| If you're in the "we're only thinking about it" phase of a | | | | • If you decide you have to replace your tile, |
| home remodel, you've taken the first step to improving | | | | consider not only the style but the price. If you fall in |
| your home to meet your needs. If you're ready to | | | | love with a particular style that's $35/square foot, you |
| speak with professionals about your remodeling, find a | | | | may be able to find a similar style at $5/square foot, |
| remodeling company near you now! However, if you're | | | | which can be a $9,000 savings in an average |
| still planning, here are a few other steps that will help | | | | bathroom, leaving more money for other elements. |
| ensure your remodel meets your needs and your | | | | • A vessel sink may require special installation and |
| budget. | | | | fixtures. |
| 1. Create a design book - Get a notebook, a manila | | | | • Different countertop materials offer different |
| folder, or a 3-ring binder and build your design book. | | | | benefits. |
| The more you add to it, the better your designer will | | | | 6. Plan for your future - Weigh future plans. |
| be able to understand your dreams. | | | | • If you're planning to sell your home in a few years, |
| • If you see the perfect cabinetry in a magazine, | | | | you may not want to invest in top quality applicants. |
| cut out the picture and add it. | | | | • If you plan to stay in your home through |
| • If a sink, tile choice, or flooring option catches your | | | | retirement, you may want to consider adding an |
| eye, add notes and pictures. | | | | onsuite bathroom to a ground-floor bedroom instead of |
| • Look at design websites and print out pictures of | | | | a second-floor bedroom. |
| what you like. | | | | 7. Allow for upcoming events - Make notes of |
| • Take photos of friend's homes. | | | | important upcoming dates and events. |
| • Make sketches and pick up countertop color | | | | • If you have family coming tomorrow, it's probably |
| samples. | | | | not be the best time to pull out the fixtures in the guest |
| 2. Establish your goals - Think about the goal(s) of your | | | | bath. |
| home remodel. | | | | • If you have a wedding or the holidays on the |
| • If the layout of your kitchen works for you, but | | | | horizon, you need to ensure your remodel is finished |
| your design book has a hundred pictures of concrete | | | | well beforehand. |
| countertops, then maybe you only need a home | | | | 8. Learn from others - Learn from friends and family. |
| facelift. | | | | • Your cousin may have worked with the same |
| • If you've always wanted a soaking tub and your | | | | remodeling company for over a decade, while your |
| current bathroom only has a shower, you may need a | | | | brother can tell you the place down the street has a |
| slightly more ambitious custom remodel. | | | | hard time meeting deadlines. |
| 3. Designate wants and needs - Consider every | | | | • You may get tips and advice on the things to look |
| element of your home remodel and decide if it is a | | | | out for if you try to do some of the work yourself. |
| "need" or a "want." | | | | 9. Talk with professionals - Gather professional advice. |
| • Structural problems such as broken tiles or | | | | • Most reputable companies will provide a free |
| damaged walls are most likely a "need." | | | | consultation. Take them up on it to see if you like the |
| • Outdated colors or styles of tiles may be a | | | | company. Make sure they ask you questions and listen |
| "want." | | | | to your answers. |
| • Remember that a want today can still be a "have | | | | • Don't feel you have to sign with the remodeling |
| to do someday." | | | | company the first day. A good company will give you |
| 4. Decide on a budget - Look at your needs list from | | | | the information you need to make a decision without a |
| step 3, look at your finances, and decide how much | | | | hard sell. |
| you can comfortably spend on your remodel. | | | | 10. Hire the right company - Work with a professional |
| • If you need to stick to a budget, err on the low | | | | company that guarantees their work. |
| side to allow for items such as furniture or decorative | | | | • The industry standard is one year. If your |
| items. | | | | remodeling company doesn't meet or exceed that |
| • If money is not a primary factor, creating a budget | | | | guarantee, keep looking. |
| will help you prioritize your wants and needs. | | | | • Even after a guarantee runs out, the best |
| 5. Consider the extras - Consider the extras and | | | | remodeling companies will help to keep you happy with |
| options. | | | | your remodel. They want you to be a client for life. |