As a new parent, the sheer number of supplies needed to prepare for a newborn can be overwhelming. But we gather the necessities and establish their locations, knowing they will meet our new bundles’ needs. But something happens - these babies grow. Their needs change. The next thing we know, they are autonomous humans with not only needs but wants. Mostly, my kids’ wants are LEGOS. So many LEGOS.
As they grow, it seems the home shrinks. What once felt airy and comfortable, now feels claustrophobic. If you’re anything like me, you start heavily investing in bins and baskets to store away the accessories of these burgeoning humans and reclaim some control over the chaos.
The root problem isn’t a lack of organizational techniques. It's a lack of space. But you love your home. Your neighborhood has your friends and your kid’s friends, you have favorite nearby haunts, and you have the layout of your local grocery store memorized. Moving is not top of the bucket list. Perhaps you’ve taken a late-night search on Zillow and the new home prices give you a mild panic attack that further solidifies that staying where you are is the best option. You need more space, so what do you do?
Renovation used to be an option isolated to those with historic homes. Now, it has become more common. More accessible.
When we use the word renovation, it can mean different things based on your needs. As some people hear the word, they think they must make a drastic change to their home, such as adding an entire second floor. That’s not a requirement. To meet your needs, renovation may mean adding space - such as another bedroom. It could also mean changing some wall locations to make spaces more efficient. You have control over the “scope” or size of the project.
By beginning your project with a designer, you maintain control - over the design, the builder you choose, and your overall project.
What does that look like - beginning with a designer? The prospect can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few places you can begin.
First, know exactly what you’re willing to invest in your home. You’re the only one who can determine that. It's more than what the bank will approve you for - though that’s an important piece of information! Determining your budget also means looking at where the investment begins to overshadow your quality of life. That point may make vacations inaccessible or keep your kids from attending summer camp. Your budget is the amount that doesn’t cause those worst-case scenarios.
Second, determine what you need your renovation to do for you. A lot of people dream about how to design it. Where to expand. What walls to add. Which is fun to ponder! But sometimes the solution is different than you imagined it to make sure the new spaces work for you and your family. What you want the renovation to accomplish is what matters most.
Third, take the first two pieces of information and have a phone call or video conference with a designer who is seasoned in renovation design. They can guide you through the process and tell you what can be done for the best value.
Once you’ve engaged a designer, they're your advocate through the entire project. They'll shepherd you through making decisions during the design, selecting a builder, and answering questions during construction.
No matter what, a designer can assist you in making choices that are best for your family.