Team “Reno” or Team “Remo”?

When it comes to your home, you might like the overall layout but feel tired of the old tile backsplash and golden oak cabinets. If you’re resourceful enough to manage subcontractors or even do some of the work yourself, you could be the perfect candidate for Team “Reno.” However, if you’re unhappy with your home’s layout and often wish the wall between the family room and kitchen would come down, then you’re likely to belong to Team “Remo”!

Either way, you’ll need a “coach” to help strategize and visualize what both options will look like. Working with an interior designer is always a good idea—not only to discuss your design needs and wants but also to address realistic budget, timeline, and overall project expectations.

Budget:
Research typical renovation or remodel costs in your area. Ask friends and family for about their recent home project. Completing a pricing exercise before hiring a designer will help ensure that you are at least within a realistic range. Consider the following costs in your total budget- interior designer, builder, architect/engineer, and materials.

Timeline:
A whole-house remodel can take a year or longer. Can you move out for an extended period, or manage without a kitchen for 3–6 months? Timelines vary based on personal circumstances, so being realistic will help prepare you to make certain arrangements for your work and for your family.

Expectations:
Regardless of project scope, your daily life will be disrupted to some degree. Be fully aware of the inconvenience of working from home amid construction and the need to meet periodically with your interior designer for design and construction meetings.

Room Service Tip #16:

Don’t wreck your house! Refrain from demolition until you have a clear path and strategy.

Doing it yourself feels fun until it becomes hard and you can’t fix it. Painting walls is easy to redo if you mess up, but tearing down walls, floors, or tiles is unsafe and very messy. If you choose to demolish, have a contractor ready to check anything unusual you don’t understand. Always let professionals handle construction work.