You may not have this amount of room to use for your
central kitchen and living area, but note some interesting features. One, consider
how you could use one central area for family living. Another for cooking and meal preparation.
And a third for a dining area. Which leaves a section for a living area for television watching, game playing and gathering. Two,
concentrate on using lighting creatively.
With
the extra time many of us have spent at home over the past few months,
there have been plenty of opportunities to think about how that living space
could be improved.
While this may not
be the ideal time to tackle a full gut and renovate project, it may still be
possible to do some smaller scale remodeling projects that update and improve
your home. For
example, simple cosmetic repairs like painting and replacing vanities can make
a noticeable difference with minimal work or investment. Or if you’re hesitant
about bringing contractors into the house, outdoor projects like replacing fencing,
adding paver stones or constructing outdoor living spaces may be a benefit for
your family.
Before
you take on a project, consider these tips from Robi Kirsic, MCKBR, UDCP, chairman
of the board of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and co-CEO
of TimeLine Renovation & Design.
Define
the Purpose
The
first consideration whether you’re making changes for yourself or for future
resale is the purpose of your project. This determines everything from the
budget to the materials you select. Remember projects in the kitchen and
bathroom typically bring the greatest return on investment.
READ MORE: What My Bathroom Remodel Taught Me
It’s
also a good idea to plan how you’ll use the renovated area. When possible,
incorporate elements of universal design that don’t change how the space looks
but will change how it works. For example, in the bathroom, install a curbless
shower, taller toilet and block in walls to allow future installation of grab
bars.
Stick
to a Budget
Another
early decision is your budget. It’s fruitless to spend time looking at
materials and making design decisions based on products that exceed your budget
or, conversely, fall below the quality level you prefer. Having a professional
involved can help keep you from overspending and identify areas you may want to
splurge or pull back.
Select
a Remodeler
Friends
and family can be great resources when it comes to choosing a remodeling
contractor since they’re likely to give detailed and candid opinions about
their experiences. When you begin interviewing companies yourself, verify they’re
licensed and insured, and ask what they offer above those minimum requirements.
Are they certified or accredited? Do they specialize in the type of work you’re
considering? Also be sure to request and check references and search online for
reviews.
Conduct
Virtual Meetings
While
some projects may require an in-person assessment, many planning sessions can
be conducted virtually. You can even shop products to be used in your project
virtually since online catalogs typically show a variety of colors and finishes
along with prices. For items you need to see or feel to choose, like flooring, request
samples to test in your home. To make your virtual meetings most productive, prepare
by providing a detailed scope of work and be ready to provide measurements and
show the space cleared of clutter.
Keep
it Safe
For
some families, sticking to outdoor projects may be more comfortable in the
short term. For those who are ready to bring contractors inside, there are numerous
steps you can take to create a safer working environment. Examples include
asking everyone involved to wear face masks and gloves and using plastic at
doorways to keep the work area separate from the living area. Regular
disinfecting and a thorough cleaning at the end of the project are also
important preventive steps.
Find
more remodeling resources, including certified contractors in your community,
at RemodelingDoneRight.com.
Source: Family
Features