Written by Anne-Marie Nash

**Design/Build by CK Hoffman Design | Photo by TS Media**

The thrill of a home renovation can be quickly squashed by unforeseen circumstances, stretched budgets, and other unexpected issues. The good news is that many of these problems can be mitigated, if not avoided entirely, if you know what you’re getting into.

Read on as we go through essential home renovation tips to consider before kicking off your revamp.

1) Whatever you might be thinking about timeline and budget - double it!

While it goes without saying that any project needs a budget to keep costs in check, it's not always an easy task to find the balance between your dream designs and the amount in you've allotted for a project. This is why it is essential to get a true understanding of pricing, both with materials and labor, so you can gauge expectations accordingly.

Home improvement and renovation television shows can sometimes be misleading in terms of costs and project timelines Be sure to have a contractor look over your budget and confirm that it’s realistic. And understand the process can take a lot longer than expected

2) Look alike materials are often better than the real thing.

Engineered products are designed to be more durable, water resistent and easier to maintain than stone and natural wood. This is especially true for:

Quartz or porcelain countertops vs granite or marble
Porcelain and ceramic tile walls/floors vs natural stone walls/floors
Laminate wood or luxury vinyl planks vs hardwood floor

3) Get OUT of the house!

It’s noisy, dusty, all of your things are packed and really, you’re in the way. It’s better to let everyone do their jobs quickly and efficiently, it will be done sooner, and you’ll be saving yourself from a lot of stress. Trust me.

4) Get references

And actually call them. It’s so important to have someone you can trust and is a good fit

5) Moving a wall is NOT always easy.

There are often pipes and wires inside, not to mention the wall may be load bearing and these are often expensive to rework. It still may be worth it, but just keep in mind, it may not always work.

6) Don’t forget about the cost of “finishing touches”

Light fixtures, cabinet pulls, mirrors, toilet paper holder, robe hooks, and even door knobs and hinges can add up quickly and be a significant part of your budget.

7) You can’t anticipate everything, so don’t even try

Remodeling really is an exciting, creative and “upgrade your life, comfort and happiness” process. That said, flexibility, patience and a sense of humor are all winning personality traits that will help you get through your remodel with a minimum of stress.

8) All of the above is worth it

Once you have your remodeled spaces complete, you will be so glad you did it! I promise.

A few other considerations for a successful remodel…

Be prepared and do your homework. Research designers, contractors, design/build and DIY options
Be realistic about costs
Look at magazines and online sites like Houzz and Pinterest to figure out what you like and rule out designs you don’t.
Kitchen appliances establish the look and layout of your kitchen, so remember to check those sites first
Look at flooring options: tile, natural hardwood floors, carpet, luxury vinyl tile, laminate wood
Remember to think about lighting fixtures
Go for quality and not just the lowest price
Find the best subcontractors - even if they aren’t the lowest price. In the long run, they will save you money in terms of quality, time and workmanship. Remember, sometimes you get what you pay for.
Go for neutral backgrounds with pops of color
Remember the hidden aspects of your home: heating, a/c, wiring
Add plants, plants and more plants - they create an organic feel and add texture and life
Artwork and personal objects are the finishing touches
Overwhelmed yet? It is! That’s why I recommend working with a professional who can help you sort out all the details and knows the process inside and out. It’s our job to make it easy for you!

8 Things To Know About Remodeling

1) Whatever you might be thinking about timeline and budget - double it!