A home remodeling project has a lot of moving parts to it as you may already know. So to assist with the renovation, here is a guide to help you not miss the overlooked aspects.
Every home remodeling project is a complex process whether you’re remodeling just one room or adding more space to your residence. There are many factors to consider simultaneously, as well as an abundance of excitement.
With so much going on it’s easy to overlook things. Some are large overall issues that homeowners may not consider; others are small details that seem unimportant.
Keep the following guidelines in mind when completing your home remodeling project to keep you from losing focus, keep your renovation on time and on budget, and help you not overlook anything.
What Aspects Are Overlooked During a Home Remodeling Project?
As your remodeling project continues, it’s likely that more considerations and problems are popping up. It’s easy to lose track and begin overlooking certain aspects of your home remodeling project.
But, don’t worry! We have put this list together so you won’t overlook any aspects of your remodel!
If you remember these considerations, you will have a beautiful, freshly remodeled home that adds value and increases your resell value.
1. Build for Efficiency
Thinking of heating and cooling aren’t as fun as thinking of aesthetics and easily takes a backseat in the design process. When remodeling your space, make sure to consider the area’s natural air flow and heat. Install windows and doors that take advantage of the breeze.
Also, think about when and how the sun will hit the new space; this will affect the type of window and insulation you need in the space.
If you’re adding space or changing a space’s use, then you’ll need to decide whether to upgrade your HVAC system. A system that is too small for the total square footage will have to work longer and harder to maintain a stable temperature. Overworking the equipment causes it to prematurely fail and also increases your heating and cooling costs.
2. Think of the Location of Utilities
Redefining a space is fun – the idea of relocating everything to a new, better position. But a couple of items should really be left alone: plumbing and electricity. Kitchens and bathrooms are the most common places where power and water are major considerations.
When remodeling your bathroom and kitchen, don’t overlook the existing location of tubs, sinks, refrigerators, or ovens. Moving them adds time and expense to the project.
In rooms such as bedrooms and living rooms, think about where you’d like electrical outlets and light switches. You’ll want a large outlet capable of holding electrical, internet, and cable wiring near wherever you plan to place the television.
And you’ll likely want light switches located near doorways so they’re easy to access.
3. Where Will You Put Everything?
It’s important for you to feel a certain way when entering a room, but it’s also important to remember that the room is a functional space. So while it’s easy to focus on the design aspect of a home remodeling project, don’t forget that you’ll need to design someplace to actually put all your stuff.
This aspect is often overlooked when remodeling entryways. Most are designed to be very open and make a statement, but people tend to forget that the doorway is the most convenient place to leave shoes, umbrellas, and coats that easily interfere with the overall décor.
Storage is easy to overlook in garages as well. Many homeowners garages are used as an all-purpose storage areas, and laundry rooms. Make sure to design the space to include shelving or cabinetry for things like keepsakes, holiday decorations, or seasonal clothing.
If you’re using the garage to house your washer and dryer, think about whether you’ll need a small clothesline for delicates, or a table to fold clothes on. And don’t forget; you’ll need storage for your detergent.
4. Lighting Up the Space
Lighting options aren’t as exciting as paint colors, but they can make just as large of an impact on the overall look and feel of the space, and on its functionality. Think about how you’ll use the space, and what your plans are for your home remodeling project.
In a workshop or office, would it be useful to install overhead lighting into the ceiling instead of using lamps? If you’re already going to be doing work in the ceiling, then it’s a possibility. Maybe you can really brighten a space by changing the windows or adding a skylight.
Lighting is a consideration even if you’re doing a smaller remodel that wouldn’t include any of those things because lighting needs an electrical outlet. You may have originally wanted overhead lighting but change your mind after realizing the outlet close to the floor would mean unsightly cords hanging from the wall.
Or maybe you planned to put your bed near a window, but that would leave the outlet for your nightstand lamp on the opposite side of the room.
5. Baseboards?
In every room, there is a line that runs around the perimeter where the floor meets the wall. The area largely goes unnoticed because of a narrow piece of decorative material called a baseboard. The baseboard covers the intersection of the wall and floor causing the features to flow seamlessly together. They give the room a finished, polished look.
When redesigning a room it’s easy to overlook the cost of the baseboards as well as their style. Baseboard comes in a variety of materials and shapes that determine its price.
And because the material is purchased in linear-feet, the cost of your baseboards can quickly become expensive for a large room.
In a high-traffic area such as an entryway, you’ll want something durable in case it gets scuffed, and easy to clean. In someplace like the bathroom, you’ll want to use a material that is water resistant.
Baseboards can surprisingly change the overall look of a room. Wide, intricate baseboards are traditionally used for tall expansive rooms while thin simple baseboards are typically used for smaller rooms.
Using a wide trim in a small room makes the room feel smaller; if that’s your intention then go for it, but think of it when designing the room rather than after work has begun.
6. Light Switches Add Personality to a Room
Like baseboards, light switches are a detail that can change the overall look of a room. Most homes are built with plain white plastic switches, but many other options exist. It’s easy to add a pop of color using a bright or patterned switch or add a touch of modernity using a brushed metal plate.
Although a very small detail of a home remodeling project, this aspect that is often overlooked can change the entire feel of your room.
Final Thought
It’s difficult to pay attention to everything no matter what size of home remodeling project you are doing. Our tips keep you on track so you’re less likely to overlook large issues such as the location of utilities, or small details like the style of your baseboards.