Is there something about your house that you want to improve? Do you have concerns about the home renovation process? Evaluating your home and lifestyle, now and for the future, is so important in this process. It establishes the foundation for your home transformations and how you convey these ideas to professionals.
Here are a few brainstorming exercises that many of my clients have found helpful as they’re considering a home addition or remodel.
Setting Priorities
First, let’s take a look at what is and isn’t working in your current home. Use the numbers below to create four columns where you can list out each item. Then go back and number the most important to you and your family.
1. List spaces that are working in your home and why do you think they are working.
2. List spaces that aren’t working in your home and why.
3. What is your wish list for your home?
4. Do you have some things you really hate or dislike about your home? List these items as well.
Below is a short example of the NEW desired rooms and spaces with the task that will be performed in each room.
Wish List EXAMPLE:
Give our family of four (+1 dog and 2 cats) more room to live comfortably in our home, as well as room to entertain guests and family. Ideally, it would be 3 bedrooms with 2.5 baths. If we could swing 4 bedrooms, we’d love it, but don’t want to push the budget too far.
Aesthetic: Comfortable, functional, accommodating, lots of natural light, with plenty of storage (we love built-ins), and easy access to the backyard.
Kitchen
• Cooking/Baking
• Entertaining
• Eating Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Snacks
• Don’t see a need for a formal dining space but would like space enough in kitchen to host a dinner
• Snack drawer/area for girls to get their own plates, cups and snacks
• Space for children to do projects/homework, draw, etc.
Master Bedroom
• Sleeping
• Reading
• Room for 2 large dog beds most likely
• Window configuration that allows centering a queen bed against one wall
• Built-ins/Bookshelves for storage
• Walk-In Closet
Think about the task and furniture for each room, when you are planning for the new spaces. These different lists will be helpful for your residential designer or interior designer to know what you really need and need in that renovation.
Collecting Ideas
You will want to collect ideas for your future renovation. It’s really important to start the process early. Sometimes my clients have been collecting ideas for years. Check out magazines and online media to start collecting photographs and anything that is visual that appeals to you. There are several websites geared towards home design; such as Houzz and Pinterest.
In addition, do you know a residential designer or interior designer that you love their style? Look at their work. It might be someone you are going to consult with or someone you are going to hire to help you with your renovation. However, you don’t want to just copy their designs. Design work is intellectual property and that’s not what I’m recommending here.
Planning for the Future
Planning for the future of your home is about what your plans or your family plans are for at least the next two to five years. This is important because the more money you spend on your home with an addition and renovation, the longer you will have to stay in that home.
Here are some other questions to consider when planning renovations. Is this your starter home or retirement home? Are you planning to start a family? Maybe you are thinking about moving in two to five years which may limit how much you should spend on your addition/renovation. Or maybe you have parents that will be moving in with you in the next several years? That’s also something to consider if your space is not working for that situation.
When it comes to parents or adult children moving in with you, I believe it’s nice if people have their own bathrooms and some private area. This will make it a little bit easier on everybody in the family if you can afford the added square footage.
Only you know what you really want and are looking for. These helpful steps can help narrow down exactly what you’re wanting out of your home. Always keep the future in mind. You never know what life might throw at you. Keep a notepad handy and jot down any ideas you may have while around your home or even in your car. Doing research on different media sites can be extremely helpful in communication with your residential or interior designer. Happy planning!
Interested in more information about the addition and renovation process, or home addition floor plans? Contact us for the Taylor Made Plans process and information for your next project!
