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Four Phases of Remodeling: #2 – Kid in a Candy Store

You did it. You took the plunge and it’s really going to happen now. All that’s standing between you and your newly remodeled space is what feels like ten thousand decisions to be made. Congratulations, you’ve entered the second phase of your remodel. “This can be one of the most overwhelming yet exciting times in remodeling: selecting your finishes then waiting for demolition to begin,” says Normandy Designer Jackie Jensen.

“For me, one of the most thrilling parts of the remodeling process is when the selections start,” says Jackie. “Everyone loves browsing through materials and making final decisions for their personal spaces. This is where the remodel starts coming to life. Selections for the cabinetry, tile, countertops, plumbing fixtures, and hardware are all major decisions in this process. Probably a lot more than you’d realize, although we are creating a whole new space from scratch.”

So where do you start? “With so many choices to make all at once, I’d be surprised if you didn’t get overwhelmed with the sheer enormity of it all,” says Jackie. “I’m here to say this is perfectly natural and a professional designer will guide you through the process and keep you on track.”

“Personally, I like to start with the standout pieces. For kitchens, we’ll begin by making selections for cabinetry, since the cabinets are the majority of the space, then move on to countertops and tile,” Jackie begins. “For bathrooms, I tend to do the opposite and start selections with tile. The selection stage also includes the nitty gritty details such as grout, decorative moldings, light fixtures, and style of outlet covers.  If choosing everything in one sitting may be a bit much, we’re happy to space out selection meetings over a period of time, which is pretty common. This helps with decision fatigue,” adds Jackie.

blueprints and product selectionsOnce selections have been finalized and being ordered, and your blueprints are in for permit, it may feel like a waiting game. Your excitement may be waning, and you just want the demo to start already. “We understand this period can feel like a dead zone of sorts,” Jackie comments. “We also know how disruptive a remodeling project is to your home and your family. To minimize the time in construction, we won’t begin demolition until we have firm delivery dates for your materials. It would be poor practice to rip out your existing, functioning kitchen or bathroom too early,” Jackie adds.

Understanding the steps in the process will curb anxiety and ease possible doubt you may feel at this point. “As time passes, doubt can creep in,” Jackie says. “You may wonder if the tile color you selected will be too dark, or if the new island will be too large. It’s perfectly normal to start second guessing one or two details at this stage. However, you can trust that the decisions you and your designer collaborated on together will create a gorgeous space.”

Just before demolition begins, your project Superintendent will reach out to set up your pre-construction meeting. Though your Designer will be a part of the remodel until completion, your Superintendent will now be your main contact for the day-to-day progress of construction. “They will discuss the set up for the construction site and how to prep your home for the next phase,” says Jackie.

“This is the time to start emptying your cabinets and drawers. Toss or donate those unused items or things you don’t see yourself using in your new space.” Purging for a new remodel is a great feeling, so this step is often another tick towards excitement!

The next phase begins when the dumpsters and demo crew arrive. Buckle in, things might get a bit messy!

If this all sounds like the kind of excitement you root for, reach out to Jackie or one of our designers about the remodeling project you have in mind. We would love to go on this journey with you.

 

Four Phases of Remodeling: #1 – Here We Go, For Real This Time

Homeowner in her new kitchen by Normandy RemodelingThis is it. This is what’s been occupying your mind and your inspiration boards for years. You are finally remodeling your home. Like any big undertaking, you should expect it will be a roller coaster of emotions. Knowing what to anticipate will help you coast smoothly through this ride. It will also give you a sense of comfort to learn that many others have undergone these exact feelings with their remodeling project.

The first step is working with your designer to determine what the project is. You may have an idea of what you want to change but after your designer listens to your specific pain points, they may offer up solutions you hadn’t considered. Designers can see your project from a fresh perspective, so consider the different layout options presented. Will you be reconfiguring an existing floorplan or moving an entire room from one side of the house to the other? Is the kitchen the only room that needs a facelift, or would it be cost-effective to also tackle the powder room off the hall? The size, location in the house, and entire scope of the project will have a variety of timelines, but the ups and downs of remodeling are often the same.

Be honest about how your family currently uses the space, what your pain points are, and your non-negotiables. Speak up if a double oven and an oversized baker’s island are necessities. Don’t be afraid to talk about all the things you need, it’s your house, you’ll be living with the final results. Together with your designer you’ll be able to create a solution that is thrilling and fits your family’s lifestyle.

couple in newly remodeled white kitchen with two tone metal hood

Home remodeling projects are a financial and time commitment. As you start to plan and the nerves kick in, remember the end goal. Picture yourself preparing that meal on your new quartzite countertop island. Imagine your family gathered around the crackling fireplace at holidays in your new living room addition.

It’s not uncommon to have a wish list and a budget that oppose. In those cases, our Designers like to offer several design proposals of the same room. Each rendering offers different price point options. This is a great exercise in examining what you get for your dollar.

Our Designers like to explore all the potential options. The first rendering will typically be the ultimate dream room, where they incorporate everything on the wish list, often including special touches you didn’t think of. The sticker price on the “all-in” rendering may be a bit surprising.

Normandy Designer Abby Osborn in white and gray kitchen with customer

If that wish list project doesn’t align with the budget, our Designers present an option that focuses on the necessities and addresses your primary need for a remodel. This will include a drawing of the layout discussed, offering selections that will meet your desired budget.

The sweet spot seems to be in the middle, leaning slightly towards the ideal design. This is more than what you asked for, but not quite ‘sky’s the limit.’ This middle option hits all the pain points and comes in at a manageable budget. Nine times out of ten, the design is going to blow you away.

We love when clients get emotional, and even cry when seeing the renderings of their new kitchen or bath. Don’t be surprised if you shed a tear or two, as well. This is a big deal. It’s something you’ve been designing in your mind and saving towards for probably years. Now you can actually see the drawings and envision it coming to life.

The design phase of a remodel can often take place over three to five meetings, depending on how you and your partner make decisions and the scope of the project. There may be weeks between these meetings while the design work is taking place. This gives you plenty of time to think about the project. Don’t worry, your designer will be there to hold your hand through the process and help you with the numerous decisions yet to be made.

Designer recording product selections on remodeling blueprint

Once you’ve chosen the design you love and have decided to move forward you are free to share the drawings with friends and family. Go ahead, raise your hands and shout from the rooftops, “We’re getting a new kitchen!”

Next up, is the selection phase: perusing materials and colors and fixtures and textures and the precise details that will pull your remodel together. This is when the fun really begins.

If you know you’re ready for a remodel, reach out to one of our designers about what’s on your wish list. That first step is making the call.

 

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