Renovating House- Advice

nolacola ↓

Today at 8:44 am

- Make a budget and work within it as much as possible. It will always cost more than anticipated.
- Make a list of priorities. Remember some things can be added later quite easily such as nice light fixtures and custom closet shelving, but adding a bathroom or more kitchen space is not.
- The contractor doesn't always know best or have the best options.

↑ Hey123 ↓

Today at 9:35 am

I'm finding it hard to stick to a budget. My contractor gave me a quote but it's not gonna be 100% accurate.
Also, I have to pay for a bunch of things (Door handles, Bathtub, Vanities....)
Any advice?

↑ nolacola

Today at 10:09 am

Hey123 wrote:

Make a list/spreadsheet of what you need to buy out of pocket and find approximate pricing online and that will give you an idea of how much it will cost total and then you can look for better pricing on certain items.

We liked the following websites.

Amazon - kitchen cabinet pulls, waterproof Tile Ready Shower Niche

vanities, light fixtures
https://www.costco.com/

for bathtub, shower/sink fixtures, toilets and other miscellaneous items
https://www.build.com/

For tile in-store or online: - keep in mind that the type of tile or type of lay will influence the price. Herringbone layout or glass tile will cost you more on labor.
https://www.flooranddecor.com/.....aw.ds

Window shades
https://www.blinds.com/

There are so many items that go into it, but this is what I could think of off the top of my head..

↑ Hey123

Today at 10:11 am

nolacola wrote:

You are so sweet!!!
Such good advice!
I appreciate you taking the time to put this together for me!
Will definitely look into this!

Amarante ↓

Today at 10:35 am

Hire a good designer as they can help you get the best design and help you work within your budget by advising where to spend and where to economize.

I did a gut remodel and my designer was absolutely essential. She drew up the plans which were used to get bids from contractors and also helped supervise the actual work. Obviously she helped me on the aesthetics as well as the functionality.

A good GC is obviously necessary but they aren’t designers and are really more like technicians who are executing a plan.

↑ Amarante

Today at 11:00 am

zaq wrote:

Put in more electrical outlets and closets than you think you'll ever need. Because eventually you will.

And add some at higher levels where they are convenient to use especially when plugging in vacuums or appliances. These can blend in with switches.

And use Lutron or other smart lighting systems. Incredibly functional as you can set schedules for lighting. Not to mention mot having to get out of bed because you forgot to turn off a light.

Mine is Lutron and has performed flawlessly.

nursemomma

Today at 11:54 am

It will take longer than you think and cost more than you expect.
Mistakes/mishaps are inevitable. Try to stay calm, although it’s stressful. Everything has a solution.

thankyou1

Today at 12:29 pm

Based on experience, if working with a designer (they can get expensive) you need to get a designer
*that will work with your budget and understand your needs*
I know alot of people that switch midway as they don't really get along with their designer, see if she is "pushy" or you just don't feel comfortable when you first meet her.
I'll think of more later