Tag: home renovation

A Home Remodeling Timeline: 5 Simple Steps
Thinking about taking the leap and starting your home renovation project? First it is important for you to know the project timeline and everything necessary to guarantee your project is completed flawlessly and in a timely manner. This article contains everything you need to know about creating a home remodeling timeline.

Below are 5 crucial steps of the timeline you don’t want to miss.

Step 1: Hire a Builder and Architect.
- The first step of your home remodeling timeline is to hire the right team. After making the final decision to move forward with your project, the most important thing to do is hire a builder and architect. The builder and architect will help determine the plans, budget and construction schedule. Do you have a strict budget or are you more flexible? Your builder and architect will be able to break down and explain the cost of each section of your project. They will also walk you through everything you need to know regarding the length of your project timeline. Another great resource is to read through a previous post of ours, 3 Tips On How To Budget For Your Home Remodel Project.
Step 2: Hire a Designer.
- Once you have found your builder and architect, move on to finding the right designer for you and your project. Your designer will help select the materials such as plumbing fixtures, tile, countertops, cabinets, paint finishes and lighting. In case you missed it, check out my recent article on Top 4 Things To Look For In An Interior Designer. This resource will help you think through how to find a designer to work with. Here, you can learn more about the process and how to find the best and most qualified designer for you.
Step 3: Determine your Finish Out.
- The third step in your home remodeling timeline is a critical one. It is also critical to work closely with your designer at this step because the items that you select (tile, countertops, cabinetry and architectural details) are the decisions that will make your design goals come to life. Working closely with your designer at this point of the project is crucial if you want the finished result to live up to your expectations. Plus, they can guide you throughout the entire process. Check out the below before and after shots of the living room in a recent home remodel project we completed. As you can see, the materials selection and design details make all the difference.
Step 4: Schedule Walk Throughs.
- Some people are shocked to find out that often times during a construction project, many decisions will be made on-site. It is important to schedule regular meetings and walkthroughs with your designer and builder. This way, you stay up to date with the progress and feel confident that your renovation is running smoothly. During these walkthroughs you will have the opportunity to ask questions, so it is important to come prepared.
Step 5: Finalized Design Details.
- Lastly, you get to see your vision come to life! Finishing touches such as the carpet and rug selection, hardwood stain colors and hardware placement are some of the last but most important steps in your renovation project. Making the decision to remodel is a big one and it can be a long process. While it can be exciting to reach the end point, don’t rush this part! You will find that the options are endless, and you want to feel confident about your end result and the pieces you selected. The below before and after shots are of the breakfast table in the same home we showed above. As you can see, these projects are completely transformative!
December 12, 2019
Home Remodeling Budget: 3 Tips To Help You Succeed
Determining a home remodeling budget is one of the most important pieces of a successful renovation. So, how much should you budget for your home remodeling project? This is everyone’s burning question, and unfortunately, there is no easy answer. As you know, there are many factors to take into consideration for establishing a budget for your project. This will largely depend on your personal taste and style preferences. However, below are 3 tips on how to budget for your home remodel project. These tips can help anyone when it comes to budgeting for a home remodel.

