosing a reputable lender. Learn the payment terms before signing, including the monthly payment amount. This will help you decide how much is too much.

2. Do Research, Get Inspired

Before meeting with contractors to discuss specific projects, it's helpful to research materials, styles, and trends. Knowing what you like and don't like will help make your conversations with contractors more productive. Create a list of "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves."

Know the materials and colors that you find most attractive. You may find it helpful at this stage to make an inspiration board or mood board to gather your ideas. This is something you can show to contractors, which can also help the design process go smoothly and efficiently.

3. Find a Contractor

Once you've chosen a direction and a budget for your project, it's time to meet with contractors. It's always smart to meet with more than one contractor when planning a home improvement project, especially if you're planning a big and costly project. Vetting contractors will help you find the business that's best for the job.

Ask for referrals from friends, family, and people you trust. You can also find reputable contractors through trade associations, historical societies, and building suppliers. Consider years in business and online reviews when making your selection. Once you have a list of three contractors, arrange for in-person meetings.

Create a list of questions to ask each contractor. Some examples of questions to ask include:

• How long will the project take?
• When would you be able to start?
• Have you done work like this before? Can I see pictures?
• What challenges would you expect to encounter with this project?

Look for a contractor that seems engaged and interested in your project, and who listens to your ideas and has helpful suggestions as you discuss the work. Good contractors need good communication to facilitate a successful remodel. Hire a business that displays good communication from the very start.

Don't forget that the state of Connecticut requires a license to do home remodeling work. You can check the contractor's license on the state website.

4. Design and Plan

Once you've hired a design-build contractor, you may need to go through a planning stage, depending on the work that needs to be done. Not all remodels require design work. Your contractor will tell you if this is necessary for your project. If your job is better off in the hands of an architect, a good contractor will let you know this as well.

After designs have been approved, this is when the contractor will order supplies, start the permitting process, and put your project on the schedule. You may need to wait several weeks before your project can actually begin work, and this is one of the reasons that you should start planning your home remodel as early as possible.

5. Get Prepared

Once your remodel is on the schedule, you can start preparing for the upheaval and change that is about to happen. Some remodels require homeowners to move furniture, pack up their belongings, and make space for the work that needs to be done. Other remodels require homeowners to move out or set up a temporary kitchen in another part of their house.

Whatever needs to be done, you'll have time to do it while the contractor is ordering materials. Your contractor should tell you what needs to be done in advance. Once you've prepared, your job is to wait for the contractor to do their work.

Remodeling Soon? Get Started Today

Summer may seem like it's far away, but it will be here in a flash. If you're planning to remodel this coming summer, get started with your home renovation today.

Download the Litchfield Builders guide to hiring a home remodeling contractor for information about finding a good Connecticut contractor. Or, if you want to talk to an experienced professional about your upcoming renovation, contact us to schedule a consultation at your home.