Operation Renovation
Tips to consider before diving into a home remodeling project
Beyond the Box
So, you’ve decided it’s time to give your home a makeover. Whether it’s a small renovation or a major overhaul, remodeling can be both exciting and a little daunting. Before you grab that sledgehammer or call in the contractors, let’s take a minute to consider a few things that will make your road to remodeling a little bit smoother.
Emily Ludwick of Beyond the Box has spent more than 18 years in the industry and has seen her share of beautiful projects. She wants nothing more than to see you set your project up for success.
“The reason why I love doing remodeling projects is that the client is usually as invested in it as much as I am,” Emily says. “Usually when people are looking at doing a renovation, it’s because what they have lived with isn’t working anymore.” That’s when, Emily says, feedback on the positives and negatives helps her come up a design that is both beautiful and functional.
As you get into the nuts and bolts of a project, there are some big picture items to think about. Here are some of Emily’s high points for you to mull over.
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Budgeting Blues
Before you start knocking down walls or picking out new fixtures, sit down and crunch the numbers. Set a realistic budget that includes everything from materials and labor to unexpected expenses (because there will be some).
“Any type of construction is going to come with unexpected costs and time frames,” Emily says. “It really is a conversation about what those costs should be. We try to do a lot of the homework on the front side so we can eliminate that the best we can.”
Emily loves working with clients to help them consider every aspect of their investment.
“We discuss what type of investment they are looking for,” she says. “Is it an investment for yourself in a forever home or is it a flip? Perhaps it is to get you through the next ten years.” Emily adds the best places for investment are kitchens and primary bathrooms.
No matter where you invest, she cautions staying within your financial limits will keep you from wondering what your next step will be when any unexpected expenses arise. The industry suggests that it’s a good idea to set aside 10 to 20% of your total budget to cover any of these unforeseen issues that might pop up during construction.
Do it Yourself vs. Hire a Pro
Small tasks like painting or installing shelves might be manageable on your own, but structural changes or electrical work are best left to the professionals.
“Hiring a general contractor is the best way to combat unexpected problems,” Emily says. “Sometimes, until you dive into a wall for example, you don’t know what you will find behind it.”
How do you choose a contractor? Beyond the Box can offer some suggestions. Research the options, read reviews, and ask friends or family for recommendations. It’s not a bad idea to get multiple quotes before making a decision. You’ll want to know ahead of time their plans for the project, timeline, payment schedule. Asking all of these questions upfront will help avoid any misunderstandings down the road.
Plan to Be a Little Uncomfortable
Remodeling can disrupt your daily life more than you might expect. Consider the timing of your project carefully. Will you be able to live in the space while work is being done, or will you need temporary accommodations? Factor in any upcoming events or holidays that might be impacted by construction noise or dust. Also, keep in mind that projects often take longer than initially planned, so be patient and flexible with your timeline.
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Communication is Key
Whether you’re working with a contractor, designer, or spouse, Emily says clear communication is essential. Discuss your vision, expectations, and concerns upfront to avoid misunderstandings later on. Regular check-ins throughout the project ensure everyone is on the same page and can address any issues before they become problems.
“Problems often arise when there is inadequate planning, budgeting, poor contractor selection or making changes to the plan midway through a project,” Emily says. “Communication is also key throughout these projects. It can make the process challenging if communication isn’t clear and precise.”
Remodeling can be challenging, but with careful planning and a sense of adventure, it can also be incredibly rewarding. So, roll up your sleeves, consider Emily’s advice, put on your thinking cap, and get ready to create a home that’s uniquely yours.
Before & After Renovation
BEFORE AFTER
When this homeowner approached Emily, she had one goal -- to change the way her kitchen functioned. "She originally had a peninsula and a tight walkway between it and her fridge. She never used the peninsula and not only wanted better function with her cabinets but she needed a pantry." Emily gave the kitchen a whole new contemporary vibe with better storage, floating shelves, a beverage center and a more open layout. The navy and cream design also made this renovation very on trend.
Additional Photos of the Remodel
More from the Experts at Beyond the Box
About Beyond the Box
Beyond The Box Inc. has been serving Montana and Wyoming home owners and builders since 2014. Beyond The Box was voted best home remodel company in Billings in both 2021 & 2022. Whether you have a new build, remodel project or are in need of an upfit, our talented and passionate designers would love to help you achieve the home and spaces of your dreams. From closets and kitchens, to bathrooms and garages we have design and storage solutions for you!
Good. Better. Best
Designing with All Budgets In Mind
Beyond the Box
After ten years helping people navigate kitchen and bath remodels or plans for new construction, Kristy Ferguson, owner of Beyond the Box, has learned a thing or two about people’s comfort with a project’s budget.
“We all have champagne taste and not to say we all have a beer budget, but generally, whatever that number is that we want to spend, we tend to pick things 25% above that number,” Kristy says.
What that means is, unless you dial in your design desires, you might get your heart set on options you might not be able to afford.
That’s why at Beyond the Box, Kristy has adopted what she calls the ‘Good, Better, Best’ approach. It basically answers the age-old question, “How much will this cost me?”
With a diverse product line, a customer’s inspiration photos, existing pictures of their space, and initial measurements, Kristy and her design team offer a spreadsheet with three tiers of options to consider.
With all that information in hand, she says, “We tell our customers, if you go with a middle of the road cabinet, you’re going to be in one price. If you go with the most inexpensive cabinet, you’re going to be at this price and if you want to have all of your desires in a ‘mother of pearl’ kitchen, you’re going to probably be above this price.” She says the result is a lack of sticker shock for the customer and more comfort with the overall investment.
“When we sit down and we work through the spreadsheet with somebody, it helps them understand how we got to those numbers before they’ve spent a whole lot of time and before they've gotten emotionally invested,” Kristy says.
So where do you even begin plotting out a budget? There are some rough percentages you can turn to as a starting point.
“Whatever your home value is, you are going to spend 10 to 25-percent of that value on a kitchen remodel,” Kristy says.
What makes a good design, a better design and a best design? Kristy says, you might choose standard height cabinets in the good design, the better design might be extended height cabinets, and the best might be cabinets that go straight to the ceiling with glass door details. Counters might be laminate or upgraded to quartz or the top of the line stone with mica flakes.
“We try to value engineer with every project. That’s why we educate so much in order to help you navigate through your choices,” Kristy says.
Something else to consider is how much change will happen in a room. If you are merely replacing cabinets and keeping the same layout, your project won’t be as expensive as another project that changes the location of appliances, adds lighting or even moves walls. That’s why Kristy spells it all out before a homeowner buys into a specific plan.
“It's a big investment and it is a time consuming one,” Kristy says. “Your home is your castle. We want you to love it forever, not just right now. When we see you in five years, the best compliment we can get is, ‘Oh my gosh, I still love my space so much. Thank you so much for helping me.’”