Part I: The Starting Line
Embarking on a home renovation is an exciting time that promises to turn your house into a haven that sparks joy and inspires you daily. However, it can also be incredibly daunting and even a little scary, making you wonder where to start, how long it will take, and what happens during construction. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Our New Beginnings series for the Central Park Scoop will guide you through the entire home renovation process, giving you the confidence to take the first step toward the home of your dreams. First up: how to start the home renovation process.
Define your Goals and Budget
The first step in renovating your home is to clearly identify your goals. Do you want to completely overhaul your home or focus on specific areas? Will you be able to move out during construction (or delay move-in if you’ve just purchased your property), or will you need to stagger your renovation to accommodate your living arrangements? Logistics is an important piece of the renovation puzzle.
Hone in on your daily pain points. Look beyond the cosmetics and identify what would make your life easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. And start big! Create a wish list of everything you would love to see in your home, then prioritize based on need versus want.
Once you have established your goals for the renovation project, the next step is to estimate your budget. Initially, it may be challenging to determine the budget, and many clients need help understanding the costs involved. We get it – these are not expenses you encounter regularly, and you may not have previous experience with design and construction. Begin by identifying a ballpark number of how much you feel comfortable spending. This starting point will help set expectations in the initial discussions with your designer and contractor.
Find your Team
While some homeowners may opt for a DIY approach to renovation, hiring design and construction professionals can ensure a smoother and more successful outcome, especially for complex projects. As interior designers, we are usually the first partners in the process. If you’ve never thought about hiring a design professional, consider the following benefits:
Decision-Making: So many selections need to be made – even for small-scale projects. From tile and flooring to lighting and hardware, the list is extensive, the choices are vast, and decision fatigue is real. Interior designers can help ease the burden of making countless decisions by yourself.
Design Management: We work closely with your contractor and keep you informed at every step to ensure your design concept is executed as you envisioned.
Budget and ROI: It may seem counter-intuitive, but working with an interior designer can save you money and increase the return on investment for home renovations. We will help you prioritize spending, identify cost-saving opportunities, and prevent costly mistakes arising from uninformed design decisions or changes made during construction.
Once you’ve onboarded an interior designer, they can help you find a reputable contractor and other trade partners who best suit your needs, expectations, and timeline.
Develop Your Vision
In the renovation world, this phase is officially called “Design Development.” It is one of my favorite parts of the process as an interior designer. Through an extensive questionnaire and initial on-site meeting, we get to know our clients – their hopes and dreams, how old their children are, what pets they have, and where they envision themselves in ten years. All of this research shapes their design. From the fabrics we use on the sofa to the paint finish we select for the walls.
We encourage our clients to hone in on their preferred style through self-exploration. Pinterest and Instagram are great places to start. These visual-centric platforms will give you color palettes, trending design ideas, and creative decor solutions. However, to create a timeless space reflecting your unique self, look beyond social media. You can draw inspiration from your travels, life experiences, and family heritage.
Once we gain insight into our client’s lifestyle, aesthetic, and functional needs, we create a mood board to set the tone for the renovation. In the design kick-off meeting, we will review textures, colors, furniture lines, and high-level space planning. We will also clarify your budget and project requisites. By establishing a clear design vision, we create a framework that guides all aspects of your project and ensures that every decision is informed and intentional.
Pro Tip: Deciding on appliances is the first piece of the puzzle if you are planning a kitchen renovation. Determine if you want a more robust stove, a pebble ice maker, or that wine refrigerator you’ve been dreaming about. These items have a significant impact on your cabinet layout.
What’s Next?
In Part II of our New Beginnings Series, we will reveal how to implement your design, what to expect during construction, and all the exciting progress we’ve made in our Infinity Model renovation project, stay tuned!
Ready to take the home renovation plunge? We are here to help. Contact us at www.mcdesigninteriors.com/connect and follow @mcdesigninteriors for design inspiration.
Interested in interior design tips to personalize your builder-grade home? Check out this blog post.
