Experts Share Tips on Home Remodeling in Edmonds WA

Sometimes the only thing left to do between you and a home you love is remodel. With all the new trends, remodeling your Edmonds property is an exciting project that can make all the difference. Maybe you bought an older home and want to give it a facelift or want to add an en suite bathroom to your existing one. Sometimes just freshening up some of the existing features is all you need for an Edmonds WA home improvement project. Whatever the case, there are a few factors to consider when remodeling in Edmonds WA.

Whatever the scope of your project, remodeling requires careful consideration and planning before taking any action. Managing budgets, making design choices, and dealing with construction inconveniences can be challenging but all worthwhile in the end. At Danika Plumbing, we want to help you minimize remodeling stress and make your project a success. To do this, we have put together some key factors to consider when remodeling in Edmonds.

1. Interior Design/Layout

Having a clear picture of how you want your final design to look is an excellent starting point for any remodeling project. It enables you to create clear-cut goals, make informed purchasing decisions, and guide your design choices toward a fresh yet familiar space that aligns with your vision. Arianna, the founder of Pure Home Studio in Edmonds advises:

When it comes to interior aesthetics, there are no limits, as the range can go from contemporary, industrial, sleek minimalist, and even rustic. Possibilities are limitless and you can even combine elements from different styles to create something unique.

Without a clear picture of the end goal, you may be stuck with a mismatched set of décor that just doesn’t bring the desired effect. You may also risk overspending on unnecessary items that don’t contribute to the design and detract from your budget.

In addition to layout inspiration, take functionality into account when designing. Make sure the space is well-thought-out and serves its purpose regarding practicality as well as aesthetics. For example, if you are remodeling a basement and want to add a hot tub for hosting guests, consider having enough space for the tub and a lounging area.

A well-structured design plan ensures that the contractor can:

• Easily understand your style preference
• Stays within the predetermined budget
• Accurately estimate the timeline for your project
• Provide you with the best advice and suggestions for achieving the desired results
• Minimize the risk of costly mistakes or reworks
• Maximize the efficiency of your materials and resources
• Create a space that brings it to life!

A good tip is to use popular websites and magazines for inspiration and collect pictures of what you like. This will enable you to create a wish list that serves as a foundation for your design choices and save you time in the process.

2. DIY vs. Contractor

Can you handle this project yourself, or do you feel comfortable with a trusted contractor on board? In most cases, you can handle DIY projects as long as they don’t involve major structural changes, like plumbing or electrical work. Smaller projects, such as painting or tile installation, can be done independently and are a great way to save money.

“The crawlspace and attic are the most neglected parts in most homes. Not fixing issues in those areas will affect the integrity, energy efficiency and health of your home greatly. Water in your crawlspace can cause erosion, mold, fungus(dry or wet rot)that can be affect the health of the people living there. The same goes for rodents and mold, they are known to cause diseases and allergies. You wouldn’t build on top of a toxic waste dump, so don’t let your crawlspace turn into one!”

~Marcel Seyss, Building Science Specialist at Hausmeister LLC

Questions to ask yourself before deciding to hire a contractor or DIY:

• Do you have the necessary tools and expertise to handle the job’s difficulty?
• What’s your budget for the project?
• Are you willing to spend that on hiring a professional?
• How much can you potentially save by completing the task yourself?
• Do you have the time and resources to complete this project?
• Do you need to get permits or other legal documents?

Evaluating your project and assessing if you have the skills and expertise to complete each step safely is crucial. If the project is too complicated or beyond your skillset, then a licensed and insured contractor can provide the support you need.

If the job requires legal documents, it is probably too risky to DIY, as this could lead to expensive fines or worse. Hiring a contractor is the best way to ensure that everything complies with the applicable regulations and laws.

Edmonds offers a wide selection of contractors who specialize in home remodeling, and it is important to perform your due diligence. Do research online, talk to neighbors, and ask family and friends for referrals.

You may want to get about three bids and compare the services, experience, warranties offered, and final costs. Review their quotes and ensure you understand what is covered in the final price.

Interviewing prospective contractors allows you to determine if their communication style, budget, and timeline approach align with your vision for the project. Moreover, it gives you a chance to vet the contractor and get comfortable with them before committing.

3. Color Combinations

A great way to make a remodeled space look spectacular is by selecting the right color palette. Colors should be used to complement each other and create a unified aesthetic. You can achieve this in two ways: either choose one dominant and several supporting colors or use three shades from the same family for a monochromatic effect. Colors impact a space’s atmosphere, meaning you have to find one that matches your design idea. 

When selecting the right colors, consider how the space will be used and what kind of atmosphere is desired. Usually, a painter or color consultant can greatly help. These professionals know how to use colors to make a space look bigger or smaller, brighter or darker, and achieve a specific mood. They can also provide the best advice and suggestions for achieving the desired results. Remember, they have different pricing structures and options, so shop around and find the right one for your budget.

Quality paint can make a big difference in the result of your project. Premium paints have better coverage and are more resilient against fading, scratches, and wear. A good contractor will provide the highest-quality paints as they make a huge difference in the look, feel, and even functionality of a room.

