Remodel First Steps
Deciding to remodel is exciting. Picturing how your home could work better for your family, and finally feel like your style, is half the fun. But to enjoy the process, you need to prepare for it.
Before you call a single contractor, these four first steps will help you choose the right team, set a realistic budget and walk into your project with confidence.
Step 1: Have a general design direction
This doesn't mean picking out every last detail or suddenly knowing as much as an interior designer. No good contractor expects you to know exactly what you want on day one. It does mean having a loose vision of what would work best for you and your family.
- "My kitchen always feels dark. I'd love lighter cabinets and new light fixtures."
- "That walled-in staircase keeps our main floor from feeling open. Somehow it needs to go."
Knowing your direction helps you choose who to invite to bid. If you see a cozy farmhouse feel, a company that only does ultra-modern work isn't a fit. If you have a handful of must-have design elements but no idea how to tie them together, a handyman with no design experience is a recipe for frustration. Look for a team with design built in, like our Studio A designers.
Step 2: Get clear on your budget
Budget is often the most stressful part of planning, but going in unprepared does you no favors. Understand what you can comfortably afford, and how the money you put into your remodel affects your home's value. That return-on-investment thinking helps you see how a project benefits you financially, not just visually.
Many homeowners don't realize how many financing options exist for remodeling. An experienced lender can walk you through them. A reputable remodeler should be able to point you to lenders and be honest about how your choices affect your home's value.
Before you call anyone, know the number you're comfortable spending, and share it up front. It lets a contractor give you an honest picture of what that budget can do and whether financing makes sense. Our cost guides for kitchens, bathrooms and basements explain what drives cost.
Step 3: Ground yourself in reality
TV makes remodels look like magic, wrapped up with a bow in under an hour. In reality, remodels take time and patience, and they can involve more problem-solving than the single dramatic issue on your favorite show. That's not meant to scare you off. Knowing what to expect is what lets you actually enjoy the process.
A contractor walking through your home can only estimate what they can see. Opening a wall in an older home can reveal surprises:
- Ants under window trim
- Mice under a walled-in stairwell
- Pipes on an exterior wall that freeze
- Shoddy original workmanship
Knowing complications are possible helps you pick a team you can trust no matter what comes up. If the person estimating your project seems unprepared, can't describe what your project timeline will look like or skips a thorough evaluation, a warning bell should sound. Our contractor red flags guide lists more signs to watch for.
Have a rough idea and a comfortable number? That's all you need for a free 15-minute remodel consult.
Step 4: Ask lots of questions
No matter how skilled a remodeling company is, it can't read your mind. Come with a list of questions so you understand your project's scope as fully as possible. There's no such thing as a bad question when you're trusting someone with your home.
- Who will be working in my home, from demo to finish work?
- How is the schedule built, and how will I get updates?
- How will my choices affect my home's value?
- Who is my main point of contact?
If you're unhappy with the answers, or don't get any, keep looking. A point of contact who is easy to talk to, available when you need answers and reassuring throughout is key to a good experience and a good result.
Designed first, with one fixed price
At The Home Authority, Inc., our Studio A designers plan your layout, finishes, lighting and fixtures with you, and design is included with every remodel. Once your design is complete, you get one fixed price, so you know your number before work begins. You'll also get a clear schedule and can follow every step in our Buildertrend online project portal.
Remodel first steps FAQs
Do I need to know exactly what I want before calling a remodeler?
No. A general direction and a few must-haves are plenty. A good design team will help you fill in the rest.
Should I share my budget with contractors?
Yes. Sharing a comfortable number up front lets a contractor tell you honestly what it can accomplish.
How long will my remodel take?
It depends on scope and what's found once walls are opened. You'll get a clear schedule once your design is complete.
Does design cost extra?
No. Studio A design is included with every remodel we build.