7 Home Remodel & New Build Tips We’ve Learned Along the Way
At the new year, my family and I started our seventh house project together. That’s seven in just two decades, with projects ranging from new builds to full scale renovations. Some of the projects literally started with rough sketches we penciled ourselves at the kitchen table and then sheepishly handed off to our architect with a please can you make this into reality?
Before you assume we’re crazy, know we just really like building and renovating houses…and we might be crazy. All of us get involved in the project. My son, Boston, loves creating landscape plans and being a part of the landscape process—he is on a first name basis with our landscaper! Boston used to come to class with me when I was going back to interior design school at Gallatin College MSU. I’d be learning CAD and he’d want to design right alongside me so I set him up on his computer with a kid friendly design app. Ryan, my husband, loves developing his man cave and garage space which means I pretty much take over the rest. 😉
Our current remodel was not in our master plan but when the right property opened up in cozy downtown Manhattan, MT– where we live–we pivoted. Plans to build our forever home are paused and now we’re diving head first into this project. When you see the natural light and potential of this home you’ll understand why!
I really get where my clients are coming from because I have been in their shoes more than half a dozen times. And I know what it’s like from the remodel and construction business side of things. Knowing both sides well has taught me a few things and I wanted to share them with you. My husband, son and even our dogs have their own perspectives I wanted to include too.
We hope this helps you with your own home projects.
Kiyomi
From me, Kiyomi:
Get to know your architect and contractor.
You and your architect are about to embark on a long-term relationship. Home projects typically last 2-3 years from conception to completion. Same goes for your contractor. Creating a team that you enjoy working with, that relates to your vision and you can imagine wanting to email and talk to for 3 years is extremely important. Interview your potential architect and contractor, ask for referrals, and do your own research. Bottom line: make sure they have a design aesthetic that works well with your project.
Do some of the legwork or hire an interior designer.
Head out and get as many bids for finishes (countertops, tile), plumbing, appliances, lighting etc. as you can or select an interior designer to help with selecting the finishes you want in your home. The time you spend in the early stages will help save time and keep you on budget down the road. Having real estimates for materials you personally selected will help your contractor provide a better estimate to build your home.
Spend time on electrical and decorative lighting locations.
Work with your architect to make sure the decorative lighting is all in the final set of plans. Oftentimes, the final set of plans do not have ALL the decorative lighting included. Wall sconces, pendants, and chandeliers are key elements to making your home shine. Having all the locations in the final plans, helps your contractor calculate an accurate bid from the electrician. Time and time again, I’ve seen the budget for the decorative lighting as a fraction of what it should have been.
Expect supply & demand issues.
Be flexible and willing to compromise when issues are presented from your team. There will be times when you absolutely had your mind set on a design or a material (your favorite countertop) but the lead time is not lining up with the installation date. Most of the time we can find another option that doesn’t take away from your project vision. It’s best to choose from what is available and move on. Relentless delays in lead times are an unfortunate new reality in the construction process. If you know this going into your project it’s easier to keep an open mind and not dwell on the ‘could haves.’ Better design outcomes typically grow from these compromises.
From my husband, Ryan (who really really loves his budget spreadsheets 🤣) :
Budget. Budget. Budget.
Make sure you have a contractor that is transparent about costs and is sophisticated enough to accurately track and project those costs through the project to minimize surprises. As challenges arise, your contractor should be knowledgeable about emerging products and trends to provide multiple alternatives to address any situation.
From my son, Boston:
Ample garage space.
I like to have many projects going on, so I suggest thinking about extra garage space. I like to build and craft lots of things, like baseball backstops to small jumps for my scooter and bike. Might be good to keep your kids happy by having lots of garage space for their projects and hobbies too. Happy kids make happy Moms and Dads!
From my pups, Remi & Baker 🐶:
PLAN FOR TREAT STORAGE & SUNNY SLEEPING SPOTS.
Consider easy access to the dog treats! Lots of storage for additional dog treats! Make sure we have plenty of good sleeping places, like an upholstered bench next to the window where we can bask in the warm morning sun and bark at the teenagers walking by from school.
Photos by Tori Pintar