15 Tips for Whole Home Remodeling Projects

The location is great, but the guts have got to go! A whole-home remodel is a fantastic answer for anyone who loves their current neighborhood but needs a completely new start. We love a whole home remodel because it allows us to re-imagine everything at once and create a cohesive and customized space. There’s no need to tolerate anything that’s not quite right.

At Creative Building Concepts, our experience remodeling modern and historic homes in the Central, Pennsylvania area has given us plenty to say about whole home remodeling projects.

What To Expect When Preparing For a Whole Home Remodel

Planning Stages

• Gather inspiration: What catches your eye on the internet?
• Define the scope of your project: Are you remodeling every inch? Are you interested in bumping out or building up?
• Find a contractor: Interview a few contractors to assess their fit for your project and gather their professional input. Prospective remodelers may have questions and insights that help you plan your project.
• Budget and financing: Once you have an idea of your project’s cost, you will need to secure financing.
• Design: Time to make a real plan! Working with a design-build firm for a whole home remodel is your best bet. You benefit from streamlined communication and process when the same company designs and executes your remodel.
• Ordering materials: Once we know exactly what we need, it’s time to place an order. The lag time on your materials will help us establish a timeline for your build and may help you select products. (Do you love that marble countertop enough to wait an extra six months if your second choice is available in less than half the time?)

Building Stages

Everyone has a slightly different process, and some projects require a different order of operations, but general building steps for a whole home remodel are:

• Demolition
• Framing
• Roofing
• Exterior Doors and Windows
• Siding
• Plumbing/Mechanical/Electrical/HVAC
• Drywall
• Paint
• Floor
• Cabinets
• Appliances
• Finishing Touches

Preparing for Your Whole Home Remodel

If you’re getting ready for a whole home remodel, you’re making good use of that nervous-but excited feeling by taking in this blog! Here are some pro tips to prepare for a whole home remodel:

1. Ensure you have the right stuff: Be sure you know how to find the things you often use or might need during construction. You might not need your Halloween decorations today, but you’ll be much happier if you have a retrieval plan that doesn’t involve attic gymnastics or special permission from your contractor.
2. Get rid of the clutter: You’re moving your stuff anyway. Now’s a great time to pitch everything you don’t want to take with you into the future.
3. Invest in security: There will be people in your home when you are not there. Ease your mind by keeping a digital record and a way to check in. Allow access if you are unavailable by installing a key box.
4. Create a plan: Are you moving the toaster to the upstairs hallway? Do you plan to eat pizza twice a week? Does your single-shower rotation meet your family’s needs? Consider how you will execute your daily routine before the time to change it arrives.

Should I Stay in my Home During a Remodel?

Your physical location during the remodel is one of the most important factors influencing your preparation. Some of our clients choose to live elsewhere during a whole home remodel, and some choose to stay put and accommodate the construction. Here are questions you can ask yourself while you decide whether to stay or go during a remodel:

1. Do you or a family member have allergies or asthma that the construction dust might impact? If breathing is a concern, make alternate arrangements.
2. Will you have access to hot water? If your remodel involves extensive plumbing, you may be going without hot water for more than a few hours. This level of camping at home is not for everyone and is best faced from an informed place.
3. Can you keep everyone in your home safe? If you have sneaky pets or small children, the hazards of a construction zone will present a supervision challenge.
4. Can you meet your daily needs? Will you have access to a refrigerator? Can you handle microwave cooking for weeks? Everyone’s needs and cooking plan will be different.

They Remodeled Before, Here’s What They Regret

There are several common themes that run through remodeling regrets. Working with a reputable remodeler can ensure you avoid common mistakes in your remodel.

1. Rushing through the design phase: Many clients are so excited to get started that they rush through the design phase. Avoid costly changes down the line and spend time considering your options and choices before making a final decision.
2. Choosing something ultra-trendy: Some things just aren’t going to stand the test of time. The further away from typical a trend, the more likely it is to be short-lived. There are plenty of ways to capture your style without stamping the year you designed it across every surface in your kitchen.
3. Overshooting the budget: Make the most of your budget with careful design. Avoid later changes that add time and expense unless absolutely necessary.
4. Hiring the lowest bidder: The low bid often includes unexpected costs further into the project or work reflecting its bargain-basement price tag.
5. Building for a short-term objective: If you’re building an entertaining space for one party or holiday, consider the return on your investment seriously before you undertake this project.
6. Changing too much during the project: Changing your mind after construction begins adds time and expense.
7. Historical whiplash: Many historic homeowners who take a hard left turn into the modern era miss the charm and character that attracted them to a historic home in the first place. A seasoned contractor can deliver a custom remodel that keeps the historic spirit of the home intact while bridging the gap into the future.

Get a Stunning Remodel in Central Pennsylvania

If you’re interested in a quality whole-home remodel in the Carlisle and Central Pennsylvania area, include Creative Building Concepts in the conversation. We know you’ll be ready to partner with us after we speak. Let’s build something creative together!