Thread: Remodel house plans

If you feel it is time to renovate your home, you should know that the entire work begins with remodel house plans. Careful planning eliminates the mistakes which are not only difficult to repair but will also cost you lot of money. First of all, make a sketch of what you want to do. If all you have is just a vague idea of the changes you want to make, use home design software program. There are many available programs, catalogs and books with popular home styles; surely, you will find the right one for yourself.

Hiring an architect is always a good idea. Talk to him and explain your wishes and needs; this will help him to make good and functional floor plan. Floor plan does not mean only wall dimensions and square footage. Carefully designed floor plan takes in consideration your habits and life style. If you plan ahead how to place the furniture, where should be the windows, how many electrical outlets you need and things like that, you will avoid mistakes which are difficult to repair later on.
Find reliable and experienced contractor. Get at lest three estimates from different contractors before you choose which one to hire. Be sure you have the written contract with all the specifications in it before contractor starts to work (which materials will be used and which not, how long will the remodeling last and how much will it cost). Make sure you have all necessary licenses and permissions according to local building code.

Now you can start with demolition. Be very careful if you have to demolish surfaces covered with lead-based paint. Once the demolition is done, check foundations, roof, windows and siding. If there are any structural problems like weakened joists or walls, repair them and secure the foundation. Inspect the roof. If there are broken or damaged shingles, replace them. If the roof is too damaged, consider replacing it. Repair or replace any seriously damaged windows or siding; this will prevent problems due to water leakage.

Now it is time for greater carpentry projects like adding beams for extra support, removing the old walls and constructing the new ones, removing the existing doors or enlarging the window openings. After that, install new electrical and plumbing systems. While the walls are still open, install the insulation in the walls and attic. Install the flooring later, when all major projects are already done; this will protect the floors from damaging.

You can do interior improvements now. Choosing wall papers or paint colors, tiles, new furniture, kitchen or bathroom hardware is your chance to give personal touch to your new, renovated house.
No matter what changes you are going to make, be sure to have remodel house plans and stick to them. This will help you to avoid unnecessary expenses and to get just what you are looking for.

There's no way to avoid a mess when remodeling. But the tide of rubble, trash, and dust can be contained. Before the swing of the first hammer, work out waste logistics with your contractor. Hang tarps in doorways to seal off rooms where remodeling is under way. Establish a plan for handling waste materials so they will be routed away from sensitive areas, such as gardens or porches, and hauled away on a regular basis. If floors need protection, see to it that they are covered up.