Tile Center's Remodeling Guide: the First 5 Steps

WHY REMODEL?

The first step is to consider why you are remodeling. Is your shower leaking and you just need a quick fix? Are you seeking to add value to your home? Is your bath or kitchen simply outdated and in desperate need of face lift or complete over hall? It’s important to consider how long you plan on living in your house.

If you are moving within the next year or two, then maybe a face lift is all you need and you can consider using lower quality cost effective materials, since they only need to last a short time. If you're planning on a short term commitment, then you can select items trending now, without needing to worry about whether they still will in 5 years.

If you are staying for more than 5 years, consider investing in quality products to last and remain timeless. If you’re going to invest the money, don’t just band-aid the issues, wait till you can afford to remodel the right way, so you can get the maximum return on your investment.

BE INSPIRED!

Find pictures in magazines, on Pinterest or online which speak to you in some way. The images don’t need to show 100% what you want. The image might just have a nice tranquil feel to it. Maybe you like the cabinet or vanity doorstyle in this picture and a countertop from another one. If you have an image to go off of, you will have an easier time communicating your remodeling intentions to a sales associate or installer. Most people try to define style with terms like traditional or contemporary. Yet traditional can mean white bead board with blue paint to one person and travertine with dark moldings to another. The images help to clarify what you mean by “traditional” or “contemporary”. Searching through images also gives you the opportunity to see the latest trends and new materials available.

SET A REALISTIC REMODELING BUDGET

There are unlimited options and a budget could be $25K or $100K for the same room. Be honest with yourself and with sales people/installers on what you're comfortable spending. If you don’t have a budget, then of course you will spend hours picking all of the nicest items, until you’re ready to get started and realize you're way over budget. Remodeling is a balancing game, you can’t always get everything at top notch quality, but if you plan ahead you can be prepared to make the right decisions. If you have a budget you can plan to splurge on nicer quality cabinets and get the less expensive countertop. Set clear expectations for yourself, be realistic and make your remodeling dream come true.

CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL

Talk to a sales person or install early on in the process about your plans, to make sure they are doable for the space you have. Not everyone who says they are “professional” in the remodeling world, is equally qualified. Do your homework, ask for references. Consider working with a kitchen or bathroom designer for a worry free remodeling experience. Look for a company to help you order and install all the materials, so if there is a warranty issue, you only have one person to contact and no one can point fingers at someone else.

SET A CLEAR TIMELINE FOR YOUR PROJECT

Some essential items like kitchen cabinets or vanities can take as much as 4-6 weeks to come in. Be realistic and plan around out of town guests, special events or holidays. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, plan where you can move your refridgerator and microwave to set up a temporary kitchen for a few weeks. Finally, get excited! Your remodeling dream is at your fingertips.