Remodeling – New Floor Plans
Many a homeowner has had an “ah ha” moment when they either realized (or visualized) that they would like to change their home – make it more livable, functional, or simply create a fresh and new living space. Even with the benefit of starting with a brand new home, most of which begin with a standard floor plan, it’s easy to overlook what really works for you…until you have lived there for awhile. Then the lights come on.
Because every home is unique, personal tastes are different, and styles come and go, a home improvement project (which changes up the floor plan) can range from simple to complex. Whether remodeling a single room, switching or enlarging existing rooms, or building a completely new addition, there are a number of basic points worth considering.
1. Determine your budget: The scope of any home improvement project is directly proportional to the amount of money you have to complete it. The bigger the job the higher the cost. Often it pays to roll several smaller projects into one bigger job, thus cutting down on material costs, as well as decreasing the down time of your home while the remodel takes place. Whether you are a competent do-it-yourselfer or you have hired the best contractor you can find for the job, it’s a smart idea to have a 10% reserve in the budget for cost over-runs or the “nearly inevitable” unexpected glitch or problem.
2. Plan your new floor plan: While “planning” seems like an obvious thing to do, there are a number of things that sometimes slip past the process – which are critical to a successful new floor plan. Are you going up (like to an unused attic space) or out (like a sun room, deck, or garage conversion? Will the new floor plan merge seamlessly with the existing home?
Will the changes entail new cabinets, appliances, or fixtures? Are there walls to be moved…and are they load-bearing? Will there be mechanical changes to the plumbing, venting, or electrical? What are the state and local codes? If you carefully plan a new floor plan, you will be able to fit more priorities and features into the budget. Likewise, good planning will allow you to avoid unnecessary and costly structural or mechanical changes…leaving more money for the cosmetics like cabinets, flooring, or better fixtures.
3. Aesthetic planning: Unlike the “harder” aspects of a new floor plan which consider structural and mechanical changes, aesthetic planning has more to do with wants, needs, and desires. How will the room be used? Who will use the room? How many at one time? Are their special needs for someone who is disabled, extra short or tall, or young or elderly?
Does the new floor plan coordinate with the style and flavor of the rest of the home? Will the change let people flow easily from one room to another? Will the new floor plan allow for more natural light and fresh air? Do the changes “feel” right?
While the typical do-it-yourselfer may be qualified for many home improvement projects, biting off new floor plans or additions can be a huge undertaking. It’s very easy to miscalculate the time it will take, or the tools needed to complete the job. It’s even easier to spend hours running to a hardware store, or getting (importantly) sidetracked picking up kids from school or simply making a living. That’s where calling a professional like Corvus Construction comes in.
Corvus Constructionis an expert in new floor plans. We work with designers for large scale floor plan changes, or directly with you for creating a new living space – whether that space is for pure function or for increased livability and pleasure. We are more than qualified to help you choose and build the right new floor plan, regardless of the size or type of remodel. We will make sure the project runs smoothly and on time, as well as working hard to minimize problems and stay right on budget.
Contact Corvus Construction Today For A Free Estimate!
Give Corvus Construction a call at (206) 355-4981 if you’re in the Seattle area or call toll-free at (877) CORVUS8 for a free home estimate. You can also contact us 24/7 by filling out our website contact form or by sending us an e-mail at info@corvus-construction.com. Let Corvus Construction show you what a quality remodeling professional can do!