Planning Tips for your Next Remodel

Planning a Remodel?
When you are planning a remodel, it is important to consider some things before you embark on this endeavor. First of all, we always suggest taking some time to dream up all your big plans and what you would love to be able to do, then pare down the list as you consider practicality and budget contraints.

Some things to keep in mind:

Needs: what do you absolutely need this space to do for you? Whether you are building an addition, remodeling an old space and keeping as much in place as possible, or expanding one room into another, you MUST consider what you needs are.

Functionality: Now that you have your needs identified, think about how this space will be used day to day to accomplish meeting those needs. Do you NEED space to eat in your kitchen? How can you best accomplish this? For example, a kitchen island with stools may be one option, a nook with built in bench seating is another, and accommodating floor space for a full size dining table is yet another option for you to consider. But how will this need be met best in your family?

Material Selections: No matter what your space, whether your remodel involves creating a family room, an office, a master suite, or a kitchen or bath, material selections should be carefully considered relative to how the space will be used, and usually, by whom. Spaces that will need to live up to heavy traffic, children, pets, moisture, grease spills, etc. need to be carefully planned with durability in mind, as well as ease of cleaning and maintenance to keep the surfaces looking good. For example, the popular stainless steel kitchen appliances aren't a great fit for toddlers and young children who love to leave finger prints all over the shiny surfaces as they steady themselves or help themselves to a cup of juice from the fridge.

Aesthetics: Not least on the list is aesthetics, as any household project that you are investing time and or money into needs to be not only functional, but beautiful and appealing as well. Consider this when you are choosing material and finish selections. Taking a look through some design and remodeling magazines, window shopping at home centers and design showrooms, or browsing the internet for images is a great way to get those creative juices flowing and plan a project that flows together nicely.

Budget: Finally, budget is always a consideration (at least for most of us considering a remodeling project these days). Use your lists you have created with needs, material selections, and aesthetics to select options that fall within your budget. Places you can splurge are often in the little things, such as knobs, hinges, outlet covers, and fixtures that add a little class without breaking the bank. Places you can save are areas like flooring or counter selections, where you can often "go faux" for less investment than the real thing without compromising on style or durability, in many cases. Be sure to check specific manufacturer's guidelines for appropriate applications and maintenance issues. And consider the long-term cost when looking at the whole picture: for example, a laminate counter top with a faux stone finish won't be as durable as the real stone counterpart, but the cost of repair or replacement down the road is still probably going to be less than the initial investment of a stone piece. Additionally, most of us are easy enough on our countertops that a properly installed laminate will have a good lifespan of use before you need to consider replacement, unless you decide you are ready for another new look down the road. In this case, you would probably be wise to save some significant dollars in this area and get the same overall look for much less than the real thing.
Also, be a smart shopper. Sometimes, you can get small or odd sized pieces of stone from a quarry that they can't sell, or remnants from a larger installation might just be perfect for what you need, and you'll save big bucks over the full size slabs. Also, look to wholesalers and salvage stores for more budget friendly options. And if your looking to remodel somewhere down the road, be a frequent flier at your local home stores- they are sure to have something on clearance you can snap up for your project (like 12" x12" tile for $0.50 a square foot) that will save you money you can invest elsewhere.

Look for more tips to come, and as always happy remodeling!

If you have a question or need help with a remodeling project, visit our website at or email us at info@modreno.com for more info.


For homeowners in the Harrisonburg, VA area, give us a call at 540-421-6206 to schedule a free initial project consultation. We are conveniently located in downtown Harrisonburg and will be happy to meet you at your home to discuss whatever it is you have in mind. We'll even bring some ideas along to help you out!