How to prepare for your remodel.

Remodeling a home is always stressful.  This is especially true if you choose to live in the house while work is being done.  There's the noise, dust, inconvenience and schedule disruptions that are bound to take place.  Knowing a few simple tricks up front can help the process go as smoothly as possible from start to finish.

• Do your homework ahead of time.  The world is now full of apps, websites and other tools that can help you get a jump start on your reno.  Pinterest and Houzz are great places to find examples of what you're looking for and they can help you communicate more effectively with me.  If you're not working with an architect or designer, sketch out a rough idea of how you want the room to look.  One picture really is worth a thousand words. 
• Communication is key.  Write down why you want a certain area remodeled.  Is it out of date . . . does the space not work properly . . . have additions to your family left you feeling cramped . . . or, are you just ready for change?  Having something in writing in front of you will help in communincating more effectively with the people actually doing the work. Good up-front communication will save you money in the long run.  Mid-job change orders are budget killers.  Which bring us to . . . 
• Have a budget and stick to it.  A budget - unless you've just won the lottery - is the primary concern on most remodels. Knowing what you can realistically and comfortably afford is mandatory.  Have at least a 20% contingency fund for unforseen costs.  This is especially important in older homes where you may not know what's hiding behind that innocent looking wall.  
• There will be dirt.  At Breckenkamp, we strive to keep our work areas as clean as possible.  However, construction, by it's very nature, is a dirty business.  Just keep reminding yourself that your remodel will come to an end, leaving you with a beautiful new space to enjoy for years to come.