New Beginnings 1. Planning a remodel

The beginning of a new year is always very exciting. It’s a time when people think about all the possibilities with the fresh new start. People get an opportunity to plan for the new year.  A home is a very important element in everyone’s life. Every day, each one of us spends some time in the house. In a day, we generally spend between 6-14 hours with even more time spent during the weekend. Therefore, one needs to think about how to not only have a house, but to make the house a home.

Re-modelling is a good way to intentionally convert spaces that were not working optimally to more functional spaces. Before one plans on the type of remodel, one needs to set up the budget for the works. Once this is established, one can then choose the type of remodel they would like to do. There are three types of remodel: 

1. Minor remodel with Major redecoration
2. 50/50 remodel and redecoration 
3.  Major remodel

One also needs to establish areas to prioritize that either will generally improve the day today function of the home or will largely optimize the use of the space. 

 1. Minor remodel with Major redecoration

Minor remodel includes addition of smaller items that are inexpensive, are smaller in size and can be DIYs. These items can be bought pre-cut or finished and all we have to do is installation. One minor remodel that makes a very big difference is installation of storage shelves. Storage is important in almost every room. It helps to keep the room clean but mostly organized.  Shelves are easy to install and can be bought finished. General repair works such as fixing broken cabinets, leaking mixers and broken down door lock or handles is also an easy way to improve the home. Once these items are fixed, a whole fresh new coat of paint brings life to the space. The choice of colours is important because it can either bring glam or make the space dead.

 2.50/50 remodel and redecoration

In this type of remodel, it is necessary to chose rooms that require more attention than others and those that will make a total difference to the house. The kitchen, bathroom and laundry room/area are the most important. Cooking and cleaning which is done most of the time is done in these rooms. Due to their heavy use, these rooms require constant attention in cleaning. Therefore, this rooms need to be functional, easy to use and maintain. Partial re-decoration can also be done to the other rooms to give them a new sense of “fresh”.

3. Major remodel

A major remodel can be an expensive affair. This type of remodel includes a complete change of floor, wall and ceiling finishes. It also included demolitions to open up spaces or reconfiguration of space layouts. A major remodel will require services of an interior designer and a good contractor/builder.  This is because, there may be interference with electrical and plumbing systems and will need a whole new planning.  This type of remodel also takes time both planning and implementation and may require one to completely move out of the house for it to be done.  It is necessary to do this type of remodel at least every 15-20 years because the use of the different spaces in the house may have changed. The users themselves will also have changed in age and therefore will require different needs. 

P.S Tips on remodeling.

Check out ideas from Better Homes and gardens on remodeling on the link http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/advice/creative-remodeling-ideas/  

Check-out my next post on “Planning a redecoration” to give you insight on how to improve a home significantly by change of FF&E (Furniture fittings and equipment).