Home Remodeling for the Best in Houston Home Remodel Transformation
Home Remodeling for the Best in Houston
Home Remodel Transformation
Comprehensive Home Remodel Solutions
Marwood Construction is a high-end full-service home remodeler serving the metro Houston area. We offer a comprehensive approach for home remodel solutions to assist our valued clients in finding home remodeling results through our collaborative approach of working together to achieve the owner’s house remodel goals.
The preconstruction phase is critical to the success of a home remodeling project. From the owner collecting inspirational ideas to the select of a home designer and remodeler, the preconstruction decisions will have a major impact on the projects results. We understand this importance and focus our attention on providing guidance and best of class in professional advice each step of the remodeling process.
Providing advice about design ideas does not mean telling owners what they should like or not like, but rather offering objective advise is providing guidance for items such as the cost of certain design features and products associated with the design ideas. It’s sharing the remodelers experience of what type of changes will have a favorable impact of the design goals.
What is Home Remodeling Exactly?
Home remodeling is defined by the significant change of an existing floor plan layout, function and/or structural change. Remodel items include moving wall locations, changing mechanical, electric or plumbing or altering the general purpose or function of a space. This also applies to the exterior of a house.
A home remodel usually involves the modifications to the structure of a dwelling and requires both building plans and permits. Developing working construction drawings for obtaining permits requires an architect, designer or a certified engineer.
Due to the need for construction documents, the owners will need to conduct preconstruction planning, be involved in developing drawings and make product selections for the items being changed prior to construction.
Planning and executing a major home remodel project can be extremely time consuming and expensive.
Home remodeling Houston requires preparing and assembling remodeling ideas, creating a remodeling design, selecting a home remodeler and performing the house remodel, just to mention some of the milestone events.
There are many interconnective activities that require the owner’s attention before and during house remodeling project. The good news is you are in luck; you have landed on a comprehensive step by step guide to take you through the process of effectively making your remodeling ideas come true.
How is a Home Remodel Different from a House Renovation?
As a rule of thumb, renovations are generally considered cosmetic, while home remodeling affects the structural integrity of the shell and infrastructure.
Renovating a house usually means updating the appearance of the dwelling, whereas remodeling by its definition means that changes are impactfully being made to the function, layout or structure.
Another distinction is that a home remodel requires construction drawings and inspections, while renovating usually does not.
Home remodeling changes, either fully or partially can interrupt utility usage of the house while being implemented. Depending on the magnitude of these modifications, in some cases the dwelling may be uninhabitable during a home remodel.
Although, it is common that these two construction service terms are regularly used interchangeably when discussing house improvements.
What are the Benefits of Home Remodeling?
There are many benefits of a home remodel. Remodeling a home provides financial, lifestyle and personal benefits. The buyer’s motives for a remodel typically drives the benefits.
One of the most important benefits seldom listed is the fact that the owner can avoid moving their household and family to a new house. Remodeling can additionally improve home safety, add personalized style, and allow homeowners to stay in their house longer instead of moving.
A frequently overlooked advantage of a home remodeling is that it is a much more cost-effective solution to purchasing a new existing residence or building a new construction home. When comparing a home remodel to purchasing a home or building new, the savings are substantial.
Cost Savings of Home Remodeling Instead of Purchasing New House
- No Loss from Equity Transfer in Selling Home and Purchasing New Property
- No Closing Cost 2%-5% (Property Survey, Loan Fees, Taxes, Appraisals, Title Services ect)
- No Household Moving Cost
- Maintain a Lower Interest Rate of Existing Mortgage
- Ultimately a Better Return on Investment
Benefits of a Home Remodel
- Increase Property Values – a well planned and executed remodel will increase the value and resale price of your property.
- Improve Energy Efficiency – owners will save utility cost by implementing energy efficiency remodeling practices.
- Reduce Maintance Cost – comprehensive remodeling improvements that include aging home replacement products will reduce the expense of future maintance cost.
