Houston Remodeling Guide 2009: Six Steps to Remodeling

hoose Your Style – This is the “feeling” of you. Perhaps your style is casual… or maybe eclectic. Or, could it be pretentious? Some would not want to admit to the last one; yet, if it fits, then it is the style you should go for. You may be limited in some ways since much of the home may not currently reflect your style. Maybe your style has changed. Or, maybe when you bought the home it was what was available, and you needed a place. If you find yourself in this position it may be better to look at buying another home, or building one. Sometimes remodels that seek to redo nearly everything end up costing much more than simply starting from scratch. So, get in touch with your style, and begin to dream about the possibilities and where your next steps should be.

Set the Budget – What you can afford is what you think you can afford minus about 25 percent—or maybe minus even more. No project as originally dreamed actually fits the desired budget. As you move forward with planning, things change, surprises crop up and uncontrollable things happen like material prices rising. So, in this phase be realistic, and leave a bit of a cushion.

Hire a Designer – Your designer/architect is going to be your partner for the length of the project. You should not make this selection lightly, and you should consider more than one candidate so you have some comparisons. The best qualities you can expect will be honesty, a can-do attitude, a thorough understanding of building practices as they are practiced, (and not just as they should be practiced), an eye for detail and a fee that will keep them interested.

This last thing is most important: A remodel project can span months, and if your designer didn ’t adequately estimate his/her involvement, they may begin to flag part way through the process. This can lead to mistakes on the job and hard feelings that will only multiply. Don ’t expect your designer to work for free. While taking bids it’s more important to award the work to the person most qualified and who is likely to go the distance with you.

Design for Function – Once you look beyond the attractiveness of a home, the effectiveness of the design becomes of utmost importance. You are going to live in the home, not just sit there and look at it. It needs to be designed and arranged to have the amenities that meet your lifestyle and support your needs. Make a list of what ’s most important to you. Start room by room and ask yourself questions like: Is this closet size adequate? Do I really want to have to take five steps to get from the stove to the refrigerator? Will I always regret not putting a sliding door in that narrow hallway? In 20 years will I still want to have to climb these stairs? Once you know all your pet peeves you can work with your designer to solve the problems before they are built into the home.

Choose Your Selections – Many people wait far too long to make their selections. Start this process as soon as you have final plans. For example, plumbers who know they have to install a floor –mounted tub faucet will be able to do a better job if they know the manufacturer and model of the faucet in advance. There may be holes that have to be cut to a certain size in the floor, or there may be obstructions below the faucet that will have to be modified.

Add Lighting Touches – Consider lighting carefully during the design process. It is the one thing that can take an otherwise drab situation and make it sparkle. Lighting options offer great value in accenting and illuminating not only your indoor space but your d écor as well as your landscaping.

Stephen Hann, CGR, GMB, GMR, CGP

Hann Builders