Home improvement has always been something of a national sport in the U.S. In 2020 alone, Americans spent $457 billion USD on DIY. Custom home remodeling is the pinnacle of home improvement. The total home makeover has spawned hundreds of regular TV shows.
If you’ve been inspired to complete your own custom home remodeling, be aware that this is a huge project that will require time, effort, and capital. Be prepared to suffer for your dream home because these projects can take months to accomplish.
Here are some of the best tips for custom home remodeling.
Contents
1. Make a Plan
Never walk into a project of such magnitude blind. It all starts with a plan. While you may not be building a new home, you’ll still need the blueprints to illustrate what your renovated home will look like.
Focus on the big changes, such as building extensions and knocking down walls, and the small changes, such as any custom furniture or colors you want to bring into your home.
Crucially, you’ll need to make a budget. Estimating your budget at this stage is the most difficult part of planning for the renovations. Overestimate your budget and leave some wiggle room so you can still complete the work if you exceed your stated budget.
2. Work with a Professional
Most interior design upgrades don’t require the help of a professional. After all, anyone can hang a piece of artwork or throw down a rug.
Custom home remodeling is different. First, you’ll need an interior design professional/builder to advise on what’s possible and what things are expected to cost.
Too many homeowners make the catastrophic mistake of trying to save money by doing it themselves, only for something to go wrong and the whole project to cost more.
Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as possible before the work begins. There’s no such thing as a dumb question in custom home remodeling.
3. Decide on a Theme Early
What’s the theme of your home?
Some people prefer traditional elegance, whereas others want a wonderfully rustic abode. The way your home is laid out will define whether your custom home remodeling is a success. Outline your theme and what you want for your interior designer.
List out your priorities for each room. For example, if your priority is the kitchen, you may want to mention the need for storage space or state-of-the-art features. Your interior designer will be able to accommodate your ideas.
4. Choose Your Focal Points
The focal points of a room are where the eye is naturally drawn to when someone walks in. Humans make first impressions in just a few seconds, so whether it’s a friend or a potential buyer, you need to think about where their eyes will drift first.
Every room has its own keys to creating a focal point. One of the best ways to capture the imagination and make visitors green with envy is to invest in some custom furniture.
Custom furniture is unique to the individual, even if someone asks for the exact same thing. These furniture pieces are made by hand, so you can guarantee that your furniture will stand out from the crowd. With most homeowners opting for standardized furnishings from their local store, custom Amish furniture in Sugar Land, TX, can create a sense of luxury at home.
The easiest way to master focal points is to ask yourself, “What’s the one thing I want to stand out about every room?”
5. Avoid Following the Trends
Interior design trends are just like fashion trends. They tend to come and go quickly. Just because your favorite celebrity has adopted a particular style doesn’t mean you should follow them.
The risk of trying to stay trendy is you quickly run out of the budget to keep up. So instead, think about the dated interior design trends that look awful, such as lava lamps and woodchip wallpaper.
Stick with the classics and integrate neutral colors into your abode. These are the aspects that never go out of fashion and can be quickly tweaked at minimum cost to keep them up to date.
6. The Impact of Extensions
One of the most common requests when carrying out custom home remodeling is the desire to add an extension or outbuilding of some kind. More living space usually leads to higher real estate values, but these are the costliest upgrades of all.
You also need to consider planning permission requirements and how any extensions may impact your property taxes.
Remember, not all extensions were created equal. For example, you can often get more value from converting the attic into a living space, rec room, or gym.
7. Think Space
Even in larger homes, you need to consider the impact of space. For example, do you really need that big bathtub when a vertical spa can accomplish the same thing?
Is it necessary to have a bulky cabinet in the living room when decluttering, and a simple set of drawers would look better?
Consider how every addition will impact living space. With so many Americans living in apartments and smaller homes, space is increasingly coming at a premium. As a result, everyone desires to open up their rooms, let more natural light in, and generate more space.
Keep resale value in mind because the chances are you will want to sell sooner or later.
Conclusion
Once you have hired a team and settled on a design, make sure you read the contract carefully, pack away your valuables, and establish how you will keep your life moving as your home turns into a construction site.
Good communication is vital to any home remodeling project. Be a good boss and support your team along the way, and you’ll be rewarded with an incredible home.
What was your experience with a custom home remodeling project?
Image Source: PEXEL