- Increase Usable Space – by conducting a home addition, the owner can add needed space to their house.
- Custom & Personalizing Space – customized remodeling offers the owner the ability to customize solutions for their personal taste.
- Better for Selling Property – Updating outdated living features and floor plans will contribute to positive impact on the dwelling selling faster, because buyers prefer homes that have been recently remodeled,
- Avoiding Moving Cost – updating your dwelling through remodeling can eliminate your need for moving your residence.
What are the Different Types of Home Remodeling?
As discussed, home remodeling involves rather complicated projects that may include existing product replacement, but the projects complete scope of work would impact the alterations to the existing floor plan structure.
As well as the preparing the referenced construction documents, Houston home remodeling also requires pre-construction planning and a great deal of construction preparation.
The amount of planning is dictated by the magnitude of specific project and the defined scope of work.
An example of this idea would be remodeling the entire kitchen and replacing the floors as one of the scope items.
Common Home Remodeling Projects
| Exterior Home Remodeling | Interior Home Remodeling |
|---|---|
| Structural Exterior Changes | Structural Interior Changes |
| Home Additions | Floor Plan Changes |
| Roof Line Changes | Kitchen Layout Changes |
| Window / Door Relocation | Bathroom Layout Changes |
| Outdoor Kitchens | Garage / Attic Conversions |
| Property Fences | Replacing / Changing MEP |
| Replacing the Driveway | Remodeling the Stairs & Railings |
| Porches & Patio Covers | Room Additions / Modifications |
| Detached Garages | Master Closet Expansions |
How Much Does a Home Remodel Cost in Houston?
Home remodel cost vary dramatically with the type and size of the Houston home remodeling project. But there are some rules of thumb to guide you through preparing and accessing the remodel cost / value decisions that owners face in every project.
The cost for remodeling a house should be prepared before construction improvements begin but after remodeling design and construction documents have been prepared.
Clearly defining the remodeling contract price and product selection allowances will keep your project on budget.
Houston home remodel cost varies greatly depending on a variety of factors. The cost of home remodel is primarily driven by the magnitude of the complexity of the project scope of work.
Significant factors that directly impact the cost of a home remodel:
- Complexity of the project requirements
- Total square footage of the project
- Modifications to the structure (foundation & frame)
- Materials & products selected
- Partial or full remodel
- Magnitude of MEP changes
Typical Home Remodel Cost Ranges
| Project Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Whole Home Remodel | $150,000 - $500,000 |
| Kitchen Remodel | $50,000 - $100,000 |
| Luxury Kitchen Remodel | $125,000 - $300,000 |
| Bathroom Remodel | $30,000 - $75,000 |
| Luxury Bathroom Remodel | $75,000 - $150,000 |
| Home Addition | $150,000 - $500,000 |
Does the Home Remodeling Project Have an Impact on the Value of the Project?
Accessing the cost of home remodel to the value is only part of the total remodeling cost equation. Obtaining an understanding of the impact on the future property value or as is often referred to as accessing the return on investment is an important part of determining a go- or no-go decision.
There are 2 different levels of assessing the improvements cost impacting the property value, conceptual feasibility assessment and the construction cost feasibility assessment.
Significant factors that directly impact the cost of a home remodel:-
These are the best guess estimated cost that owners obtain from multiple sources for determine the initial financial feasibility of a remodel project.
Construction Cost Impact on Property Value:-
These are the bid estimates that are developed by contractors based upon the construction documents.
How to Hire a Home Remodeler Near Me?
Conducting a search for a home remodeler near me takes patience and time to develop a short list of serious home remodeling contractors.
Although most of the time, the complete remodeling process involves a search query for an architect, structural engineer as well as the home remodeler near me.
Searching for a home remodeler near me should yield a group of 4-5 remodelers to conduct a qualifying phone interview to reduce your short list to 2-3 qualifying Houston home remodeling contractors for a deeper vetting process ultimately resulting in a formal bid proposal.
