A whole-house remodel is the best way to give your home a new look from top to bottom, as well as address structural issues. It is also the most complicated remodeling project you will undertake, second only to having a new house built from the ground up. If this is your first time to tackle whole-house remodeling, read on as local interior remodeling contractor DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Schaumburg shares a quick guide on how to handle it.
The Importance of Planning
We can’t stress enough how important a detailed plan is when it comes to a project of this size. It is always a good idea to start planning as soon as you’ve made the decision to remodel. An early start gives you more time to look for inspiration and compare brands and materials, as well as look up local remodelers and compare their services. Whatever planning method you may have, make sure your plan includes the following:
- Vision. Your vision is your guide to what the finished project should look like. Your choice of materials and colors, along with decor, furniture and accessories, is dictated by your vision. Start by creating a list of your remodeling must-haves without considering factors such as price. Later on, you will be paring down your choices and adding more detail as you discuss options with a home remodeling contractor.
- Size. Just because it’s called a “whole-house” renovation doesn’t mean you have to have everything renovated at once. You can have your home renovated over a series of projects if managing a single large project at once is overwhelming. However, you have to weigh this against the fact that it will likely cost you more overall, and material availability may change.
- Budget. As you add details to your plan, keep an eye on the cost. One of the best things about planning a remodeling project is the push-and-pull of balancing your budget against the features that you want.
- Future-proofing. Most home improvements are expected to last about 20 to 30 years, so it’s important to think about how you will use your home down the road. For example, if you or family members will reach your senior years in the next couple of decades, age-in-place upgrades like curbless showers and grab bars are worthy of consideration.
What Happens During a Whole-House Remodel?
A typical remodeling timeline begins with demolition on day one. Depending on the scope of the project, it could be as simple as pulling up carpets and wallpaper, or as complicated as taking out part of a load-bearing wall. After a thorough cleaning, your remodeler will begin building the framing and other structural components, followed by electrical and plumbing and, finally, walls, flooring and cabinetry.
Some materials take longer to install than others. For example, tile in an average-sized bathroom often takes weeks to finish, while bedroom walls can be completed in a day. Your remodeler will discuss remodeling timelines and set your expectations before the project begins.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Schaumburg offers a wide range of professional home renovation services. To get started with a no-obligation consultation, call us at (847) 973-5097 or contact us online! We serve homeowners in Arlington Heights, Elk Grove and Schaumburg, IL, as well as surrounding suburbs.