Starting a home remodeling project can be overwhelming.

Determine the goal & scope of your home remodeling project.

Before setting out to make a major home improvement, it’s important to determine the project’s goal and scope. A few things to consider:

• Identify needs vs. wants. What are your “must-haves,” and what would be nice to have?

• List priorities. Does one aspect of the project stand above all others in terms of importance? Make that area the focus of your remodel, and don’t let other elements distract you from your core vision. This will be especially important if your budget is limited and you decide to stagger your remodeling projects over time.

• Research materials and methods for remodeling projects like yours. It helps to know the ins and outs of a project before speaking with a contractor about it! We're happy to guide you through the best materials and methods, but we're also able to bring your vision to life if you know exactly what materials you'd like to use. (P.S. Pinterest is great for searching for inspiration! If you show us a look, we can guide you on specific materials.)

• Determine the size & scope of your project. If you’re looking to remodel an existing space (such as a kitchen or bathroom) you’ll be able to skip right ahead to a contractor (like Home Run Improvement) as your first call. If you’re looking to structurally change your home or make an addition to the home, you’ll want to contact a residential architect who can assist in drawing up plans for your remodel and determine if there are any needed permits before construction can begin. Without having these plans first, a contractor cannot provide an accurate estimate. Further, without any necessary permits, you’re putting yourself and your home at risk–don’t trust a contractor willing to skip these critical steps!

Set a budget and stick to it.

The budget will be one of the most important parts of your remodeling project. Here are some things to keep in mind as you make your plans:

• If possible, stick to cash. Loans are great for many things, but if at all possible, try to avoid going into debt for remodeling projects. It's recommended that with a loan, you pay off the interest before it's due (typically within six months) to save on costs later down the line. Of course, this isn't always realistic—a lot of people don't have thousands of dollars sitting around! But if you can do this successfully, your future self will thank you. If a loan is needed, check with your bank to determine what loan is best for you. Home Run does not offer in-house financing. 

• Plan for some wiggle room at the end of your project. We advise saving an additional 5-15% over your estimated expense. No matter how meticulous and careful you are with your budgeting plan—and especially as you dive into uncharted territories like installations or home repairs—unexpected costs often arise. This may be due to additional features you decide you want to add on as the project is in progress, further damage/repairs needed that are revealed through demolition, or simply for interior design/decor or once the space is remodeled!

Select a trusted contractor. 

• Before you spend your hard earned money and allow someone to make changes to your home, you want to ensure you’re hiring someone with experience that you can trust. Start by checking reviews and references for contractors. Ensure that the person you are hiring has experience doing the type of remodeling you are looking to do and check to ensure they are licensed and have insurance. 

• You’ll then want to schedule an estimate appointment (always free at Home Run) to determine the estimated cost of your project. This is not only a good time to determine if your project is within your budget, but also to discuss your options and design.

• At Home Run Improvement we are proud to stand behind the 100+ reviews of our customers with a rating of 4.8+ out of 5 stars. Our results speak for themselves! With ten years of experience as a locally owned and operated business, we put the utmost priority on professionalism, integrity, & quality. We provide clear pricing estimates up front and ensure every customer is highly satisfied with the work performed. 

Plan ahead for construction or spaces to be out of service temporarily.

• Establish a timeline. Allowing yourself leeway for delays can help keep you from feeling frustrated and allow you to plan around when remodeling will be taking place. It can also be helpful to work with your contractor in establishing a reasonable timeline so you'll know what to expect throughout the project and how long various tasks will take. 

• Plan ahead for spaces that won't be in use temporarily during your remodel: If you're planning on having a bathroom remodeled, for instance, plan ahead to use other bathrooms in the house and clear out the space until it will be ready for use again.

• In rare situations with large remodels, consider finding an alternative living arrangement, such as a rental or staying with friends or family. This may sound drastic, but it's worth considering if you're planning extensive renovations that take up much of your home such as a home addition or if primary spaces are being worked on all at once (bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen). Especially if you have small children, it can make the process easier on everyone involved to get out of the house and stay elsewhere while major construction is underway.

At Home Run we will give you your timeline of your remodel once a contract has been signed. Timelines vary based on type of project and availability of our crews, but our turn-around is one of the quickest in the Louisville area. We strive to be up and out of your space as quickly as possible, while still performing a thorough and quality job.

A home remodel is a big project that will pay off if you plan ahead and work with the right people.

That's why we're here to help. Home remodeling can be a cumbersome and confusing process, but you don’t have to go it alone. If you still have questions on where to get started or if you’re ready to take the step of getting an estimate, call us today at 502-888-1396!