5 things to consider before remodelling your home
The high rate of innovation, in the past decade, has widened the disparities between old houses and new ones. Renovations, which focus more on restoring something to its original appearance, will not suffice; old houses will need remodelling, which involves making more structural changes than the scope of ‘renovation’ permits. Hence, remodelling is almost always costlier than renovation. And lately, with digitalization defining how homes are designed and executed, the remodelling market is brimming with activity. As a result, the global remodelling market is expected to grow to $4.96 trillion by 2027(1).
Tapping into the remodelling trend are digital real estate marketplaces, which offer interior design services as part of their full-stack models. Customers are mostly geared towards remodelling kitchens and bathrooms, where technology has continued to redefine convenience and utility. If you’re among the ones hoping to remodel your house – or specific spaces within it – the following five considerations could make the process easier.
Budget with detailed cost breakdown
To begin with, your budget must reconcile with the objective behind remodelling. For instance, if the objective is for own, long-term usage, the budget can be stretched; if the purpose is to rent, the budget can be limited, geared towards utilitarian remodelling. In any case, it must have a detailed cost breakdown of materials, labour, etc. Before the commencement of work, you should have a pre-agreed project estimate with the contractor, along with acceptable margins of error. This will help avoid budget overruns and misunderstandings, during the project.
Set realistic timeframe
One of the recurring issues faced by house owners undertaking remodelling projects, are delays. The remodelling value chain is susceptible to disruptions, making even the most punctual contractors lag behind the schedule. So, you must set realistic expectations for project handover, factoring in externalities like labour availability, local weather in case of outdoor work like roofing, and material availability in light of pandemic-related supply-chain disruptions. An all-things-considered remodelling schedule will also help you stay within the set budget.
Plan your space
Space planning is the first important step in remodelling. You must dedicate an ample amount of time to space planning, so as to avoid start-from-scratch moments, which are not uncommon in remodelling. Start by drawing influences from properties with similar space and structural orientation as yours. Check feasibility using foolproof methods like computer-aided design (CAD) software, and the use of virtual and augmented reality. The use of technology, along with expert advice on existing beam orientations and structural integrity, will help you maximize value and aesthetics in the available space.
Choose the contractor wisely
You must spend a considerable amount of time talking to people in the know. Consider referrals, meet with multiple contractors, get quotations from them, and compare the pros and cons. Lately, with the digital footprint of remodelling contractors available for reference, you can also check for reviews online. It is advisable to go with contractors who boast a good track record; in terms of quality, pricing, reliability, and supply-chain partnerships. Most importantly, the contractor should be up-to-date with contemporary trends and practices, because the point of remodelling is to upgrade.
Your space, your design
House design is a dynamic space. Oftentimes, design trends tend to be cyclical. It is, therefore, advisable to go with your personal preferences, without holding yourself to other people’s standards. It could be rustic, traditional, or contemporary – the idea is to pick your style, narrow down your preferences, and explore your options within that space. You could check out related magazines or designers’ portfolios, to determine whose work aligns closely with your preferences. Aesthetic aside, it is important to consult with MEP professionals to ensure your design does not run counter to the utility of the space. In other words, a good design should be both personal and practical. Striking the right balance determines how successful and durable the remodelling will turn out to be.
