5 QUESTIONS TO ASK
BEFORE YOU START A HOME RENOVATION
PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK INTERIOR DESIGN: BRITTANY NIXON CREATIVE
A MAKEOVER CAN BE A MAJOR UNDERTAKING. Whether you’re tackling a small bath or completely gutting your house, there are multiple factors to be considered. We created this quick list of questions to ask yourself—and those involved in the renovation—before you begin.
WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET? While the scope and goals of your project are certainly important, knowing your budget can help you to set expectations, find a contractor, and estimate your materials budget— all of which are important steps that can alleviate stress and unexpected surprises down the road. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROJECT? The scope of a project can easily go from planning to painting the walls to removing the walls in a matter of a few quick decisions. Set parameters before you begin the actual work on a project to avoid entering into a renovation that you may not have the expertise, additional help, or budget to complete effectively. Think about how you need the space to function and what you truly want the end result to be when you are finished, and then make decisions based on these factors. WHO WILL DO THE WORK? Will this be a DIY project or will you hire a professional? If you plan to do it on your own, do you have the necessary skillset it will take to safely and effectively finish the project? For instance, are there electrical updates that need to be made and will require a pro’s help? If you already plan to hire a contractor, does he or she have the qualifications and time to complete your project as you desire? These are all important factors that can contribute to your end result. WILL YOU LIVE IN YOUR HOME DURING THE RENOVATION? If you’re making minor renovations, chances are you plan to stay in your home while the makeover is completed. If you’re going down to the framework for your renovation, you’ve probably already made plans to move out. However, there are a lot of gray areas in between the two extremes. Consider your needs within the home, your household’s schedule, and—perhaps most importantly—the length of the renovation time before you make a decision. HOW WILL YOU GET THE LOOK YOU DESIRE? While function is often a key motivator for home renovations, style can be equally important. Are you going to hire a design professional to help you achieve the look? If so, bring them in at the start of the project to avoid costly mistakes or missteps. You won’t regret the knowledge you’ll gain from relying on a professional for these important decisions.
76 At Home in Arkansas | May 2016