5 Things to Consider Before You Remodel Your Home

If you’ve ever been through a home remodel, you know it’s a complicated task—especially if you don’t have a clear plan in place. Before you remodel, it’s crucial to consider your vision and outline a clear strategy. There are too many variables to leave to chance, which is why it’s important to consider your vision beforehand. 

As you prepare to remodel your home, you should ask yourself questions like:

• What do you want the final product to look like?
• What are the most important details (the “non-negotiables”)?
• What are you willing to sacrifice if you can’t have exactly what you want?
• What are your time and budget constraints before you remodel?

To help you answer these questions, we’ve come up with five elements of a remodel you should consider as you form a plan for updating and modernizing your home:

1 | Defining Your Home’s Style

There are two factors that go into your style: your opinion and your current home décor. 

Of course, it’s important for you to like the outcome of your remodel, so start with your personal wishes. However, once you’ve determined what you like, you also need to make a plan that fits with the style you’ve already cultivated. 

For example, if you’ve established a modern feel in your home, you don’t want to switch to farmhouse chic during a remodel. Stay consistent by creating a plan that will complement your home’s current features—on the inside and the outside.

2 | Choosing the Right Home Remodeling Materials

Whether you’re remodeling your entire house or just a few rooms, it’s important to consider your choice of home remodeling materials. Does your home have more wooden accents, or do you like sleek steel and silver accents? 

Your material choices will impact your costs (more on that later), so be sure to plan what you want carefully.

3 | Following IRC Requirements

One of the most critical elements of a remodel to consider is the International Residential Code, which establishes minimum regulations for one- and two-family homes and townhouses. 

It provides a complete set of code provisions for you to reference during construction. It helps you adhere to general regulations regarding building, energy conservation, plumbing, mechanical, and more to ensure public health and safety. 

Before you start a remodel, use the IRC to double-check your plans.

4 | Planning a Realistic Home Remodel Timeline

Have you ever had a DIY project that took longer than you thought it would? It’s easy for barriers to arise and plans to get delayed—especially during a home remodel. 

Establishing and managing a realistic home remodel timeline is essential to ensure your project stays on track. As you consider your schedule for the next few months, ask yourself if there’s anything that might get in the way of your remodel. More importantly, are there any non-negotiable deadlines? 

Create your remodeling plan with a detailed schedule, complete with anticipated delays.

5 | Budget Constraints

In the same way timelines can get out of hand, so can your budget. 

A single splurge might not seem like a big deal—but if you decide to splurge in several areas during your remodel, you could end up with a financial crisis or an unfinished home (or both). 

Be conscientious about planning your budget, and only purchase materials and décor from reputable, transparent vendors.

Ready, Set, Remodel

Are you ready to put your remodel plan together with confidence? Once you’ve clearly established your goals and assessed your limitations, you’ll be on the path to success. 

If you’re looking for something to give your home a “wow” factor, consider installing cable railing. With Cable Bullet’s clear-cut costs and wide variety of materials, you can’t go wrong.

Before starting any project, check your state and local requirements for railings. The Cable Bullet system meets the International Residential Code (IRC), but some states have additional requirements. For more information, review our terms & conditions.