Our 2023 Remodel Resolutions
We love the turn from one year to the next. It's a time to look back with gratitude, learn from what was hard and set goals for what's ahead, for our business and for your home.
2022 was an exciting year for The Authority Companies. We worked with wonderful families on finished basements, kitchen transformations, whole-home remodels and additions, and we're grateful to be part of a community that lets us keep growing and keep delivering on our promise to bring families together through quality remodels and new builds.
There's plenty of talk about resolutions this time of year. We like goals, but we prefer realistic ones that carry you through the whole year instead of a pile of objectives that leave you worn out. If 2022 slipped by as another year you didn't make changes to your home, let 2023 be your year. These five remodeling resolutions will help you set realistic expectations for your home, your finances and your family.
1. Be brutally honest about your budget
Nothing good comes from pretending your budget is bigger than it is. Stretching your numbers to make it look like you have more to spend only sets you up for disappointment. And TV renovation shows are a risky source for what projects really cost, because they never paint the full picture.
Start with your financial position. What can you comfortably spend on your home? Don't count every last penny. Leave room for furnishings, art and decor, and make sure you're not putting too much toward the remodel itself.
- Work with a contractor who understands what projects realistically take
- Talk through financing with a trusted partner at your bank or lender
- Decide what you'll pay in cash and what you'll finance
- Understand repayment plans, interest and terms before you commit
When you build that clear picture before you make a single project decision, you'll know exactly what you can say "yes" to, and you'll avoid the letdown of cutting pieces you were already excited about. Our financing options page is a good place to start.
2. Do your ROI research, locally
Searching online for how much a remodel will raise your home value isn't enough. Return on investment comes second to the real goal, a home that brings your family together and serves your daily life. But it's a strong added reason to remodel, whether you plan to refinance or sell someday.
Because ROI depends heavily on where you live, research how your project fits your home and its location. When you interview contractors, ask about it. A qualified local contractor should be able to share how the regional housing market is responding to remodel trends, what local buyers care about most and how to turn the plans you have for your home into a sound investment.
3. Prepare for contractor interviews
Remodeling is personal. You're trusting someone to take your home apart and bring it back to life. You'll talk with your contractor every week of your project, and you need to trust it will all come together even while your home is in disarray. So go through the selection process like a pro.
- Read their website, blog and social media
- Learn who they are and what they stand for
- Write down your questions before you reach out
- Your budget
- Your design style
- Your goals for each space
Starting organized helps you feel confident through each conversation. You'll quickly see whether a contractor can advise on finances, offer ROI insight, take stress off your plate and guide a design your family will love. Our guide to contractor red flags can help, too.
Want a head start on your questions? Bring them to a free 15-minute remodel consult and we'll talk through your project.
4. Understand what your remodel will take
Renovation shows rarely show what the family does during the remodel. You don't see them living out of the basement during a main floor project, crammed into a guest suite or itching to leave a short-term rental. Preparing for the reality of the process is what lets you enjoy the journey. Shrug off the challenges and you may end up overwhelmed and frustrated.
- Set up a temporary kitchen
- Make a bathroom schedule if your family is suddenly sharing
- Keep one space completely remodel-free, untouched by the crew and the chaos
- Ask contractors what help they offer for living through a remodel
Your contractor should share a project schedule from the start so you can plan ahead. Don't count on your project wrapping early. Trust the calendar your contractor gives you, and choose a contractor who can explain how they juggle all the moving parts to stay on time and on budget. Our clients follow along in the Buildertrend project portal.
5. Set yourself up for remodeling success
You deserve a remodel process you love as much as the result. And you shouldn't expect yourself to be a remodeling expert. There are things only you can do, like assessing your finances and preparing for interviews. A great team handles the rest.
- Interior designers
- Custom cabinet designers
- General contractors
An interior design team can take a vague idea or a style you're drawn to and turn it into a complete home design, from flooring to furniture. A custom cabinet designer can help you decide which cabinet features matter most and how to organize your spaces with cabinetry and shelving. A general contractor can ease your fears from day one and give you an experience that leads to the home you've been hoping for.
Remodeling success comes down to choosing the right team and trusting them.
These resolutions work any time of year. If you're not quite ready to remodel but know it's coming this year, start now. Our schedule fills up, so starting the conversation early doesn't mean demolition next week. It gives you time to interview contractors, understand what your project will take and get the most from your investment. Don't let another year go by in a home you aren't thrilled with.
Designed first, with one fixed price
Many of these resolutions come down to clarity: knowing your number and knowing what your project will take. That's how we work. Our Studio A designers plan your space with you first, 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.
Remodel resolution FAQs
When should I start planning a remodel?
As early as you can. Starting the conversation now gives you time to interview contractors, finalize your design and plan around a schedule that works for your family.
What should I bring to a first conversation with a contractor?
Your budget, your design style, your goals for each space and your list of questions. The more you share, the more useful the conversation will be.
Does design cost extra?
No. Studio A design is included with every remodel we build.