Have you ever wondered where you should start when thinking about doing a remodeling project? If you have, you are in luck! EED is introducing a new blog series to help all you DIYers out there! This month we are tackling the topic of determining your project scope and timeline. We recommend starting out this way because it will help you discover your wants and needs, but it also sets expectations for your project. Without further ado, let’s get down to it!
First we’ll break down the project scope, or in different terms, the full list of everything you’re going to be doing within your remodel project. If you are remodeling, we’re sure you’ve been dreaming of the changes you are going to make for a long time. Living in your home before you remodel is a great way to find out exactly what you want for your home and exactly what spaces you are going to tackle – ultimately finetuning your project scope. Whether your project is a full home remodel or just a bathroom facelift, it is important to come up with a list for each space and to also note your expectations for the space after the remodel. While this is just the beginning of the project, it is always important to keep the overall end goal in mind.
After making your list of spaces that your remodel project will consist of, it is time to dream big! This next step is vital to the success of your end project. Think long and hard about every little finetuned detail you expect. For example, if remodeling your kitchen is on your project scope, some wants may include: a Pot filler, Smart Appliances, an espresso coffee machine. Some examples of needs may include: Updating electrical, plumbing, cabinets, and painting. This list will also come in handy later when thinking about the project budget. You can prioritize these wants and needs so when it comes time to talk budget, you can use that order to decide what gets prioritized in the remodel.
Now that you have your project scope complete, it is time to plan your project timeline. The project timeline is one of the trickiest parts of any renovation project. It is easy to get overwhelmed during this step of the remodel process, so remember to take a deep breath and remember that every remodel project has a start and finish. Plus, Elizabeth Erin Designs is always here to assist you with achieving your vision!
When doing a DIY remodel, you will quickly learn that when planning your timeline, it is important to keep two things in mind. The first is to always expect delays. The second is the bigger the project, the more time the project will need. The actual timeline of your renovation should start with the planning phase where you select all of your materials and make all of your plans and budget. Then it will be time for demolition. After the demolition, all of the work that needs to be done behind the walls such as plumbing or electrical takes place. Next, it’s time to close up those walls and start working on the cosmetic and aesthetic portion of the renovation.
While we can’t tell exactly how long your specific project will take from start to finish, we can give you a few things to think about. Your home renovation will not happen over night and it will have some impact on your daily life, especially if you plan on living in your home during the renovation. For example, if you are doing a kitchen and bath remodel, make a plan on what bathroom can be used in place as the one under construction. When it comes to the kitchen, plan to have meals that don’t need a full kitchen to make (ex: microwave meals), allot a certain amount of your renovation budget to eating out more, or make meal plans with nearby friends or relatives. These may seem like small things in the midst of your renovation, but planning ahead and being aware of how long your renovation may take will relieve a lot of stress in the long run.
I hope you feel more educated when it comes to knowing how to start your DIY Renovation! Make sure to check back next month for the next installment of our DIY Remodel Series, where we will be talking all-things general contracting! If you want more information on our residential design services, visit our website here. If you have a topic you would like us to cover in a future blog, please reach out to us via email office@elizabetherindesigns.com and let us know! Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with all the latest EED info. Have a beautiful week and remember to never stop striving to achieve your vision!
We are blessed to employee some of the best up and coming interior designers in training! This blog was written by Ashtyn Chance, Sr. at UNI Interior Design Program and edited by Jodi Peterman. Fantastic job Ashtyn!
