If you're a homeowner in, you know that remodeling your home can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. Whether you're looking to update your kitchen, revamp your bathroom, or add more living space to your home, you can use this home remodel guide to help you.
From design choices to budgeting and finding the right contractors, home remodeling requires careful planning and execution. However, with the right information and resources, you can transform your house into the home of your dreams. In this home remodeling guide, we'll explore the world of home remodeling and provide you with helpful tips and insights to make your renovation project a success.
According to the National Association of Realtors, homeowners feel a major sense of accomplishment and get more enjoyment out of their home after a remodel. Common types of home remodels include updating kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor living areas, and even removing or adding walls. You can optimize space, make cosmetic improvements, enhance storage space and even improve energy efficiency.
Pre-construction Phase
The first part of our home remodel guide is the pre-construction phase. This consists of planning, scoping, and sampling materials. You’ll work closely with your contractor to create a desired design. Having specific goals in place and knowing exactly what you want from your remodel can help you keep your project on track and prevent your project from going over budget. In our experience, effective planning is the most critical phase of a successful project.
Planning
The planning phase consists of determining your top priorities and budget. Do your homework and make a list with your wants on one side, and your needs on the other. Be as specific as possible by listing your style and brand preferences.
Make sketches of your ideas or print off pictures that inspire you. Prioritize your list, so that if the unexpected happens, you will be prepared to make the tough decisions of what can wait, and what cannot.
Before setting the budget for your home remodel, you need to determine how you’ll fund it. Are you paying in cash, taking out a loan or applying for credit? Once you know how much you can afford to spend, set aside 10-20% of your available funds for unexpected expenses. By setting aside a percentage before beginning, you know you will have the funds available to finish your project no matter what happens.
Bidding
Once you have an idea of the top priorities of your remodel and what will be done to achieve these goals, you should start meeting with contractors. Choosing the right contractor can be difficult. Different contractors have varying qualifications, equipment, experience, work ethic, and, yes, different pricing. One thing for sure is that your project requires experience and expertise.
When shopping for contractors keep in mind that the lowest bid is not always the best bid. Contractors who bid too low may be cutting corners on qualified labor or materials. Getting the best quality of work and materials that fit with your budget is most important in the long term.
Contractor Selection
How do you choose the best contractor? Finding an expert contractor for the right price is usually a top priority for homeowners. Good communication is also important. Do not hesitate to ask questions and gauge their knowledge, skill level, and ability to communicate. Look for a contractor who understands your needs and answers your questions clearly. Here are a few questions you might ask while choosing a contractor:
Have you performed work in the area?
How long have you used your crew?
How long have you been in business?
How experienced is your crew?
What happens if I’m not 100% satisfied with your work?
How can I reach you during the process?
Contract Signing
The basic job of a contractor agreement is to outline the project, including tasks, materials, timeline (or phases) and cost. This is the document you and your contractor will consult throughout the job, so make sure it is clear and detailed. It’s important that you are comfortable with all details of the contract. Read it yourself carefully.
Demolition Phase
The level of this phase of construction depends on your type of remodel. This phase can be very noisy and disruptive and may even require the electricity or water to be shut off for a period of time. The time it takes is dependent on the scope and size of the project. Small projects are typically completed in a day or two, while large projects, such as gutting the interior can take multiple days or weeks.
It is critical to work with a contractor who follows mandated procedures. Look for a contractor who has a record for safe construction practices and who is well-respected in the field.
Items Removed
This phase of the construction process could involve the removal of:
Wiring
Plumbing
Hot Water Tanks
Air Conditioning Units
Appliances
Tile & Flooring
Drywall & Interior Walls
Ceilings
Insulation
HVAC Ductwork
Sinks
Cabinets
Air Quality
Demolition impacts indoor air quality and dust can contain products that are hazardous to human health. There are many precautions that must be taken during this portion of the construction project. If there is significant demolition such as a wall removal, openings, air ducts, and cold air returns should be sealed and secured because an enormous amount of dust can be distributed by the forced air HVAC system and impact its functionality.
Uncovering Damages
It is possible to uncover damage inside the walls during the demolition phase. This can come from plumbing leaks, pest infestation, roof leaks, poor wiring and other problems. Sometimes contractors uncover code violations and poor workmanship.
When this happens, the scope of the project may grow. Contractors must fix whatever is wrong before they can move forward with their project. This can increase the cost of the project and can also extend the duration of the project.
Construction Phase
Permits
Your contract should specify who will be responsible for obtaining any permits. Permitting is an important part of large construction projects.
Framing
Depending on your remodel, there may be a framing phase where the walls and floor are built. The word “framing” generally refers to the studs in the wall that form the visible frame of the structure. In an existing structure, the subfloor and roof may already be in place. Typically, frames are built from wood. These frames make up the “skeleton” of the building.
Mechanical
Next, any mechanical aspects of the building must be installed and connected. Typically, this includes items such as wiring, duct work, and plumbing. This is a time when subcontractors may be in and out. Communicate with your contractor to find out who will be on the premises. Stay informed throughout the process to ensure that you are comfortable with the way the remodel is proceeding.
Finishing Up
During this time, drywall is put up, outlets are installed, baseboards are in place, walls are painted, and flooring is put in. The contractor corrects any problems from the punch list and cleans up debris. The final walkthrough takes place near the end of the project closeout phase. A good contractor will work hard to resolve issues that are raised during the final walkthrough.
For all your home projects.
We hope this home remodel guide helped you to understand the steps that are involved. Choose an experienced contractor with a team of trained technicians that can help you plan and execute your remodel. The team at Bishop Builders pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, unsurpassed construction quality, and efficiency to ensure you receive the highest quality services.
If you have any questions about residential remodels, please contact the team at Bishop Builders at 1-817-221-0873 or info@bishopbuildersllc.com.
