When you’re thinking about a remodeling process, whether for a home or business, one common thread flows through the entire process: planning. Failing to plan can lead to expensive consequences as changes are made or more modifications made to try to accommodate adaptations in design. In this article, we’ll take you through the basics of remodeling your Buffalo home or business, and how to plan for the process so that you can create a cohesive plan that works well for your situation.
Planning Your Home or Business Remodel Process
Begin with Your Budget
When it comes down to it, any renovation project is bound by its budget. Whether you’re starting with money on hand or taking out a loan, knowing what you have available makes an enormous difference in what you can do with your remodeling project. Remember that it’s fairly common to have some overages in your remodeling process, so leave about 10% of what’s available for these issues to avoid coming up short.
Consider Different Remodeling Firms
No matter how suitable the first company is that you speak to, talk to different companies before deciding which one will be the best option for your situation. Get multiple written estimates on the work that they’re proposing, and make sure they’re willing to develop the plans that you’re considering. Talk to several renovation companies to get an idea of how the industry operates before you make your decision.
Check Out References
Any good remodeling firm in Buffalo can provide you with solid references which should be checked out thoroughly before anything is signed or money changes hands. Some companies will promise you everything at an extremely low budget, then never complete the work. Pursue any references that are provided, but also look at online reviews and if there are any complaints with your local Better Business Bureau.
Consider Flexibility
What do you need and what do you want out of your renovation? In many cases, you’ll need to have some level of flexibility in your expectations. As an example, does your breakroom really need to be gutted all the way to the studs, or can you live with new cabinets and countertops with a fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling? Thinking about these issues ahead of time gives you more room for your must-haves on your list.
Contemplate Level of Renovation
Are you adding a new coat of paint or completely renovating all the public spaces of your home? The complexity that you’ll have in your renovation will impact a lot of factors in your life. Will you be able to live with the mess and disorder in your home, or will you need to get a rental or stay with family for a couple of months for an extensive remodel? Any expenses for meal delivery or housing rentals should be included in your budget.
Add Future Adaptability
Sure, that golden faucet set and super-glossy green paint may be hot right now, but what about next year? Taking the time to ensure that your remodel is focused on finishes and features that will take you through the next decade or two is vital to ensuring that you won’t have to undertake the process again a few years down the road. Consider timeless finishes, such as stone countertops, wood cabinets, and stainless steel, along with multi-generational features.
Try a Mental Walkthrough
Once you’ve got a few general designs in place, try visualizing going through your day in these new spaces. This allows you to not only refine exactly what you want, such as a lower counter for kneading dough, but also lets you catch flaws in the design, such as a showerhead that will sit too low for practical use. This process lets you make adaptations to your design before you have to pay a lot more for real-world changes in the work.
By keeping these tips in mind while planning your a remodeling project, Buffalo residents you will be in a better position to handle the process as it takes place. Are you ready to act on your next remodeling project? At Modern Flooring & Renovations in Buffalo, our residential and commercial renovation contractors are dedicated to providing our customers with quality customer service, outstanding craftsmanship, and wonderful value is second to none. Why not contact us today to get started?
