REDWOOD CITY — When taking on a remodeling project, many homeowners feel overwhelmed with the complex nature of the process. However, by addressing a few important aspects ahead of time, you can set yourself up for success. Here are a few things to consider:
Purpose. First, it’s essential to determine what you want to get out of your remodeling project, whether it’s a refurbished kitchen, an additional bathroom or simply extra square footage. Having a clear goal in mind at the beginning will help you keep the rest of the project in focus.
Budget. It’s crucial to establish a budget early, as it affects every other aspect of the process, including the design, materials and appliances. A budget will serve as your financial anchor by ensuring the cost of the project doesn’t exceed what you can afford.
Timeframe. Establish a realistic timeframe for your project by factoring in any limits or constraints that might affect its scheduled completion. Keep in mind that rushing the timeline can influence the budget and potentially the project as a whole.
Municipal requirements. Determine if you’ll need to obtain any permits or fulfill any building code requirements. Such regulatory costs can have a significant impact on your budget, so be sure to account for them in advance. Most cities have informative websites that can answer many pertinent questions, and a trip to your local city planning department can also be beneficial.
Team. Any successful project depends upon the expertise of a professional designer and a general contractor. Sometimes the same person will fulfill both roles, but either way, it’s a good idea to be engaging with both parties from the start. Your contractor will help you establish your budget, while your designer will seek to achieve your goals within those financial boundaries.

Home Remodeling Considerations

by Jim Adkins, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

Video: Preparing for a Remodel

If you're planning on a remodel, you'll first need to know where to start today. We're in Redwood City with Diamond Certified expert contributor Jim Atkins of Walter W Springs Construction to hear his advice on preparing for a remodel. 

Many people do not know where to begin when doing a remodeling project. Where do you begin? One of the most important aspects of any project is to is a budget that you can afford, or that will be appropriate for your neighborhood. Remember, establishing a budget early on will drive the entire process through design, permit process, as well as the construction process.

The next thing to think about is a time frame. Do you have time limits on this project? Does it need to be completed by a certain date? That will certainly affect the budget and potentially the project as a whole. Also, what are the city requirements? Is there something that your city requires you to do that will add additional costs that are unable to be met by your budget? Most cities have very good websites and that information is readily available. If it's not available, a trip to the building department and talking with the Planning and Building officials is a great idea. Tons of information to be gained.

Also, what is your wish list? Are you expecting to get more square footage? Do you want an additional bathroom? Or is there any special needs that are required for you to make this project a success?

Next, you will need to hire a design professional and a general contractor. Hiring the two of them at the same time, or at least engaging them at the same time, is always a good idea. Remember, you have a budget to be met and the building contractor is the one who's going to establish that budget followed by the design that will give you what you want within that budget.

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