How can anyone feel anything but excitement about the new year when envisioning and planning home upgrades or renovations? There’s something special about the concept of “new” for me. Whether it’s something modern and shiny or a cherished older piece, I dedicate time to transform it into something beautiful.
What about you? Are you envisioning or planning a renovation for 2025? If so, we’re here to share tips and assist with your planning.
Nowadays, our homes are our sanctuaries, right? More and more people are choosing to enhance their homes instead of relocating. Many of us, prompted by COVID-19, realized that we want a space we love or a haven to retreat to. Many of you, our clients, have created those beautiful spaces and still love them today.
No matter your motivation for remodeling in 2025, we hope this blog aids in your preparations.
What’s your motivation? You’ve likely heard about defining your motivation for business, but this principle applies equally to planning your home renovation. Take some time to reflect on why you want to remodel your kitchen.
Is it for convenience? To create a welcoming space for family and friends? To update decor that feels outdated since the 90s? Or perhaps you’re preparing to sell your home in 2026? Identifying your motivation is crucial before moving forward with any plans, and it's important to articulate this to the design and renovation companies you consult.
Trends can influence our decisions but are not always a sound reason to renovate. Many of our clients remodeled their homes when the open concept was a big trend, and while I still favor this style, like all trends, it is coming to an end (for now). Since 2020, there has been a growing appreciation for private spaces, including rooms that can be adapted for home gyms or offices.
In addition to determining your “why,” what are your other goals? We LOVE checking out all of the emerging trends. Yet, we often advise that if this isn’t your forever home, consider making trendy selections in areas that a future homeowner can easily update. Think about hardware and lighting choices, tiles in specific spaces, or even paint colors. Cabinets and countertops tend to be more complex and costly to replace.
Don’t overlook your project's functionality during the planning stage. Consider how you intend to utilize the new space and what elements matter to all household members. Above all, establishing a budget is essential. Ensure you have a realistic budget before engaging with designers and contractors.
One of our competitors has the tagline “It’s not pretty.” If only we had thought of that! It’s a genuine statement. Until the renovation is complete, there's little that feels aesthetically pleasing about a home transformation. Budgeting tends to be one of the most challenging aspects to manage. It's crucial to consider various elements when planning your budget, and it's best to start this process early.
First, prioritize your project. Will you need to tackle it in phases? Is any one project more critical than others—like whether a new kitchen takes precedence over a bathroom? Reflect on the different aspects of your renovation and how they might be interdependent. For example, should new flooring installation wait until after the cabinets are in place?
Are you renovating to increase your home's market value before a move, or do you intend to stay in your home long-term, possibly forever? This significantly influences your budget and choices. Be sure to research costs thoroughly. Plenty of online resources, including renovation calculators, can offer insights. However, be cautious about relying solely on what you see on HGTV; many cost estimates do not factor in overhead or profit, and they need to consider how certain materials can impact your budget.
If you're revamping the footprint of your home—like removing walls or adding on—factor in the costs for an architect and engineer. Additionally, designer fees and permits must be allocated in your budget. Remember always to include a contingency amount in your final calculations. A cushion of 5% to 10% can be beneficial when unexpected expenses arise or you decide to expand the project scope.
We frequently discuss with our clients how the choice of materials affects their home’s value. Generally, homeowners spend about 8% to 12% of their home's value on kitchen renovations, while bathrooms typically see around 5% to 7%. Plumbing, lighting, flooring, countertops, and tile costs vary widely. Research the desired look, materials, and preferred manufacturer for these features.
Try not to feel overwhelmed, and remember that a reputable contractor can and should assist you in navigating these decisions. If a contractor fails to take the time to understand the costs associated with the materials and fixtures you desire, expect to encounter unforeseen change orders as the project progresses.
Over the years, we've encountered too many clients who were disappointed or taken advantage of by renovation firms. Do your research. Verify their online presence, including a website and social media profiles. Check their reviews and note how current they are. If they haven’t received a five-star review in years, exercise caution.
We strongly recommend speaking to former clients who have completed similar projects for significant renovations. If feasible, visit a couple of those clients in person. Always request to see the contractor's insurance; if they offer a warranty, that's even better.
This step is critical. Do the due diligence upfront to identify a professional and qualified contractor. No renovation process is entirely smooth and without frustration. While it may not be appealing, a trustworthy contractor will continue a failing project. They will take the necessary steps to rectify mistakes and ensure you are satisfied with the outcome.
A detailed timeline ensures smooth progress when embarking on a renovation project. Collaborating with a reliable contractor can simplify this process significantly. Start by researching how long similar projects typically take; your contractor should provide a realistic timeline and a tentative schedule for key milestones.
We recommend that clients consider moving out during renovations. Living amidst constant noise, dust, and unfamiliar workers can be overwhelming. However, if relocating isn't an option, ensure that a dedicated project manager is assigned to keep your space as organized and clean as possible.
Be strategic about the timing of your renovation. Avoid scheduling projects around vacations, weddings, or significant life events. If you plan to renovate your new home, consider delaying your move-in until most renovations are complete. This will relieve stress and ensure a smoother transition into your revamped space.
Above all, remember to be flexible. Let this sink in: flexibility is key! Renovations often come with unexpected challenges—materials may arrive late, tradespeople might fall ill, and unforeseen issues can arise. Acknowledge that those managing your project are only human and extend to them the same understanding you'd like to receive.
Another thing to think about is preparing your home. Ask about ways to protect your furniture or prized possessions. A good contractor will cover your floors with paper and use plastic sheets to keep as much dust within the confined area as possible. Do you have a pet that needs to be contained during the day so they won’t slip out an open door while the crew is cutting tile outside? Don’t rely on strangers to watch over or keep your children or pets safe.
We are thrilled for you as you plan your dream project for 2025. We're here to assist you. Dedicate the necessary time to facilitate thorough planning and preparation. The preconstruction phase can span six to twelve months and typically involves a designer and architect. Additionally, choosing your floor or paint colors, tile styles, faucets, and lighting takes time. Having a wealth of ideas for initial conversations is beneficial. We highly recommend our clients bring inspirational images from Pinterest or Instagram.
It's a lot to manage. Enjoy the journey as much as possible, considering the result you're striving for. Despite any dust, delays, or unforeseen challenges, you will love your new space, and in hindsight, the journey should feel worthwhile. This is a substantial investment; for many, it represents one of the most significant expenditures besides purchasing a home. Take the time to execute it correctly and seek the ideal project team.
