NJW knows that many home remodeling companies want you to just jump into a remodel and sign on the dotted line… we are NOT one of those companies. We want to really evaluate your space and think about what makes the most sense for your remodeling project. When beginning a remodel, you’ll need to consider cost, time, quality and quantity. Determine in what order these are rated. Because remodeling is an inexact science, one or two of these variables may need to “float” in order to make your remodel possible.
Balance Your Priorities
Begin exploring remodeling options by first looking at what can be done within the existing footprint of the house. By thinking creatively about the available space, you may discover that no additional space needs to be added. Instead, problems can be solved by rethinking the locations of each activity area within the existing footprint.
Examine the Space
It’s a common temptation to think about remodeling in terms of rooms. However, that approach can limit potential solutions before the project begins. Instead, create a list of activities that need to be accommodated, recognizing that the activity will require a place, but not necessarily an entire room. This allows for a greater number of potential design options and will lead to a remodeling plan that best fits the needs you identified.
Start With the Simplest Strategy
Learn to think about a home as an architect would. Begin by exploring the simplest remodeling solution — working within the existing footprint — and only move to more complicated solutions, such as a bump-out or a small addition, after determining that the simpler solution won’t work. This strategy is the most important tool to discovering a Not So Big solution.
Study Storage
Evaluate the home’s existing storage areas, including cupboards, closets and pantries. Many homes have too little storage in places where it is needed most. A smaller well-designed storage area in the right place can replace a larger poorly designed storage area; opening up some much needed floor space in areas that are currently too small.
If You Need More Space, Bump Out a Little
Bumping out a section of wall by just a few feet can add some much needed square footage without making the whole area too big — a common error in many add-ons. A bump out that creates an alcove or a small extension running the width of a room will keep costs down while maintaining the scale and proportion of the existing house.
Work With Windows
Few things can have as much impact on the character of a room as the shapes, patterning and positioning of the windows. In any remodeling situation, an interesting composition of windows can add personality to both the inside and outside of the house.
Include the Exterior
Remodeling doesn’t have to solely be the interior of a house. Even if the home doesn’t need major exterior changes, consider giving it a facelift. These can be done fairly inexpensively when you focus on quality rather than quantity.
Contact us today to see how we can help you get started on your next remodel! We will guide you through the planning process. We currently build in Westerville, Worthington, Whitehall, Upper Arlington, Powell, Pickerington, New Albany, Lancaster, Hilliard, Gahanna, Dublin, Bexley, Columbus and all of Central Ohio.