When you start thinking about a renovation, it will be important to know what you want and what is feasible ‒ even before you choose and hire a renovator.
It might be a good idea to keep a journal as you go because you’ll probably want to adjust your ideas and plans as they develop, especially as you start doing some research. You might study photographs of renovations you admire. It will take time, but there are plenty of online sites with wonderful ideas and examples.
Then ask yourself:
- Why do I want a renovation?
- What are my “nice-to-haves”?
- What are my “must-haves”?
- What makes sense for me to invest in a renovation, taking into account my overall family budget and other goals?
- Is this my “transition” or “forever” home?
- Am I downsizing or expanding my family?
- Am I incorporating multi-generations?
- Does anyone in my household have allergies?
- Do I have mobility concerns, or might I in the future?
- Am I thinking about aging in place?
- How easy will a new renovation be to clean and maintain?
- How will indoor/outdoor access/integration and sight lines work?
- How important is natural light to me?
- How important is comfort (especially for multigenerational living)?
- Am I considering an EV (electric vehicle)?
- Am I considering solar? Alternate sources of energy?
- Will this be the first of further renovations?
- What is my end goal?
- Am I okay about undoing this renovation to accommodate a future project?
