Aligning with your family at the starts of a remodel: making everyone happy
As a family, you enjoy doing so many things together. From adventurous road trips to birthday celebrations at home, you make wonderful memories that last a lifetime.
Remodeling the house should be that same kind of experience. Think of it as an adventure in home improvement. Imagine the end results as a package just waiting to be unwrapped.
Now, consider the alternative: a family divided over the details that make or break a home renovation. No one wants the project to run off the rails. It doesn't have to. Keep the clan aligned and happy with these six ideas for working together on your family home remodel.
1. Focus on a Shared Vision
Everyone loves the idea of a new room addition with an expanded entertainment center. The entire family agrees the kitchen needs a complete makeover. Whatever type of renovation you're considering, look at it from a shared perspective.
Sit down, and talk through different designs. Get better acquainted with what you have in common and what you don't like. As imaginations fire up, focus on your shared visions with a little software help.
Try creating a mood board that lets the family visualize your home remodeling project. The right app makes it easy to share inspiration for everything from paint colors and flooring options to interior decorating preferences.
2. Identify Remodeling Priorities
You're all happy with the remodel overview. Everyone is ready to drill down into the details. Before you get in too deep, identify priorities. Now is the time to be clear about the differences between wants and needs.
For example, you all like the idea of granite countertops in the new kitchen. Would a less-expensive material make room in the budget for enlarging that too-small pantry closet?
Encourage everybody to consider options that might not have been in their original vision.
3. Work on the Budget Together
Once priorities are settled, it's time to develop a budget for your remodeling job. A lack of accounting experience isn't an excuse to dodge this step. It is a good reason to use a budget estimator app that the family can share.
Start with an online search for ballpark estimates of renovation projects similar to yours. Use those figures as a guideline for estimates that cover as much as possible, including:
- Any demolition or tear-out work
- Cable, plumbing or wiring modifications
- New drywall, flooring, ceiling and trim
- General material and labor and costs
Now, you're ready to embark on your search for a home remodeling contractor.
4. Compare, Listen and Compromise
Compare your family's cost estimates with quotes from different contractors. You want a company that can provide a detailed bid and solid references. Streamline the hiring process through sites that focus on software solutions for home renovation jobs.
Make sure the family stays involved. Listen to their input about different contractors and quotes. When you disagree as a group about the details of high and low bids, find common ground that keeps everyone happy and on budget.
Use that final compromise to make a hiring decision that satisfies the job requirements and your family unit.
5. Be Ready for Contingencies With a United Front
No matter how well you plan the home remodel, things can go wrong. It's hard to deal with unexpected setbacks when you're already juggling regular schedules. As the family navigates around spaces under construction, it's easy to feel frustrated with the process.
Given this setting, a major contingency can put everyone on edge. Be prepared by recognizing that issues can come up. Stay in front of them with shared apps that function as project management tools. Remind the family that multiple heads are better than one. United problem-solving keeps everyone engaged instead of discouraged.
6. Stay Involved and Ready to Celebrate
Think about ways to keep the family involved during the remodel. Have a roundtable discussion about how to make the most of your project management tools. Keep everyone on the same page with these strategies:
- Give each family member one thing to document during the renovation.
- Have them share regular status reports through the project management app.
- Implement a digital alert system for situations that can impact the home schedule.
- Encourage real-time progress updates with pictures and videos of the work.
Finally, plan now on getting out of the house and treating the family to time away from the home renovation. It might be spontaneous evenings at a favorite entertainment venue or overnights at a comfortable hotel nearby.
Use these getaways to work up ideas for celebrating your successful remodeling project. Share the congratulations, and enjoy a home upgrade that makes everyone happy.
Make It Fun to Stay Aligned
It's easier to stay on top of a home remodel when you're in control. It's even better when the family stays aligned from project start to finish. We can help with smart software solutions that enhance collaboration and upgrade the renovation experience.
The best plans are the ones that include the entire family. We believe that extends to remodeling your home. It's our goal to help you stay happy throughout the renovation process. When we can provide you with the project management tools your family needs, we're happy too.