As you make a plan for your home remodeling project, you will likely jot down notes, compile photos for inspiration, and create multiple wants and needs lists. Homeowners will often develop a wishlist to share with their contractors. While that’s a great place to start, don’t forget to incorporate needs and factor in the tips explained below.
Set goals
First, set your overall goal, like: “I want to increase my home’s value before we sell it,” or “we want to make room for our growing family,” or even “we want to make our home accessible as we age.” Then, think about what projects could help you meet your goal, ensuring each item on your list is aligned with it. Think about the big picture first; getting too caught up in the details may hinder the planning process.
Think of needs before wants
As you make your list, begin with items that need to be repaired, replaced, or are dysfunctional to you and your family. Address any items in your house that are no longer in proper condition, worn out, or not working. Sometimes maintenance items are more important than aesthetic ones.
For instance, if you are planning to remodel your home in preparation for putting it on the market, then you have to think about things like the condition of your roof and windows. Homebuyers may look right past a pretty kitchen if they know they’ll have to repair or replace a roof right when they move in. Tackling those less glamorous projects isn’t as fun, but they are certainly necessary to consider when remodeling.
Prioritize your wants and needs
Ask yourself questions about functionality. This will help you determine your priorities. Perhaps you don’t have a dining room and want to create space large enough for an eat-in kitchen. Or, maybe you have a very compartmentalized home and desire a more open feel. These factors will help determine what exactly goes on your remodeling to-do list and in what order.
Consider your daily routine
What items will make your day-to-day life easier? Some updates are made to update or match your style. But, adding those small details can improve your daily life, allowing you to enjoy your living space better. For example, you may have school-aged children and get frustrated with constant clutter by the front door. You may want to remodel your entryway with hooks for everyone’s backpack and coat and shelves for hats and other items. That kind of practical feature can help you enjoy your home more.
Think about home value
As you make your list, consider how much your desired projects will improve the value of the home. Not all home improvement projects are created equally; some bring more value to your home than others. Whether you complete renovations because you plan to sell your property in the near future, or you plan to live in your home for many years to come, it’s still important to take note of the Return on Investment (ROI). ROI is the ratio of investment over cost.
Some of the remodeling projects that will give you the highest ROI, or the most bang for your buck, are kitchen remodels, refinished wood flooring, and landscaping. Keep in mind that custom additions like a movie room may be highly desired by you and your family but less appealing or practical for a broader audience.
Consult with your contractor
Consult with your contractor as you focus on writing a list of wants and needs for your renovations. Ziebart Construction has years of experience and a professional team ready to help you with your home projects.
Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Click Here for a complete guide to a successful remodel in Portland.