Make a list of everything you want included, and understand the costs associated with each.
- As mentioned in my article on the 3 Phases of a Home Renovation Project, you will spend ample time in the initial planning stages talking with your builder. This is where you will determine the scope of work and also consult with your designer to select materials and finishes. It is in both of these steps combined that you will gain a better understanding of the costs associated with each item on your list.
- The builder or contractor will likely have a set fee for implementing the work, but the selections you make on materials and finishes can drastically impact the cost. Higher end, more durable materials will naturally cost more than lower end, less durable materials. Similarly, selecting products and materials from local and/or ethical and sustainable suppliers can also drive up costs. This is where you will need to spend a little time figuring out which items on your wish list are most important to you, and where your value lies. This leads us to the next tip on the list, defining what is “non-negotiable”.
Review your complete wish-list for the project and determine which items on this list are considered “non-negotiable”.
- After creating your wish list and going through each item with your designer, you will want to highlight which items on the list are most important to you. Consider these items “non-negotiable”. These are the items you are less likely to budge and compromise on when making your selections. For example, when it comes to prioritizing, focus on the luxury items first such as tile and countertops. You can then work with your designer to value engineer other items, such as lighting and hardware, which can easily be upgraded over time.
- All of your home details are important, but only you can decide which ones take priority over others. Establishing your list of non-negotiables is important for creating your home remodeling budget. This will also help you down the road in the event costs become too high and you need to cut items off the list or downgrade to a more affordable option.
Add a buffer to plan for the unexpected.
- Lastly, build in a buffer to your overall home remodeling budget in the event that unexpected items come up. This is just a good rule of thumb to follow! Although you are working with a team of qualified experts from the builder to the designer, it is inevitable that unexpected issues may arise during the execution phase. Even in cases of meticulous planning and thoughtfulness, unexpected costs can occur. If this happens, it will help soften the blow if you lead with appropriate expectations and plan for a few hiccups from the beginning.
December 6, 2019
Home Renovations Projects: 3 Things To Do Before You Begin
Are you interested in remodeling your home or dabbling in other home renovation projects, but not sure where to begin? Does the idea of remodeling your home seem overwhelming and intimidating? Unsure of how to plan for the unexpected? This article is for you!

In my current video series on home remodels, I am covering all of the basic information you need to know for a successful renovation project. This series will discuss everything from the initial planning to the design phase to the full execution of the project. To tune into the video series, follow me on Instagram, @rozmurphydesign. You can also find a host of other useful information on a successful home remodel project right here on my blog.

Be sure to subscribe in order to stay updated on all the new information being released! Now, let’s dive into the very basic things you need to know before beginning your home renovation project. Here is a shortlist of 3 things to do before you begin.

Determine exactly what it is you want to do.
- If you are considering a home remodel project, the first thing you need to do is clearly define what exactly it is you want to do. For example, do you want to completely remodel an outdated bathroom starting with a fully clean slate? Do you want to update your kitchen or implement a simple refresh? Or perhaps you are looking to renovate multiple rooms within your home, or even the entire house. This step is helpful for clearly outlining and articulating your goals for the remodel project. This step will prepare you to speak with builders, contractors and your interior designer, who will help you plan and implement the entire project.
- In the case of a bathroom remodel, it may require a full tear-out of existing bathroom appliances and finishes such as the cabinets, bathtub, shower and sink, and starting over with the bathroom design from scratch. When updating your kitchen, you may be happy with the overall layout and its functionality for everyday living, and only interested in updating the paint, finishes and backsplash for an elevated look. However, you may want an entirely new structure to your kitchen, increasing functionality of the space. This type of project will be much more involved than a refresh of your existing design.
- There are even some situations in which you’re looking for a full home remodel to bring a more modernized and elevated look to the entire home. Regardless of the size and scope of your project, having a clear understanding of everything you want to do in each room is imperative. This will help you effectively communicate with builders, contractors and your interior designer during the planning phases of your project. This step is also critical for prioritizing and understanding the budget required for your project.
Research information on builders and contractors in your area and look for reviews and rates.
- For anyone considering a home remodel project, it is imperative to conduct due diligence by researching and reviewing information on local builders and contractors. If you are someone who already has an interior designer, chances are your designer will have a list of preferred contractors he or she has worked with in the past. This provides an existing basis of trust and reliability with all major players on the design team.
- If not, it’s possible you already have a trustworthy builder or contractor you’re familiar with and in this case, lucky you! Carry on and proceed to the next item on this checklist. For those of you who do not already have a trusted resource for builders and contractors, and also do not already have an interior designer, you have a few options available to you. For starters, you may want to review my article on what to look for when hiring an interior designer.
Find a professional interior designer to work with.

This step is arguably one of the most important steps in the pre-planning phases of a potential home renovation project. If conducting a home remodel is new to you, you may not be aware of the significant level of value a qualified interior designer can provide. Interior designers are on the cutting edge of the latest styles and trends available for the home. Additionally, designers have access to the most coveted information in the industry. They have intimate relationships and connections with furniture manufacturers, art suppliers and other vendors of home appliances, finishes and products.

Lastly, designers have the expertise required to pull all of these elements together and match them with your individual taste and needs within the home. This helps to produce a design that is both beautiful and supportive to the needs of you and your family.
November 14, 2019