To break up the space in this large kitchen remodel, we decided to use multiple finishes, colors, and materials.
All photos in this article are courtesy of First Showing Photography of Dallas.
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably decided to remodel your home, or you’re at least considering it. You may be wondering how to get the ball rolling. What should you prioritize in your budget? How do you avoid delays and hidden costs? Over the course of my interior design career, I’ve been brought in to design many Dallas remodels. Based on my experience, here is a list of common (and sometimes costly) remodeling mistakes that I think homeowners should be careful to avoid.
1. Not having a clear goal in mind
The first step to a successful remodel is establishing your goal. Do you plan on selling your home, or do you see yourself living there for many years? Be careful not to overbuild for your neighborhood if resale is your end goal. When the value of your home makes it twice as expensive as your neighbor’s homes, it’s going to be a tough sell.
Above: a before-and-after comparison of the award-winning kitchen remodel we recently completed in collaboration with Helene’s Luxury Kitchens. The “after” photo on the right is courtesy of First Showing Photography.
2. Delaying decisions
Start browsing hardware and home goods stores near you as soon as you start planning. This helps you get a feel for all the options out there and how much they cost. Make as many decisions as possible before hiring a team. Once the work begins, every change you make in your design can drive up costs.
3. Designing an extensive remodel without help
If you’re looking at an extensive remodel, you’ll definitely want to bring in an AIA architect, an RID and ASID interior designer, or both to help you plan the new space. Make sure to interview them beforehand. They should ask you a lot of questions about your lifestyle and your family’s needs. If they don’t ask you very many questions, that’s a red flag.
We used satin brass for the majority of the hardware in this Dallas kitchen and pantry remodel.
4. Underestimating costs
Remodeling TV shows have a tendency to make projects look simpler and easier than they actually are. Make sure to discuss your budget with a contractor: they’ll be able to tell you if your budget and timeline is realistic for your goals. A good rule of thumb is to set aside enough contingency funds to go twenty percent over budget if you need to.
5. Not considering cost-saving alternatives
Avoid moving your toilet or sink whenever possible; moving these comes with a steep price tag. You can also look into getting a discounted package deal on appliances from the same manufacturer.
If you need more natural light in a space, such as your entryway, you may be able to have a light tube added through the ceiling instead of installing windows. Speaking of windows, don’t replace them if they’re original to the home and can be salvaged. If saving energy is a concern, you can always add storm windows.
6. Spending too much on technology
Unfortunately, technology ages quickly and is rarely a good investment. By the time you’re ready to sell your house, your prospective buyers won’t be impressed by a years-old smart home setup.
For this remodeling project, we were asked to work with the existing wallpaper and cabinets in the butler’s pantry.
7. Not making careful measurements
Measuring your available space is a given, but don’t forget to measure the width of your front door, too. If your new refrigerator or stove can’t fit through the door, you’ll have to return it.
8. Not vetting your contractor
Asking your family and friends for recommendations on Dallas contractors is a good start, but go a step further and make sure those contractors are licensed, certified, and in good financial standing. Try to get their last three references if you can, and check their Better Business Bureau listing and Google Reviews.
9. Planning lighting at the last second
Remember to plan for a mixture of general, task, and accent lighting in the room. Lighting alters a person’s perception of the space, so it should never be treated as an afterthought. You don’t want to fill your newly remodeled house entirely with old and dated furniture, either, which is where an interior designer can come in handy.
We worked with Helene Terry to choose paint for the cabinets and walls, the tile backsplash, and the light fixtures.
Although there has never been a remodel that has gone one hundred percent smoothly, some remodels are simply more successful—in terms of keeping costs down and reducing stress—than others. Set your sights on the end goal, keep these pointers in mind, and you’ll be on track to living in the remodeled home you’ve been dreaming of.
If you’re bringing in a professional designer, the best place to start is by interviewing designers experienced in remodels. Our design team has overseen many remodels in the Dallas metroplex over the years. Give us a call at 214-232-9501 or send an email to info@chambersinteriors.com to schedule a free consultation. We would love to hear more about your project!