Before You Begin
1. Define Your Goals
Decide what you hope to accomplish with your remodeling project. Consider how the improvements will meet your family’s needs now and in the future.
Decide what you hope to accomplish with your remodeling project. Consider how the improvements will meet your family’s needs now and in the future.
2. Establish a Realistic Budget
Determine how much you’re comfortable investing and remember to allow for unexpected expenses that may arise during the project.
Determine how much you’re comfortable investing and remember to allow for unexpected expenses that may arise during the project.
3. Prioritize Your Project
If you’re planning multiple improvements, decide which projects are the most important and whether they should be completed in phases.
If you’re planning multiple improvements, decide which projects are the most important and whether they should be completed in phases.
4. Gather Ideas and Inspiration
Collect photos, colors, layouts, and product ideas that help communicate your vision to potential contractors.
Collect photos, colors, layouts, and product ideas that help communicate your vision to potential contractors.
5. Ask Questions and Compare Options
Meet with one or more contractors to discuss your project, ask questions, and compare written estimates before making a decision.
Meet with one or more contractors to discuss your project, ask questions, and compare written estimates before making a decision.
6. Plan for Daily Life During Construction
Consider how the project may affect your family’s routine, access to rooms, noise levels, or temporary interruptions to utilities.
Consider how the project may affect your family’s routine, access to rooms, noise levels, or temporary interruptions to utilities.
Ready to find a contractor?
Browse participating JCTC contractors and find local professionals who can help bring your project to life.
Browse participating JCTC contractors and find local professionals who can help bring your project to life.
Helpful Reminder
Good planning is often the difference between a stressful project and a successful one. Taking time to prepare before construction begins can help you make informed decisions and set realistic expectations.
Good planning is often the difference between a stressful project and a successful one. Taking time to prepare before construction begins can help you make informed decisions and set realistic expectations.
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Every remodeling project is unique. Homeowners should evaluate their individual needs and consult qualified professionals when planning home improvements.