What are the first steps to plan a home remodel?

Planning a Home Remodel: A Step-by-Step Guide

No matter how big or small, home remodeling in The Village, OK, is always a major commitment  – in financial and every other sense. Whether you’re prepping to renovate a single room or a whole house, heading in with a well-thought-out, systematic plan is a must, as it is the best way to avoid the overwhelm, uncertainty, and unnecessary expenses. This guide will help you do exactly that, so let’s dive in!

What are the first steps to plan a home remodel?

home remodeling near me in The Village, OK

Before you even think about design choices, material sourcing, or even hiring reputable contractors, you need a crystal clear vision of what you want and, more importantly, why you want it.

See the big picture

The worst thing you can do is remodel for the sake of remodeling. While change can be good, the purpose of it is what will define your experience in the long term. Therefore, the first step you should take is to ask yourself why you are remodeling. 

Better functionality? Elevated aesthetics? Improved home value? All of the above? Whatever your goals are, clearly defining them is essential – it will guide every following decision, from budget to material and design choices.

Set priorities

Once you have that worked out, you can further refine the vision by setting clear priorities, specifically:

  • Scope of remodel: Determine which areas actually need remodeling, as opposed to what would be nice to update. Also, unless you’re renovating purely with the intention of selling, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics is usually the better course of action.
  • Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves: Discern which upgrades are non-negotiable, such as updating the outdated infrastructure (e.g., plumbing, electrical), VS. what would be nice to have. For example, having a full-on smart kitchen is amazing – but no amount of smart tech will help if the kitchen layout itself is hindering. 

Budget consciously & conscientiously

Simply setting a budget is not enough – setting a realistic budget is what prevents stress, delays, overspending, and (worst of all) unfinished projects. 

How do I set and stick to a remodeling budget?

The best approach here is to allocate funds either by category (e.g., electrical work, storage, etc.) or by space (e.g., kitchen, bathroom, etc.). However, note that you’ll seldom be able to put 100% of the budget toward the remodel alone. 

A portion of the budget should be reserved for line items (e.g., demo work, materials, permits, and design services) – unless you’re hiring a reputable design-build contractor, in which case they will probably be included in the price total.

In addition, it’s always smart to add a contingency fund, typically 10% to 20% of the total project cost. This helps counter the delays and surprises, such as addressing hidden water damage (common in kitchens/bathrooms) or structural/infrastructural issues (common in older buildings).

Should I do all rooms at once or in phases?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – the best approach will be based on your goals, budget, and tolerance for disruption:

  • Phased remodeling is good when: 
    • You’re on a tighter budget (spreads the expenses over a period of time);
    • You don’t want to move while the whole home is being torn apart.
  • All-at-once remodeling is advantageous because:
    • It can be more cost-effective (no logistics/labor force reorganization, bulk materials, continuous work);
    • Results are typically more cohesive.

Hire professionals

The team you recruit to carry out the work is what makes or breaks the entire experience (and, consequently, the quality of the result). For this reason, you should never skimp on a contractor. Their expertise will not only make the whole process go smoothly, but they’ll also help you make the best possible decisions across the board – from choosing the best materials and layout optimization to helping you avoid remodeling mistakes typical for bathroom, kitchen, or whole-home upgrades.

Who’s the top choice for home remodeling near me in The Village, OK?

How do I set and stick to a remodeling budget?

Since 2012, Ten Key Remodels has been delivering top-tier remodels to the residents of The Village and the entire Oklahoma County. Recognized for our innovative design solutions, high-quality materials, and highly efficient project management, our team is capable of delivering results in line with the most stringent quality standards. Reach out to us today and discover a better way to better your space!



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