In addition, be sure to consider the existing fixtures and furniture in the area. Your color palette should consider these and tie them together to create a cohesive look.

4. Planning Electrical & Plumbing Outlets

When remodeling in Edmonds, you may need to add or move electrical outlets. This is an important part of a home remodel and requires a licensed electrician who understands the local codes and regulations. They will know how to properly add new outlets, reroute existing wiring, and ensure your remodel is safe and up to code.

When it comes to plumbing, if you are moving walls or changing the layout of a room, then you will likely have to reconfigure the plumbing as well. The pipes may need to be shifted, and there is a possibility of needing new fixtures or valves. In such cases, we are your go-to resource for all your plumbing needs.

Investing in the most reliable plumber Edmonds has to offer is a no-brainer. The same goes for the electrician to ensure your project is done safely and correctly the first time. An experienced contractor can also help you plan for future renovations, so it is a good idea to look at the long-term plan when selecting electricians or plumbers.

5. Create a Budget

Create a budget before starting any project. While remodeling in Edmonds is a great way to increase your home’s value, it can also be expensive and blow your budget if you don’t plan. The budget is critical to the remodeling process because it determines how much you can spend and what is possible with your project.

To establish a budget, look closely at your finances and decide how much you can afford to spend on the project. Take that figure and lower it by about 10% so you have a built-in cushion for unanticipated costs. To help you stay on track, create a detailed budget spreadsheet that includes the following:

• Materials and supplies
• Expected labor costs
• Permits
• Fixtures and appliances
• Delivery charges
• Contractor’s fees
• Clean-up costs
• Inspection fees
• Equipment rental
• Interest (if you finance the project)
• Temporary living arrangements
• Insurance
• Utility fees
• Design expenses
• Insurance
• Miscellaneous expenses

Each project is different so these costs can vary significantly. Remodeling involves considerable expenses that are usually paid upfront before demolition or installation can begin. So if you are on a limited budget, you may consider breaking down your renovations into stages to help you manage the cost.

6. Fixtures and Finishes

The fixtures and finishes you choose for your remodel can have a dramatic impact on its overall look. With so many options available, deciding which ones are right for your project can be hard. Your contractor can help you select fixtures and finishes that match the rest of the design and your budget.

From cabinets to countertops, from tile to flooring, and from lighting fixtures to plumbing remodeling, the choice of material and colors will help bring your design vision to life. A good contractor should consider the overall aesthetic of your space, as well as the usage and traffic of the area. Depending on your budget, you can choose between high-end materials or more budget-friendly options that still look good.

For example: If you’re remodeling your kitchen, you may want to invest in quality appliances for the best long-term return on investment. Stainless steel fixtures and quartz countertops are popular choices for kitchen remodels, though they come with a higher price tag. If your budget is limited, you may want to opt for more affordable options, such as laminate countertops and porcelain tile floors.

7. Project Plan 

Once you’ve allocated a budget, chosen a contractor, and settled on the desired design, it is essential to create a project plan. This document will help you and the contractor stay organized and on top of the details. It should cover the following: 

• The estimated timeline for each stage of the project 
• The materials and labor costs
• Payment schedules
• Description of the project
• Changes or adjustments to be made 
• Permits and licenses required 

Creating a project plan ensures that everyone is on the same page and that all expectations around the project are clear. It also helps to streamline communication between parties involved, making it easier to troubleshoot any problems that may arise. For instance, if a problem arises in the middle of the project, you can refer to the plan to resolve any miscommunication issues. Or, if the project timeline shifts or changes due to external factors, the plan can be updated accordingly. 

In the end, having a project plan in place can help to make your home remodeling process go more smoothly and reduce any potential stress. It also ensures that the finished project looks exactly as you imagined it. 

8. Energy efficiency

The energy efficiency of your home can make a huge difference in its comfort and ROI. Investing in energy-efficient materials and appliances can help you save money on your utility bills while improving your home’s comfort.

Edmonds has short, warm summers that are dry with partial cloud cover, while its winters are wet, mostly cloudy, and very cold. Keeping your home comfortable during these extreme temperature differences requires the right HVAC system and insulation. The most common energy-efficient upgrades for Edmonds homes include windows with improved insulation, ENERGY STAR-certified appliances, and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.

The installation of a programmable thermostat is another great way to save energy, as you can adjust the temperature according to your daily schedule. It is an affordable solution for those who are looking to maximize energy efficiency and reduce their bills in the long run.

Edmonds homes may also benefit from the installation of insulated doors and energy-efficient lighting. Insulated doors provide an additional layer of insulation and help make your home more comfortable, while LED lighting can save you up to 75 percent of your lighting energy costs.

Final Thoughts

While remodeling in Edmonds has exciting moments, they also come with its fair share of challenges. Even with a set of plans, budget, and design in place, there are often deviations from the original plan. Changes in materials, design, and even budget can arise during the project and it is important to be prepared for this. 

Having a solid plan and budget in place, as well as an experienced contractor can help you to avoid some of the hassles that come with home remodeling. It is also important to keep in mind the energy efficiency of your home and make sure to invest in materials and appliances that are both energy-efficient and cost-effective. Following these steps can help to make your home remodeling project a success!