With home improvement inspiration everywhere, more and more homeowners are completing extensive home remodeling projects. When done correctly, remodeling parts of your home is a smart investment that pays off in the long run. No matter your reason for completing a home interior remodel project, having a smooth experience relies heavily on knowing where to start and what to do. As trusted interior remodeling contractors in Indianapolis, we know a thing or two about what it takes to complete successful remodeling projects. By following our tips and insider tricks, you can turn your existing space into your dream home.
- Plan Ahead
Before you start knocking down walls, you need to make a plan. Without one, even the simplest of home renovation projects can spiral out of control. First, decide which area(s) of your home you want to remodel. Then, envision what features you want included in the upgraded space. If you’re completing a kitchen remodel, you may want to add specialty appliances or more cabinetry. If you’re renovating your master bathroom, you may think about adding mood lighting and a waterfall shower. Proper planning keeps you on budget and schedule, lessening the likelihood of hiccups along the way.
- Remember the Big Picture
In the early stages of planning, it can be easy to get carried away by the small things that don’t really matter. Be sure to focus on long-term maintenance, energy loss and potential repair expenses when deciding on features. It’s also important to think about every element of your space, including wall colors, flooring, hardware, decorations and how everything will tie together in the end. Focusing on the overall big picture will prevent your budget from suffering down the line and ensure you don’t regret your remodel choices five years down the road.
- Set a Budget
You shouldn’t just set a budget — you should set a realistic budget. All home improvement projects are prone to scope creep and changes over time, so you should be prepared for anything. Your budget needs to cover all expenses that come with a home remodel, including labor, materials, permits and finishes, and should be flexible enough to accommodate for unforeseen changes. At White Oak Homes, we highly recommend working with a remodeling contractor while budgeting to ensure you’re making the best financial decisions.
- Decide Between “Must-Haves” and “Nice-to-Haves”
To save time and money, you need to make a list of what you can and can’t live without. Your “must-haves” are features that you will not compromise on and want included in your remodel project; your “nice-to-haves” are items you’d like to include, but could go without if you run out of wiggle room in your budget. It may seem silly to sit down and make a list. However, making decisions ahead of time will help you set priorities and stick to your plan.
- Avoid DIY
Tackling home remodeling projects on your own may seem like a budget-friendly idea, but if you do not have the proper experience and capabilities, you can cause irreparable damage to your beloved home. Sure, small DIY projects here and there like repainting kitchen cabinets are fine, but any extensive remodel tasks that dramatically alter the current layout of your home should be left to a professional general contractor who has the experience and reputation required to complete a safe, successful project.
- Choose a Contractor
One of the biggest pieces to a successful remodel project is choosing the right team for the job. Spend time researching different home remodeling contractors in your area and ask your friends and family members for recommendations. Experience and expertise matter, so picking a trustworthy and reliable contractor will give you the peace of mind you need and deserve while your project is underway. For those in the Indianapolis area, White Oak Homes has years of experience with various home improvement and remodeling services, including kitchen, living room, bedroom and bath remodels. We’re proud to be a trusted contractor for families in the Greater Indianapolis area and beyond.
- Pack Up Ahead of Time
Completing little tasks before construction even begins will make the interior design remodel process even smoother. Remodels usually affect every room of your house, especially with increased foot traffic and construction dust. Taking down pictures and decorations and packing away valuables will make it easier for your contractor to get started and prevent them from breaking or getting damaged. We also recommend covering any flooring or cabinets you aren’t replacing with cardboard to keep them in good condition.
- Create Temporary Living Spaces
Whether you’re renovating a living area or completing a bathroom remodel, the space under construction will be unusable for a while. Nothing is more inconvenient that not being able to utilize a space you normally rely on, so be prepared to set up a temporary space in another part of your home that you can use while the main area is being remodeled.
- Communicate Effectively
Remodeling contractors are extremely talented, but they cannot read minds. You need to make sure you communicate with your contractor throughout every process of the remodeling process so they know exactly what you want. If something is not like you envisioned or there’s a problem, be sure to let your contractor know. A good contractor will work with you to make sure everything is right and fix any concerns you find once the project is complete. At White Oak Homes, we make sure to involve our clients in every step of the remodeling process to ensure no details are overlooked and everyone gets exactly what they want.
- Keep Resale Value in Mind
Trendy interior design trends can be fun, but you need to be realistic about their longevity when remodeling. Just because something is in style now does not mean it will be in ten years if you decide to sell your home and move. To keep the resale value of your home high, only include upgrades that will not be considered dated within a few years.
Ready to get started on your home remodel project?
Our interior remodeling team at White Oak Homes has decades of experience to better guide you through the remodeling process from start to finish. No matter the size or demand of your project, we can provide the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to renovate and make your home feel like a brand-new space. Complete your home improvement project with people you trust by saying “Yes!” to White Oak.
