Happy New Year from Studio SQUIRE! 2024 was a very busy year for us, and we feel so fortunate for all of the opportunities we were blessed with. We transformed homes across Marin County, designed Tiburon’s newest wine bar, and opened the doors of our brand new Studio SQUIRE design studio. This year has been a whirlwind of creativity and connection! Looking ahead to 2025, we’re beyond excited for what’s to come: new projects, new ideas, and new opportunities to create beautiful, functional spaces that truly feel like home.
As the New Year approaches, many families find themselves dreaming of a home makeover. We thought this would be the perfect time to share our home renovation tips. Whether you’re looking to renovate a single room, refresh your entire home, or make major improvements, the start of a new year is the perfect time to plan and prepare. However, before you dive in with your hammer and paintbrush, there are a few things you should know to ensure your renovation goes smoothly, stays within budget, and results in a home that fits your family’s needs. Here are some essential tips to guide you as you prepare for a successful home renovation in the new year.
Set Clear Goals and Prioritize
It’s easy to get caught up in excitement when thinking about what you want to change in your home. However, it's crucial to take a step back and assess what improvements will truly benefit your family, what will work for your budget, and what is a good order of operations for your projects. Start by identifying your priorities—what do you need most right now? Is it more space for your growing family? A more functional kitchen? Or maybe better storage solutions?
Once you've compiled your list of goals, it's important to rank them according to their urgency and your budget. Breaking down larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks can be incredibly beneficial. Additionally, keep in mind that some projects can influence or depend on others. For example, starting with floor refinishing isn't advisable if you plan to move walls or alter the layout of built-in cabinets soon, as you may end up needing to patch and refinish the floors again.
Budget Wisely and Plan for Surprises
One of the biggest challenges in any renovation is sticking to your budget. Start by setting a realistic budget based on your goals. Take the time to research the average costs for materials, labor, and permits, so you’re not caught off guard. Many renovation projects, especially if you plan on hiring professionals, can run over budget due to unexpected issues, so it’s important to leave some wiggle room for surprises. Professionals can also help you plan for all of the items that will be needed in your project. Once you have an idea of all of the necessary items involved in your project, you can start assigning allowances to these items to help you get toward a ballpark budget for the materials involved.
Consider allocating an additional 15-20% of your budget for unforeseen expenses. It’s easy to assume everything will go according to plan, but from hidden plumbing problems to price hikes on materials, it’s better to be prepared for the unexpected.
Research and Hire the Right Professionals
If you’re not planning to do the renovation work yourself, hiring the right contractors is key to ensuring your vision becomes a reality. Start by researching professionals in your area. Contractors, architects, or designers who specialize in the type of project you’re planning can be great resources to get average cost information and timing. Ask for referrals from friends, family, or online communities, and be sure to check reviews and previous work. As a rule of thumb, it is a great idea to talk to at least three people when deciding whom you would like to work with or getting estimates.
When you're interviewing contractors, it's essential to inquire about their experience with projects like yours, their expected timelines, and to request references from previous clients. Avoid simply choosing the lowest bid; often, those offering the best price may lack the necessary experience and might overlook critical aspects of your project. By opting for skilled and reputable professionals, you'll ultimately save yourself time, money, and a lot of stress down the line.
Establishing clear expectations from the beginning is crucial. Make sure to agree on timelines, budgets, and communication methods to prevent any potential misunderstandings down the line. Having a signed contract can help guarantee that everyone is aligned. It's essential to work with a contract, even for smaller projects.
Get Your Paperwork in Order
Before you start tearing down walls or pulling up flooring, make sure you have all the necessary permits. Depending on the scale of your renovation and where you live, certain projects may require permits from your local building department. For instance, major electrical or plumbing work, structural changes, or changes to the exterior of the house will likely require approval.
Neglecting to secure permits can lead to fines, delays, and complications when you try to sell your home later on. Check with your city or county’s building department to find out what permits you need. If you hire professionals, they should be familiar with the permitting process and can help navigate the red tape.
Plan for the Family's Comfort
A renovation project can disrupt daily life, especially if you have young children. If you’re renovating a key part of the home like the kitchen or bathrooms, or if you’re doing major structural work, it’s important to plan for how your family will manage during the process.
Consider setting up a temporary kitchen or bathroom in another room of the house, or find nearby places where you can go if there’s too much noise and dust. For larger renovations, you may want to consider staying with family or friends for part of the project, or renting temporary accommodations.
Additionally, think about your family’s safety during construction. Keep children and pets away from the renovation areas, and ensure all tools and materials are safely stored.
Timing Is Everything
Choosing the right time for your renovation can make a huge difference in terms of cost, convenience, and even quality. Some projects may be cheaper or easier to complete during certain seasons, so consider the timing of your renovation carefully.
When it comes to landscaping or outdoor projects, the warmer months are often the best choice. For significant interior renovations, think about scheduling your work during travel or vacation times, particularly if you prefer to be away while the renovations take place. Collaborating with a designer in the fall or winter can be a smart move, allowing you to kick off construction in the spring or summer. This strategic timing can ensure that your project wraps up just in time for the start of the school year or the holiday season, if that’s your goal.
It's important to remember that contractors and designers often have their hands full during peak seasons, particularly in spring and summer. To ensure your renovation runs seamlessly and finishes on time, think about planning your project during the off-peak months when these professionals may have more availability. It’s a great idea to try to contact them early to discuss your project before their schedules fill up.
Work with a Professional to Make a Plan
Collaborating with a designer or architect can significantly enhance your renovation process by ensuring that every detail is meticulously considered, leading to a well-structured plan for your project. It's surprising how many elements need attention, and having a professional who has experience with similar projects can be invaluable in preventing any oversights. If your renovation requires a permit, enlisting the help of a designer or architect is essential, as they can prepare the necessary permit drawing set for submission to your local building department. Additionally, having a solid plan in place will greatly assist you in budgeting, sourcing materials, and establishing a timeline and order of operations.
Stay Organized and Track Progress
Renovations can be overwhelming, so staying organized is essential. Keep a detailed timeline, checklist, and budget tracker. Use apps or notebooks to jot down progress, adjustments to the plan, or any changes in materials or suppliers.
Staying on top of progress will help you stay within your timeline and prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems down the road. Regularly check in with your contractors and stay involved in the process. This will help you catch issues early, making it easier to resolve them before they become expensive problems.
Work with your contractor to create a schedule at the beginning of the project. The schedule can be a living document that is regularly updated as the project progresses.
Think About Long-Term Value
Finally, while renovations are exciting, it's important to think about your home’s long-term value. Some improvements, like kitchen and bathroom remodels or energy-efficient upgrades, can significantly increase your home’s value if you decide to sell later on. Even if you’re not planning to sell, improvements that reduce energy use, improve air quality, or boost curb appeal can make your home more comfortable and cost-effective in the long run.
Renovating your home in the new year can be an exciting and rewarding experience for your family. With careful planning, a clear vision, and the right professionals by your side, your renovation project can bring your dream home closer to reality. By budgeting wisely, staying organized, and thinking ahead, you can ensure your renovation will be a smooth and successful process that will improve your home and your family's quality of life for years to come.
