REMODELING

Starting a home renovation can be overwhelming, especially if you haven’t completed one before. Whatever the project, your remodel will involve so many details it can easily become daunting.

Joy Marble & Tile suggests you use these steps and tips for planning a home remodel to choose how to order, prioritize and build a detailed home project plan that will help reduce your stress level while keeping you on budget and on schedule.

BUILD A REMODELING PROJECT PLAN
The first step in a remodeling project is to develop a plan that clearly states the goal for your renovation and includes designing inspiration and an outline of the work that needs to be completed.

Your project plan should also include:

• Blueprints or sketches of your finished project.
• A list of needs and wants for your project.
• Project steps divided into DIY steps and steps that will require a professional.

At this point in planning a home renovation, investigate local zoning regulations and permits. Make sure your neighborhood is zoned for your remodel and find out if you’ll need a permit. If you are completing a project that will change the structure of your home or the use of a room, you will most likely need a permit. Wait to apply for permits until you’ve hired us and built a project timeline.

When to Start: 6 to 12 months before you’d like us to start your project

SET PROJECT BUDGET
The next step when planning a home renovation is to determine your budget and financing. Your budget should include the costs for permits and building materials, labor costs and the cost of decorations or cosmetic touches.

To build your budget:

• Decide how much you want to spend and finalize financing. Set aside at least 10% of your budget for unexpected costs.
• Joy Marble & Tile provides free estimates.

If your cost estimates do not fit in your budget, use your home improvement project plan from step one to eliminate project elements that are a lower priority.  We are happy to provide several cost estimates to find the best options for your budget.

When to Start: 3 to 6 months before starting your project.

BUILD A TIMELINE
Once you have your budget and team in place for your remodeling plan, it’s time to put together your timeline. First, choose a desired start date, or if you’re hoping to have it completed by a specific date, work backward from that date instead.  Give us a call, we are happy to site down with you to determine the length of time each portion of the project will take.  We will discuss which steps of the remodel need to be completed first, how long they will take and which project portions can be completed concurrently.

Additionally, be sure your timeline:

• Includes time to clean out the project area.
• Allow for the shipping and delivery of materials.
• Accounts for any holidays.

Use a calendar to mark out each step of the project. Set a completion date that includes a few days’ worth of wiggle room for unexpected issues. We will confirm with you that the timeline is realistic and keeps you within budget.

When to start: 2 to 3 months before your start date

PACK UP AND PREPARE FOR YOUR HOME RENOVATION
Now that your home project planning is nearing an end, it’s time to prep the space and make plans to avoid using the room while it’s under construction.

Whether or not you should live in your home during construction depends on what work is being done. Planning on having major work done to your kitchen?  Build a temporary place to cook and eat and remove all your dishes and minor appliances. Renovating the bathroom?  If you do not have another bath option, some of these “Plan B” scenarios include brushing your teeth at the kitchen sink, taking your morning shower at the gym (or at your workplace, if it has a shower room) or bathing the little kids in an inflatable pool (if the weather’s warm enough). Your friends or loved ones may also be able to help out by letting the kids stay at their place temporarily, and maybe even allowing you to use their bathroom if other options aren’t available. If you’re planning a whole home renovation, you might want to move out completely for a short time.

When to start: Make plans 2 to 3 months before your start date; pack up and move 1 to 2 weeks before your start date.

When to Start: 3 to 6 months before starting your project