Whether you have just moved into your new San Diego home or have been there for years, partaking on a home remodel can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never done one before. From start to finish, there are many moving parts involved with the process, and the fact is that the more you plan in the beforehand, the smoother the rest will go. Because of that reality, our team here at K-CO Construction is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, and we want to share some essential home remodeling planning tips with you so you can set the foundation for a seamless experience in achieving your dream home.
The great part about dreaming about a remodel is that it does not cost a dime. However, when you want to act on those ideas, your budget is something you cannot ignore anymore. Take a good look at your finances and see what you can afford without sacrificing other living needs. Write down every change you want to do and put a price tag with it so you can see the full scope of what you will be expected to spend. In addition, be prepared to make alterations to your initial design to accommodate.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to call around to get quotes (labor, permits, and materials) to help you along with this part.
This one goes hand in hand with budget planning. As you are working out your budget, build a full spectrum project plan around what you can afford. This plan should state your goals and have a detailed outline of the work that needs to be done. For reference, your plan should include things like sketches of the finished project, a list of needs/wants, and steps for both you to do and a professional to accomplish. For this, try to begin constructing anywhere from 6 to 12 months ahead of time.
Tip: Ensure that you take a look at the local zoning regulations and permits your neighborhood requires.
One of the most significant reasons why all of our customers have been nothing but satisfied with our K-CO Construction Home Remodel San Diego services is because we are right down the road from them. We can get to them fast with our micro-local focus, which has shaped our relationships within our location for the last 25+ years. With this in mind, find a local and reputable contractor who is close to you. They will support you better, make the process go quicker, and offer more local knowledge than someone who is not from the same town.
Remodels can get messy, and with that, it might mean that you will have to move out for a while to stay safe from the work zone. During your planning phase, make sure to organize the logistics of where you and your family will be staying while the remodel is taking place. If you have pets, do your due diligence to see if the family member, friend, or hotel you stay at will take them as well. For this one, scope out the logistics at least 12 weeks ahead of time, leaving you enough room to have a set destination when the move out date finally comes.
Though we would love to say that everything will work out perfectly if you plan it out correctly, that is not always the case. Problems may or may not surface, and you should be prepared for them if it does happen. Plan for setbacks, and pad in for schedule and budget uncertainties. Add some breathing room flexibility with your schedule if you can, and a reasonable margin in your budget to cover unforeseen issues. Even if you do not need it in the end, it will give you more peace of mind and comfort knowing you are ready if something should arise.
If you live in San Diego and dream about a home remodel, you are certainly not alone. Tons of homeowners enjoy thinking about the "what ifs" when it comes to new home designing and customization, but are unsure where to even begin. After reading the preparation and planning tips above, we hope that you have more clarity about what your next steps should entail.
Overall, if this is enough for you to get on the right track, great! If you are ready to chat about your home remodel in San Diego, give us a call we would be more than happy to guide you further and discuss your next steps.