Checklist for Remodeling a House: Key Questions to Ask

Once you’ve selected a remodeling team, there is plenty to look forward to as you begin designing the plans for your home improvement project in Northern Iowa.

While the design phase should be a fun, positive experience, it’s also a time for due diligence as the decisions you make at this point will affect the outcome of the project.

A home renovation checklist usually focuses on all the steps involved in a successful remodeling project. It's true: Utilizing a home renovation checklist will ensure you stay organized and informed throughout the various stages of renovation. It's also true that the better informed you are, the more effectively you can lay the foundation for a successful home remodeling project.

However, I've found that most homeowners working with a reputable remodeling firm will be guided through the process. Staying on track is less of an issue than knowing what to ask along the way.

That's why I'm going to take a slightly different approach to this home renovation checklist. I'm going to focus on the questions you should be asking your team along the way, especially during those first meetings at the beginning of the process, which are among the most critical.

Let's dive in!

Questions to Ask When Tackling a Home Renovation

Near the beginning of the home remodel design process, you will meet with your team to discuss your project goals, your existing space, and options for transforming it into what you envision. It is important to discuss the permit process during this initial meeting to ensure safety, legality, and quality of work. While you’ll hear from the designers about their ideas and insight, this is also an opportunity for you to ask questions, gain confidence about the direction of your project, and develop a plan for an efficient construction process (and avoid mistakes throughout the project). Here are some of the questions you should discuss with your remodeling team:

1. Are we on the same page with the renovation budget?

You don't want to get to the end of (or even the middle of) your home remodel or addition only to find out it is costing significantly more than you expected.

Discussions about budget need to happen early so you and your design-build remodeler can work together to prevent scope creep and implement cost-saving measures. Even if you're still working with rough estimates at this point, a clear understanding of your maximum price can help you stay on budget in the coming weeks. During your initial meeting, you should also confirm the design fee and payment schedule.

See also: How Much Does Finishing a Basement Cost?

2. Are we clear on my priorities for the home improvement project?

Before you start designing your home renovations and making selections for materials, you want to make sure you and your team are on the same page about your project priorities.

• Are you remodeling your home in Northern Iowa to increase its value or improve its condition before a sale?

• Has your family’s size or lifestyle changed?

• Are you creating a space to satisfy a future need or goal?

• Have your personal tastes evolved, leading to the desire for a new style?

A home remodel is much more than the materials and layout chosen and constructed; a home remodel is about re-orienting the form and function of your space so that you can become the best version of yourself. Your priorities influence the direction of your project, so it’s important you are able to communicate them to your remodeling team.

3. How does your construction team operate?

Other topics to address include the logistics of the design process, such as who is responsible for what who you will be interacting with, and when.

• Will you be working with a single project manager from start to finish?

• Are there different people designated to each portion of the project?

• Who should you contact with questions and concerns and what is the preferred method of communication?

• Is your project manager or primary point of contact available via phone, text, and email?

• Who should you contact if they are unavailable or out of town?

• What aspects of the project are handled in-house versus by subcontractors?

If you want to delve deeper into the company structure, find out who are their primary vendors, subcontractors and/or trade partners.

4. Do you have suggestions for optimizing the space?

After seeing your home and the room(s) you want to remodel, your design team should be able to give some insight and ideas for reconfiguring or upgrading the space to fit your project goals. They may also have concerns about mechanical, electrical, or structural issues that they can share to help you with informed decision-making. 

5. What architectural and design elements are trending?

Although you may have a specific taste and preferred design style, it's worth finding out if there are any colors, features, or materials trending in Central Iowa or the industry in general. Incorporating trends into your project is worth considering, especially if you are planning to sell your house within a few years. On the other hand, your design team can also share what upgrades or features are unlikely to go out of style, therefore providing long-lasting value to your home.

6. What happens if I don't like the design?

Although this is unlikely to happen if you've taken the time to select a qualified remodeling team, it's a topic worth discussing during your design meeting. Find out what the process is for altering and refining the design until it meets your expectations. Is there a deadline for making selections and finishing the drawings? What is the process for communicating desired changes and how quickly will those be made?

Defining Your Vision

7. What research have you done on the renovation process?

Defining your vision for your home renovation project is crucial to ensure that the final result meets your expectations. Researching the renovation process can help you understand what to expect, identify potential challenges, and make informed decisions. Some essential research topics to consider include:

• Understanding the different types of renovations, such as cosmetic, structural, and whole-house remodeling.

• Familiarizing yourself with local building codes and regulations to ensure compliance.

• Learning about the latest design trends and technologies to incorporate modern elements into your home.

• Reading reviews and testimonials from previous clients of potential contractors to gauge their reliability and quality of work.

• Gathering information on the average cost of renovations in your area to create a realistic renovation budget.

• This is where it's helpful to use a home remodel checklist to stay organized throughout the renovation journey.

By conducting thorough research, you can create a clear vision for your renovation project and ensure that it aligns with your goals, budget, and timeline.

8. What inspiration have you gathered for your remodel?

Gathering inspiration for your home remodel is an exciting part of the renovation process. You can find inspiration from various sources, including:

• Home decor magazines and websites that showcase the latest trends and timeless designs.

• Social media platforms, such as Pinterest and Instagram, where you can discover a plethora of design ideas and save your favorites.

• Home design shows and TV programs that offer practical tips and creative solutions.

• Friends’ and family members’ homes, which can provide real-life examples of successful renovations.

• Online design communities and forums where you can exchange ideas and get feedback from fellow homeowners.

• Local home tours and open houses allow you to see different styles and layouts in person.

Collecting ideas and inspiration can help you define your personal style and preferences, which can then be incorporated into your renovation project. Consider creating a vision board or a digital album to organize your ideas and share them with your contractor or designer.

Preparing for Construction

9. How will you prepare your home for the renovation project?

Preparing your home for the renovation project is essential to ensure a smooth and stress-free construction process. Ask your remodeler how you can prep for construction, but here are some typical steps you will likely need to take:

• Clear out clutter and debris from the renovation area to provide a clean workspace for the construction team.

• Cover floors, furniture, and belongings with drop cloths or plastic sheets to protect them from dust and damage.

• Remove any fragile or valuable items from the renovation area to prevent accidental breakage.

• Set up temporary living arrangements, if necessary, to minimize disruptions to your daily life.

• Notify your neighbors about the upcoming renovation project to keep them informed and address any concerns.

• Prepare a temporary kitchen or bathroom, if necessary, to maintain functionality during the renovation.

• Set up a communication plan with your contractor and construction team to ensure timely updates and address any issues promptly.

By preparing your home for the renovation project, you can minimize disruptions to your daily life and ensure that the construction process runs smoothly and efficiently.

Designing Your Perfect Remodel in the Des Moines Area

If you've made it through our home remodel checklist of questions to ask, then you're one step closer to preparing for a successful remodel. At Compelling Homes Remodeling + Design, we have a refined five-step process to help you through every stage of upgrading your home in Central Iowa. Our team can provide valuable industry knowledge and insight to guide you through designing your home remodel and selecting the right materials, features, and finishes to achieve your vision for your next renovation project. Feel free to reach out if we can be of assistance.