The vetting process should include a prepared list of questions for your remodelers to guide you through the process. The goal during the interview should be to make a connection of being like minded and reach a state of a trusting working relationship with a Houston remodeling company.
The following documents should be included as an essential part of contracting with the home remodeling contractor you want to hire
- Detailed Bid Proposal with Complete Scope of Work
- Contract Agreement Between Owner and Remodeler
- Certificate of Insurance
- Comprehensive Warranty
- Milestone Progress Payment Schedule
What is the Home Remodeling Architectural Design Process?
The architectural design process for home remodel plans is essential for many reasons. First that they are typically required for permitting the remodel project.
Secondly, they provide accurate measurements for the bid process and construction installation.
Thirdly, the plans provide technical specifications for code compliance for most trades.
The design plans are also helpful by providing profile elevations of the exterior of the building, any cabinetry, wall tile work and special detailed features of the special features.
There are two generally accepted design to construction delivery methods available
Design to Bid – this method is the traditional process of the owner hiring a plan designer or architect directly to prepare house plans. These documents are then used to solicit bid proposals.
Design to Build – this approach is when the owner contracts the design work with the home remodeling contractor. The home remodeler takes responsibility for developing working construction documents and permits. The remodeler will submit a bid proposal at the completion and acceptance of the house plans.
To learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of each of these design approaches visit design build.
Once you have selected your preferred design to construction delivery method, it’s time to put pen to paper. The actual architectural design process consists of 3 essential stages.
Home Remodeling Architectural Drawing Process
- Concept Phase –During this phase of design the owner shares their wish list, major product selections and collected image photos of the desired plan space. This will generally capture a proportionate room size, ceiling heights and doors & window locations.
- Developmental Phase –This stage is considered the working drawing phase. The designer adds dimensions and required architectural features like cabinetry, wall sections and finished elevation profiles.
- Construction Drawings –In this stage the designer completes the drawings by adding the MEP and structural drawings for permitting. For more on the design process see: Home Remodeling / Home Renovation Process
Step By Step Home Remodel Design Process
The design process is a vital part of a Houston home remodel. The process starts with the owners remodeling ideas coming from inspiration photos, design ideas of hand sketches.
After selecting your architectural designer, the construction documents are created by collaboration between owner and plan designer.
Using the construction plans, the next step is to solicit home remodeler near me to vet and secure a bid proposal.
The owner’s homework continues into the construction phase by making product, pattern and color selections throughout construction.
Architectural design is a complex method that requires a complete understanding of both the steps and process. Houston house remodeling design will have an impact on both your financial affairs and quality of your lifestyle. View our home remodeling design infographic.
Planning & Preparing for a Major Houston Home Remodel
Preparing for a major home remodel in Houston takes discipline to effectively approach the many aspects that need to be covered. Home remodel preparation has multiple categories that need to be addressed.
Phases of Remodel Planning
- Preparing for the Design – requires capturing inspiration photos and design ideas that can be communicated to design team
- Preparing for Product Selections – identifying finish materials and products you would like to include in your remodel is important for establishing proper product allowances and confirming dimensions and availability.
- Preparing for Cost of House Remodel – as we have discussed, understanding the cost of a remodel reduces stress about affordability and paying for the project
- Preparing the Family for Construction – this is commonly overlooked, but we will address this planning phase forth coming.
What about Remodel Contracts | Scope of Work | Insurance?
We always recommend regardless of the size of the project, that both parties develop a comprehensive and detailed scope of work, a contract of substance and furnish the homeowner a certificate of insurance as name insured.
This agreement should clearly address such matters as payment schedule, allowance schedules, work schedules and the conditions and consequences for nonperformance and disputes.
It is very important that contractors for home remodeling have liability insurance, builders risk insurance and workers compensation (or waivers) if facilitating a major renovation.
The State of Texas does not require general contractors to maintain insurance. This means if there is a gap in the contractor insurance coverage of the house remodeler’s insurance, the liability of an unanticipated event could come back on your insurance company or worse, you personally.
