Patience is a virtue . . . so your mother always told you. In this case she was right. When you are considering a major project; the renovation of a kitchen, bathroom, basement finishing, an addition or the construction of a large deck or screened porch, proper planning is the most important step.

Too often, people just become so tired of an outdated room, when it comes time to remodel they just replace the old fixtures. If you are going to the expense of a complete remodel, you might want to consider changing the layout of the room. Just because the bathtub was always at the end of the room doesn't necessarily mean that is the best location. Perhaps, the whirlpool tub was original to the house, but you rarely use it and would rather have a large shower with a seat and body sprays. You may not be able to create the bathroom of your dreams unless you enlarge the room. Borrowing a little space from an adjoining and little used guest room might be a worthwhile option.

Do these changes cost more money? Some might, especially when you are thinking about moving plumbing lines, duct work, gas lines or electric. However, if the room will suit your life-style and be more convenient or pleasing, the added expense may be well worth it. You can always have your contractor give you an estimate on just replacing fixtures, and another with the more involved changes to see if the increased cost is justifiable.

Kitchens are a very personal room. A few to several months of planning is not unreasonable. The kitchen is an expensive room to remodel and very important when you are considering selling your home. How much weight should you give the resale issue when designing your dream kitchen? If you are not planning on selling within the next seven to ten years, that should be a very minimal consideration in your decisions.

The initial planning stage can seem overwhelming. Start by getting an idea of what you like. Look at magazines and model homes to see the appearance and style you find pleasing. Start making a list of priorities based on function. How do you use the kitchen? Does everyone congregate in there when you are entertaining? If you want to encourage that, an island with seating may be the answer. Do a few people cook at a time? You might want a few good task areas or two sink areas. Do you need to plan around one absolute must have piece, like that antique style Elmira stove? That will influence the rest of your selections as well as the style.

The same types of questions should be considered in any remodeling project you are initiating. Mentally walk through the room and visualize how you utilize the space. Think of all the little things that annoy you or you find inconvenient about the layout, design or function. Next think of how to solve that problem. Let your imagination take over. Consider even the smallest or silliest things. Here is one in my home. My husband said I had a habit of leaving the closet light on. Perhaps once or twice, but there is a creative way to eliminate that problem. Think of your refrigerator, the light goes on when you open the door and off when you close it. My closet works that same way. Now I just have to remember to close the door.

Regardless of the size or scope of the project, it really makes sense to carefully plan. Even the best designer or contractor is not going to know every detail of your life so it is up to you to be very involved in the planning process. Sometimes even a small change can make a big difference. It is very easy to lose track of the ideas that would make a room suit you perfectly once the project is underway.

The key to a satisfying remodeling project is that it pleases you both visually and functionally. In order to achieve that, there are a lot of factors to consider. Don't let anyone rush you. Give yourself time to plan, make changes, redesign and eventually end up with the room of your dreams.

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Creative Carpentry Remodelers, Inc.
434 Wilder St.
Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 892-0720
(630) 892-0776<Fax>

E-mail: info@creativecarpentry.net.