Renovate Your Home to Perfection: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether it's the apartment you live in or a new purchase, several key reasons might have led you to decide on a renovation. However, there are many additional considerations that you might not have thought about, which can significantly enhance your quality of life if factored into the renovation. Most of the time, it’s not about increasing the budget but rather incorporating these ideas into your plan.

You don’t want to finish the renovation only to realize you always wanted a dishwasher but didn’t prepare for it, or that you dreamed of a wall lamp by your bed that wasn’t included, or that the electric fireplace you imagined now requires an additional $1,500 for the contractor to prepare the space for it.

If you’re going to renovate – aim for perfect!

So, how do you achieve this?

Step One – Create a Wishlist

Sit down with your family and make a wishlist of everything you want in your home. Now is the time to make it practical.

Tip: Think about places you've visited that had features you admired, whether at your parents' home, hotels, or friends’ houses.

Include everything in the list: a master suite, a jacuzzi, sound planning for the living room, appliances, furniture – everything you love. This is your list of big dreams.

Got your list? Now compare it with your budget. If you’re not familiar with the necessary costs, consult a professional.

Remember: Instead of spending money on outings and trips, consider turning your home into a hotel. It will be the best hotel because it will be perfectly tailored to you.

Step Two – Get Professional

With your list, you’re moving towards your perfect home, but you've included only the significant points, the ones important enough for you to be aware of.

You haven’t considered the minor details. Some can frustrate you later on, while others may go unnoticed, but planning them ahead will greatly improve your quality of life. This could involve strategically placing electrical outlets based on your usage habits, planning sound insulation to ensure peaceful sleep, or designing kitchen space to ensure smooth movement even when someone is seated and eating.

These can also be charming ideas, like a shared laundry drawer between the bathroom and laundry room.

Smart planning in advance saves a lot of money!

In crafting such a tailored plan, working with a professional is essential.

Personally, here’s how I do it: Before I begin planning, I prepare a program with the client. The program basically outlines all the client's needs.

I work through a very detailed list of questions with my clients, helping them accurately define their dreams and needs for their future home.

The questions go into significant detail. The more precise you are with the questions and answers, the more accurate and bespoke the planning will be for you.

Step Three – Synchronize and Supervise

Following this program, build all plans – demolition and construction, electrical, plumbing, communications, HVAC, lighting, etc., ensuring each is precisely tailored to your needs. During the work, ensure everything is implemented according to the plan. Good supervision saves a lot of headaches and heartaches.

Good luck!

Tammy Rotenberg is an architect and interior designer. For questions and feedback: office@tammyrotenberg.com