Are you contemplating renovating your home with an Arlington builder? Home remodeling is a significant investment that requires proper planning to maximize your return on the financial investment. Chad Hackmann of Alair Homes shares tips on renovating your Arlington home.
Which Room Should I Renovate First?
Deciding which room to tackle first is pivotal when starting a home renovation journey. According to Arlington builder Chad Hackmann, most clients start a home renovation with the kitchen. Kitchens are the heart of daily activities and boast the highest return on renovation investment. Homeowners must also consider factors such as the condition of the worst room in the house, future renovation plans, and the overall house layout when determining where to start the renovation.
Develop a Strategic Plan with an Arlington Builder
Strategic planning is crucial to ensure a successful renovation with an Arlington builder. A general rule of thumb is to renovate from the top down and the outside in. For instance, if you have an unfinished basement that requires attention but also the kitchen and bathrooms need updating in the future, creating a master plan is essential.
Work done in one part of a home will also impact other areas and future renovations. Understanding how one area impacts another and working that into a strategic plan with your Arlington builder is key to avoiding potential issues later. Renovating the basement first without proper planning ahead may lead to additional work due to required access to plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems later. Your Arlington builder will help you think through these types of remodeling considerations.
Consider the Extent of Renovation
The extent of the renovation project also plays a significant role in determining the renovation sequence. Minor updates like replacing appliances, cabinets, sinks, and countertops may precede a major basement overhaul if they do not interfere with the infrastructure. However, substantial changes involving plumbing or electrical relocation may necessitate a comprehensive approach, requiring careful consideration in the planning phase.
Deciding to Live in My Arlington Home During a Renovation
Another factor to consider when planning a renovation with an Arlington builder is whether or not you plan on living in your home during construction.
The decision to live in your home during a kitchen or bathroom renovation requires careful consideration of your tolerance for chaos. While it may seem daunting, the potential savings in rent could justify enduring the deconstruction for a limited time.
However, you also want to be realistic about your tolerance for disorder, dust, and inconvenience. A typical Arlington kitchen renovation involving structural changes can take over six weeks, possibly extending to nearly three months. Understanding your comfort level and weighing the benefits against the challenges is crucial in making this decision.
If you live in your home during an Arlington home renovation, prepare for an extended timeline and potential cost increases. The daily inconveniences may surprise you, especially when essential fixtures like sinks, fridges, and ranges are temporarily unavailable. Setting realistic expectations and communicating openly with your Arlington builder is vital to managing the process effectively.
Evaluate Your Long-Term Goals
Your long-term goals are essential to a successful home renovation project in Arlington. Step back to evaluate your long-term goals before diving into any home renovation project. Create a master plan encompassing all the rooms you intend to renovate. Whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, or basement, a well-thought-out strategy will contribute to a smoother renovation process and ultimately lead to a home that meets your vision and expectations.