Thinking of a budget remodel to update or fix things about your house that you don’t like?
Join the club! There’s nothing like living in a space for a while to figure out what you would like to change in layout or use of the space.
That’s why I give my home buying clients a head start with a gift of the book Renovation — a sort of bible for learning all about how houses work and how to approach remodels.
The authors Michael Litchfield and Chip Harley (a longtime Berkeley general contractor) suggest sketching out your house dimensions, systems, and everything in between on paper. Then using tracing paper to play with remodeling ideas.
Paper is fun. What’s more fun is skipping the paper to use a tool like user-friendly Home Designer software by Chief Architect; Chief Architect is the professional version of this software. An architect using Chief Architect could import your starter sketches into their fully featured software.
HomeDesigner is how I ended up designing a remodel of a laundry room into a laundry – bath combo — successfully and to code.
My licensed contractor was delighted to see my blueprints and 3D models that were ready (well, almost ready) to submit to the building department.
Here’s the full story of how I used Home Designer for my remodel…which I have recently rediscovered and am obsessed with because it is so much fun to use!
Remodel Tips from Susie’s Trenches
- Use a licensed contractor and check your city’s permit rules.
- Get a few bids and references from clients.
- “Mock up” how you will use the room to make sure you have the storage, outlets, light switches, heating, and all of those important things that you will regret not having.
- Take your time — don’t rush into the remodel.
- Think down the line about other remodels you may want to do.
- What will you lose by making the changes you’re thinking about?
- Is there other work you should do at the same time — especially related to plumbing and electrical upgrades?
- There is a lot more to consider. Feel free to get in touch to chat about your remodeling ideas!
