A Homeowner’s Guide to Renovating and Remodeling
Design Coordinator, Marie Payne, knew exactly where to turn and what to expect when it came time to embark on her own home renovation project. Working within the architecture industry helped Marie feel prepared for the planning, selections, and renovation process, but for others, building and remodeling can be confusing and overwhelming. Do you need an architect in a remodel? What home renovations require a permit? What is the difference between renovations and remodeling? Follow along on Marie’s own Lee Design Studio project and learn through the lens of her unique perspective as she remodels her family home.
What were the first steps you took in planning your renovation?
Before we even engaged with any outside help, we found it useful to evaluate our criteria for the space. We didn’t focus on achieving “X” amount of square footage, but we wanted to know what the functionality for the space needed to be. This was an investment in our home for the long term.
We tried to think through different phases of life and our family, and we spent time talking to friends who have gone through a build. We wanted to hear their perspective, lessons learned, and about their experience with their architect and/or builder. Budgeting and research into the financing process was also something we worked through early on.
How long did the planning process take?
For us, we weren’t in a huge rush so we took our time with it. Life got in the way and we had to take some pauses so we weren't on a typical planning timeline. We ultimately chose to work with an architect because we wanted to really roll up our sleeves and get into the details of the design of the home.
How did you choose a contractor?
We did our research looking at builds in the area that had quality craftsmanship and there was an attention to detail. We also had some recommendations from friends that had gone through a similar type of process and had trusted relationships with their builder. After reviewing bids for the project, we had the opportunity to sit down with the builders, review the plans together, and ask each other questions, very much like an interview process. Lee Design Studio was also a trusted partner during this process so we always made sure to have Matt Lee participate in the bidding discussions. Matt knew the right questions to ask and he was a good sounding board as we talked through the final selection process. We’ve been very pleased with our experience working with Lee Design Studio and West Homes thus far!
Are you living in your home during the remodel?
Our renovation is substantial (as you’ll see from our photos that we post along the way) so this was not an option.
Have supply-chain issues impacted your timeline or renovation plans?
Unfortunately we have faced some issues not only dealing with the supply chain, but cost increases in materials and labor. While working through the interior design schemes, we’ve had to assess lead times with certain items or manufacturers. It’s caused us to pivot in some areas to avoid too much uncertainty or anything that could have an effect on the critical path of the build process.
Unrelated to supply chain, weather has also been a variable given where we are currently in the build process, we are not under roof yet. As the homeowner, you need to remind yourself to set realistic goals and expectations about your timeline given the various reasons I’ve outlined. It has and will continue to be an exercise in patience.
Are you partnering with any organizations or non-profits for salvaged materials?
Our builder put us in touch with an organization called Second Chance and they handled the deconstruction and much of the demolition during the initial phase of the project. Through their workforce training program, their teams came on site and took the house apart piece by piece, taking away much of the original home so that it can be reused.
Schedule a consultation with Lee Design Studio today to see how we can transform your home!