A guide to making lasting improvements
Your forever home is not just a place to live, it’s a reflection of your dreams, personality and your aspirations. It’s where you build memories, raise your family and create a lifetime of happiness. As time moves on your house stays the same. When it’s your time to renovate you need the knowledge and experience of professionals to ensure your upgrades stand the test of time and enhance your overall living experience. Read along to discover the art of renovating your forever home.
The absolute first thing you need to do is….Dream! You need a dream, or even better, you need a vision. With a clearly defined vision of how you want your home to feel and look you can move onto the next steps. Not to fret if you don’t know exactly what you want. Start a vision board, pinterest board or maybe a houzz idea book. You can collect images from all over and organize them to help professionals like architects, interior designers or general contractors better understand and accurately build your vision.
Step Two (2) Set yourself a healthy but realistic budget. Make sure you have some extra funds set aside for unexpected surprises or maybe that special upgrade you’re not sure you can do. A renovation can be more costly than initially expected if a budget is not established or discussed early on. Budgets can be established early on by talking to contractors about previous projects and understanding current day costs. Having a well planned budget allows you to ensure your forever home renovation does not become a financial burden.
Now that you have a dream, and understand how much you want to invest into that dream, you need to build your team. Depending on the size of your renovation, your team will generally consist of an architect and/or interior designer and a general contractor with their team of trade partners. Its important to do your research, have exploratory conversations with these professionals to ensure they can understand your goals and share your vision. You are about to embark on a very important part of your life and this team will become the backbone to your successful renovation.
Ok, so now the dream team is built, what next??? Next on the list is to start designing and planning. In the Army we had the six (6) P’s or better known as “Proper planning prevents piss poor performance”. Well this still makes sense when talking about your forever home. Without proper planning you may end with an undesirable outcome in the design, budget and overall quality. Work with your team to capture all of the important details like timelines, materials and most importantly, your vision. When done correctly, proper planning along with obtaining necessary permits help avoid costly delays and potential legal issues during the renovation process.
When renovating your forever home it’s important to prioritize durability and longevity by investing in high-quality materials and craftsmanship. It is your “forever” home isn’t it? Consider timeless designs, energy-efficiency, and flexibility. Don’t get caught up in the trends, unless that’s really what you fancy. Classic designs withstand the test of time and allow you to personalize your space with decor that can easily change with your evolving tastes. Opt for energy-efficient appliances, windows or insulation to help reduce your utility bills and carbon footprint. As your general contractor about eco-friendly materials or about exploring renewable energy options. Remember, it’s Your forever home!
Ultimately, the goal of renovating your forever home is to improve your quality of life. Ensure that every renovation decision enhances your comfort and happiness. Pay attention to the little details that make your house a home, from cozy nooks to thoughtful lighting design. Renovating your forever home is a journey that requires careful planning, investment, and dedication. By focusing on your vision, budget, and the right team, you can create a space that not only meets your immediate needs but also adapts to your evolving lifestyle. Prioritizing longevity, functionality, sustainability, and timeless design will ensure that your forever home remains a source of joy and comfort for years to come. So, take that first step toward transforming your house into the perfect forever home.
