Planning a Remodeling Project? Here’s Where to Start

Ready, set — remodel

A woman picking color for her house’s walls
Photo: AleksandarNakic / E+ / Getty Images
A woman picking color for her house’s walls
Photo: AleksandarNakic / E+ / Getty Images
Highlights
  • To start a remodeling project, you need to focus on your budget, goals, and timeline.

  • The average cost to remodel multiple rooms is $52,000.

  • A general contractor or home remodeler can help you figure out how to start.

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When you’re dreaming of remodeling your home, it’s only a dream until you start the actual work. We understand that it’s easier to imagine the plan than to take the first—potentially scary—step. However, being informed will help you stop dreaming and start doing. Learn about the key starting points to follow when you’re planning a home remodel.

Common Starting Points When Planning a Remodeling Project

Ready to remodel checklist, including hiring contractors and getting permits

There are a few different initial steps you can take to jump start a renovation project. They include:

  • Budget: Figure out how much you are able to spend on the project. By setting a budget, you’ll know what you can afford, which helps with prioritization.

  • Goals: Decide on the project's purpose. Setting goals from the start can help you create a remodeling project that will actually benefit you upon completion.

  • Prioritize: Think about all the things you could add to the project and prioritize them. Make a list of which aspects you must have and which items are less important if you don’t have the budget or time to do them.

  • Research: Read related home remodeling articles to understand the exact scope of the project you want to undertake. 

  • Timeline: Decide how long you’d like the project to take. Your family may have to make some sacrifices over the duration of the project, so you might want to take on a project that has a limited timeline.

What Is the Most Important First Step to Take When Planning a Remodeling Project?

The most important step when planning a home remodeling project is to understand exactly what you want to do. By creating focused goals for the plan, you will have an easier time staying on track.

If you want to remodel a basement, focus on adding the right rooms. If you are remodeling the kitchen, figure out what appliances and features you want. 

What you want to avoid is starting a kitchen remodeling project and having it unexpectedly expand into remodeling the dining and laundry rooms, too. The first step is to focus on what you want to accomplish with this project so you can feel confident in taking a first step forward.

Who Should I Call First to Plan a Remodeling Project?

If you need some help with planning your home remodeling project, you should reach out to a local home remodeler. This professional can discuss your goals with you and put together a plan.

When you aren’t sure where to start with any aspect of the project, the home remodeler can provide advice. Some of the steps a home remodeler can help you with include:

  • The remodeler can explain how to renovate a house to gain the biggest benefit while also enhancing your home’s value. 

  • How much does it cost to renovate a house? A remodeling professional can help you set a realistic budget for the goals you have.

  • If you need permits from local authorities for the work, the remodeler can explain this process. 

  • The remodeler can estimate the time required to complete the project.

Some home remodelers can help you with every aspect of planning a remodeling project. They can draw plans based on your desires, pull permits, oversee the demolition and construction, and hire subcontractors to do certain aspects of the work. 

If you decide to hire this person, you may have to pay an upfront fee or deposit that can be quite high. How much of a deposit can a contractor ask for? A down payment ranging from 10% to 50% of the total cost of the project is possible, depending on the remodeler and the type of work you’re doing.

If you must put down a deposit, you will want to have a contract with this person that describes the work in detail. The contract should protect both you and the remodeler from any unfair tactics. You should have your personal lawyer look over the contract to be certain you are protecting yourself legally.

Pro Tip

Do your research before diving into a remodeling project. Reach out to as many different types of people as you can, from contractors to remodeling companies, to be as informed as possible on all the modern remodeling options available to you.

Vice President of Marketing, People and Technology, Improveit Home Remodeling

Frequently Asked Questions

Consider making your deck wheelchair accessible with a wheelchair ramp or a vertical lift. This will ensure those struggling with mobility issues can enjoy the deck as much as the rest of the family members. Making your deck slip-proof for your older family members can significantly enhance their safety level. You can also consider adding sectioned handrails to provide additional support so it’s easier for those living with disabilities to move freely on the deck.

The height of your deck determines whether it needs railings or not. Regulations vary based on where you live, but most local building codes require decks over 30 inches high to have railings. Most areas also require railings to be at least 36 inches high. If your deck or porch is lower than 30 inches, you may be able to build it without railings.

Local building codes don’t list the number of steps a deck can have before it needs a railing. Instead, regulations are based on the height of the deck. In most areas, a deck over 30 inches high must have a railing. That equates to four to seven steps, depending on a deck’s stair height.

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