A brief word about undisclosed (covered up) defects – This is an issue that causes many disputes and hard feelings between house remodeler and homeowners. The covered unknown is part of the remodeling and restoration process.
These conditions usually result from the home remodel contractor not being able to visually see a defect in the original covered area that could not be anticipated as part of the original scope of work.
The procedure of these conditions should be discussed in detail with the house remodeler prior to hiring. In addition, it is always wise to maintain a reasonable financial contingency reserve for these unwanted surprises.
The amount depends of the size of the project and age of the property. Remember, the larger and older the house, the larger the reserve contingency.
Home Remodeling Project Schedule
It is best for the homeowners’ family during a major house remodeling to make other living accommodations or to go on vacation if possible. Unfortunately, this is not always feasible.
In these situations, careful discussion and consideration between house remodeling contractors and homeowners for the homeowners every day convenience during the project is needed.
The best method is careful planning of multiple construction phases by allowing for a portion of the house to remain dust free and plan temporary utility rerouting avoiding service interruptions at less than opportune moments.
These temporary adjustments and accommodations will more than offset the expenses of alternative housing during the duration of the project.
The home remodel contractor should provide some form of project schedule for the restoration project with weekly updates as to the projects progress. Weather and unexpected surprises can quickly cause schedule delays.
It is extremely important to the project and relationship successes that open conversation be shared between house remodeler and homeowner regarding concerns and expectations of projected scheduling milestones and completion dates.
On smaller projects this matter is even more critical due to the relaxed nature of expectations due to short timelines.
Preparing Yourself and Family for a Home Remodel Project
Financial
This topic causes considerable stress and conflict before, during and after a home remodel project. Pay a little more for a professional and the results will translate into greater value in your home and enormous sense of pride.
Secondly, do not bite off more than you can chew. If the pricing is pushing your budget to the max, scale back the scope of work or look for acceptable alternative products. It is much wiser planning a contingency reserve for the unexpected surprises then living with stress of trying to figure out how to complete your project.
This will only result in greater schedule delays, interruption of the use of your home and likely greater cost from remobilizing back to the project.
Align your Expectations with your Home Remodeler
The home remodeling journey will go much more enjoyable if you and your remodel contactors interest and project goals are aligned. This means both parties are entering into a good faith relationship with a win / win attitude.
The house remodeler should clearly understand the homeowner’s vision and should be sensitive to the conditions stipulated by the homeowner. The homeowner should understand that as diligent as the remodel contractors may try, there is going to be dirt, dust and noise.
There are also likely to be lost work days that push an optimistic completion date. It is a two way-street that is best traveled together with each other interest in mind and reaching the same goal.
Be Decisive
It is acceptable to mull things over when faced with a decision regarding your dream project. Ask as many questions as you can to get a complete understanding about your options, what the consequences of the change will be and the pending what if’s.
But, be decisive when you make your decision or choice. Nothing will run up cost or slow a project down more than not making decisions or changing your mind too often.
Contain Your Emotions
This is often a great challenge for homeowners who have become personally invested in their projects. Find a constructive way to share your disappointment when things don’t go as planned or discussed. Communication of details can get lost in translation. It is best that you and your remodeler agree on several key items:
Losing it will not get you what you desire. Find a location away from the dust and noise that you can visit if you feel your blood pressure rising or tearful. In most cases, the trades do not make mistakes on purpose and when told of their mistakes, they feel bad for their short comings.
Start Your Home Remodeling Houston Journey with Experts You Can Trust
There are many moving parts to the complexity of planning and preparing for Houston home remodeling project for the family home. It is my desire that this guide will be of some value in your pursuit of your house remodel project.
If you have further questions regarding the home remodeling process or would be interested in considering discussing your remodeling need with us, we would be pleased to be of assistance to you in any way we can.
Marwood Construction is committed to quality craftsmanship and unparalleled customer service. We look forward to serving your luxury housing needs.
