The Hardwood Flooring Expert Blog - Los Angeles

7 Design Tips For Remodelers

Considering remodeling a room in your home?  Whether you've hired a contractor to do the handiwork or you plan to tackle the job yourself, there are a few important things to remember.  Offered below are 7 tips to keep in mind before taking on a remodel project. 

1. Know Your Budget.  The first step to any remodel project is to craft a clearly defined budget.  While it may sound like an obvious first step, many people often overlook the importance of having a financial plan in place.  Skipping this step will likely result in overspending and could spell disaster for your finances - possibly stopping your project dead in it's tracks.  Also, it's a good idea to plan for the unexpected.  Unforeseen costs have a way of popping up in the middle of a remodel project.  Building a 10-20% buffer into your budget is a good way to make sure that unexpected costs can be covered.
2. Find The Style That Works For You.  A homeowner should consider his/her own personal style when planning a remodel project.  Do you prefer a more contemporary design approach?  Or, are you looking for a more modern feel?  The bottom line is to go with the style that best suits your needs - after all, you're the one who has to live with it.  
3. Think Outside The Box - Can It Be Refinished?  Running tight on money?  Following a strict budget sometimes means you must be willing to compromise.  Refacing your current cabinets or refinishing that old office desk can be a cost-saving alternative to simply starting from scratch and buying new.  Before scrapping things like cabinets and old furniture, consider whether or not the item can be refurbished to give it a fresh appearance.  Click here for some creative ideas for turning "trash" into treasure.
4. Wallpaper - Remove It or Paint Over It?  Some may argue that it's completely acceptable to simply paint over wallpaper.  Yes, slapping a couple coats of paint on top of the wallpaper is much easier than the removal process.  However, most home improvement experts agree that wallpaper should be removed before painting whenever possible.  It may be a long, frustrating process - but, in the end, you'll likely be much happier with the results.  
5. Solid or Engineered Hardwood Flooring?  Replacing the floors in your home is a huge decision.  From carpet to tile, wood to laminate, and more - determining which flooring option is the best for your home requires careful consideration.  If you're leaning toward installing hardwood, it's important to understand the differences between a solid hardwood floor and an engineered hardwood floor.  There are several key characteristics of each that will help you decide which will work in certain areas of your home. 
6. Choose Fixtures From the Same Manufacturer.  While it may seem like a good idea to mix and match fixtures based on where you can find them the cheapest, you may be disappointed with the end result.  For example, what may be considered "white" from one manufacturer could be a completely different hue in another brand.  If you want to ensure that everything matches, it's a good idea to choose fixtures from the same manufacturer.  
7. When In Doubt, Hire A Professional.  Some home projects are better left to a professional.  Taking on projects that are beyond your realm of expertise can result in more money being spent (to fix your mistakes) and sometimes even injury.  So, if you have doubts about your ability to properly complete a remodel - hire a professional.