Happy New Year from all of us at AJ! As we walk into a new decade, many people are making resolutions, decluttering their houses, and committing to trying new things. After the holidays are over and all the Christmas decorations are put away, a lot of people also begin to take a look at their homes and think about a remodel project they’ve long put off or start to dream up a new project to give their homes a facelift in the new year, too. If you’re one of these people, read on: we’ve got some tips to prepare you for a remodel project so it can go as smoothly as possible!

Plan Ahead

Do some research: select the projects you’d like in your finished remodel early on. This will help prevent delays down the road, and it will help you to know the final cost and keep you on budget.

Remember the Big Picture

When you’re doing your budget and planning your finishes, remember things such as long-term maintenance, energy loss during the remodel, and any repair expenses you might have. Make sure you include these things in your calculations when you’re preparing your budget. Otherwise, they can add up fast and catch you off guard.

Be a Good Boss

One of the most important things you can do is to treat your remodeler well. They’re working hard to bring your dream to life, and there are a lot of things that happen behind-the-scenes that often clients aren’t aware of. Because it’s their job, the contractor handles most of the stress without the client ever having to deal with it. Be honest and respectful with your contractor, and you’ll get the same treatment.

Know What You’re Getting Into

Remodeling is exciting! But it also can be frustrating and often a longer process than you initially think. There are unexpected snags, delays, and the inevitable inconveniences that come from living in a construction zone. You can handle these things better if you’re aware they may be coming.

Pitch a Temporary Camp

No matter what part of the house you’re remodeling, you’ll want to set up a temporary camp with the essentials in a place that is untouched by the remodel. One of the most common remodels is a kitchen, and that’s also the most used room of the house. Make sure you have a small, temporary kitchen set up away from the construction area so you can continue to prepare light meals at home. You’re not going to want to eat out every day for every meal for weeks on end!

Pack Away Your Valuables

A remodel affects every room of the house, usually from foot traffic and the inevitable construction dust. Take down what you can off the wall, pack away breakables and things you don’t want to get dirty, and take steps to protect built-ins like cabinets and chandeliers. If you have flooring you aren’t replacing in the remodel, consider having it covered with cardboard sheets to keep it in good condition.

Communicate Effectively

Contractors can’t read your mind! Let them know what you want, and if something doesn’t come out the way you envisioned or if there is a problem, let them know so they can take steps to deal with the issue. Unless you speak up, the contractor may not be aware there’s something that’s not okay with the homeowner. A good contractor will work with the homeowner to fix any concerns.

Design Advice

And finally, while the end call on design is ultimately yours, here are a few tidbits of advice we’ve gathered from designers and people who have been there before.

1. Spend your money on what you’ll actually use - a lot of people drop a big chunk of change on a fancy bathtub, but will admit to either not liking baths or not having the time to take them. Save that money and invest in something you’ll actually use - like a luxury shower head.

2. Leave out the planning desk! People insist on putting planning desks in kitchens, but most end up never sitting there and using it. Ask yourself if a pantry or more cabinets might be more beneficial to you in your new kitchen.

3. Opening up walls and hallways is one way to get the most from your remodeling project and create more livable spaces!

4. Everyone wants a main floor laundry room, but if it’s squeezed it in to a tiny area near the garage, homeowners are ultimately unhappy in the long run. Even if you have to move the laundry room downstairs, sometimes that’s better than cramming it into a smaller space upstairs.

While you can’t always predict just how remodel projects are going to go, taking steps to prepare can certainly take a lot of stress and surprise out of your project! If you’re ready to tackle a remodel project or if you want to talk more about your options and exactly what a project like this entails, give us a call. We’re happy to walk you through the process!