Planning a Renovation
What is the goal
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Are you looking to improve layout, increase space or storage, upgrading some of the finishes, or all of the above?
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Clearly defining your goals and priorities can help you make decisions about design, materials and other parts of the project.
Keep in mind there may be structural, mechanical, electrical or plumbing issues that will need attention first, even though that may not be what you are focused on.
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Budget
Determine how much you are willing to spend and plan accordingly. Keep in mind that unexpected costs can surprise you. Reserve a 10% contingency to manage any surprises that come up during construction.
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Consider financing. Whether it's a refinance or a home improvement loan. Many options are available online with Credible, LendingTree, Upstart and Rocket. Pre-qualifying will give you a good idea of the maximum amount of money you can spend. Then work back to the budget and priorities.
Design and plans
Do we really need plans?
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Do we need a permit?
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Every renovation is different and not every town has the same code requirements. As a general rule of thumb, most renovations that exceed a cost of $10,000 will require architectural plans and a permit. However, if you are simply updating finishes like new wood flooring or adding wood moldings, even changing tile in the bathroom, as long as the plumbing or the structure isn't changing then there is a pretty good chance a permit will not be required.
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I provide free consultations to help you determine if permits will be needed and if an Architect or Engineer needs to be involved.
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Contractor selection
Choosing the right contractors for the job is critical to the success of the project. You should check references, licenses and insurance. Obtain multiple quotes and discuss your first impression. A consultant may be a valuable asset at this time to help select the best contractors for your project.