The Home Remodeling Process- Learning Where and How to Get Started

After putting off the remodel job in our master bathroom for what seems like forever, the time has finally come to start the process. For me getting started means a lot of research on the subject matter. After all the time that I have spent trying to wrap my head around the situation, I think the best place to start is the National Association of Remodeling Industry, otherwise known as NARI. The NARI site has information such as things to look for when selecting a remodeling professional, when you need to hire an architect, and tips for remodeling. The part that I found most helpful is a directory list of all the remodeling contractors that are registered with NARI in your area. This is really an excellent place to start and overall I found this to be the single best resource online.

If you are planning to remodel your kitchen and/or bath, the next place I would look is the National Kitchen & Bath Association website (otherwise known as NKBA). This has some excellent resources on guidelines, planning, and hiring a NKBA certified designer. For example, they have an entire section on product news that outlines all the latest and greatest products on the market. In addition, you can use the site to search for design professionals in your area. I also liked all the photographs of the award winning kitchens and bathrooms. It definitely stimulates the mind and gets the creative juices flowing.

I found out that when you hire a designer for a remodeling project, the average price for design services range from $60 to $200 per hour. Typically a designer will charge an hourly fee and cost plus on the purchase finish items such as tile, bathtubs, fixtures etc. The cost plus percentage varies by designer and they will outline their fee schedule in the contract.
Another solid resource for getting your sea legs in the whole remodeling process is the Home & Garden Television website (HGTV). They have an entire section designated for remodeling with information outlined by category. For example, they have categories ranging from architecture, books/videos, tools, walls, interior design... you name it, it is there. Each week they have different helpful articles that are centered around the topic of remodeling. Best of all is the Remodeling Toolbox. They have handy calculators and tools such as:

3-D Kitchen Designer
Remodeling Budget Estimator
Drywall Calculator
Paint Estimator
Tile Estimator

Also they have a how to video center. The first quick how to video I watched was about peeling off old wallpaper which can be a beast of a project if you do not know any helpul tips and tricks. There is vast information available online on this subject. In addition, your local bookstore is loaded with hardback design books that will serve as a great resource for ideas. I would suggest spending a little bit of research time each day until you feel comfortable moving forward with your project.

After you have determined the scope of work, it is time to get started on making a binder/wish book with examples of things that you find appealing. This can include pictures from magazines, advertisements, photographs and drawings. Also be sure to include types of tile, stone, fixtures, appliances, etc. that you like. If you have a favorite piece of art or a rug that you would like to use as a color inspiration for your remodel, be sure to include a photograph of that as well. It is ok to have part of your wishbook on your computer if you want to include digital photos of things that you have found online. The wishbook will serve as place for you to collect your thoughts and wil help architects, designers, contractors, and even store clerks understand what you are trying to accomplish with your project.

Stay tuned for more information on this subject as the process unfolds.