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Where to Start When Redesigning Your Home

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Sometimes the floor plan you start with needs a few upgrades. Whether you've lived in your home for years and are ready for a refresh or you just bought a fixer-upper, redesigning your home is exciting but also a lot of work. When you want to add an extra wing, transition the kids' rooms into a workout space or give your kitchen a facelift, switching up a layout takes some planning. When you're ready to rethink your space and create a new look for your home, these tips can help you get started.

Define Your New Layout

Before you get out a pencil and start sketching new drawings of your reimagined space, think about how you intend to use it and what it should look like. For instance, do you envision segmented rooms or one big, open concept layout? Even if it's too soon to settle on a design, you can consider the style of the room. Are you leaning toward a more modern aesthetic with clean lines and minimalist architecture? Or maybe you're more of a French Country enthusiast who wants elaborate woodwork and trim.

Do some searching on the internet for inspiration and to get your creative juices flowing. For instance, if you're redoing your office, you can view a home office design gallery for ideas on layouts and decor.

Team Up with the Right Experts

You might enjoy binge-watching home design television shows and consider yourself somewhat of a DIY expert, but the reality is simple. Unless you have professional experience and a background in architectural design, you could end up biting off more than you can chew. At the onset, team up with a professional contractor and architect to get the vision right the first time. They can work with you to help you conceptualize a range of visions, from tiny home designs to modern office design ideas.

Experts can also help you avoid legal issues and setbacks during the project. How? An extensive renovation may require permits or not be allowed at all due to building codes. A home inspector might visit your newly designed space, and then refuse to sign off on the work because it violates several planning and zoning codes, features an unsuitable construction element or has a major issue such as a basement that isn't waterproof. An expert can handle these fine-print details, make sure safety is top of mind throughout the project and ensure your efforts aren't derailed by red tape.

Be sure to choose one that is licensed and highly recommended in your area. Experience on remodeling projects similar to yours is also important.

Determine and Set Your Budget

It's easy to get wrapped up in the idea of a dream home, especially in the initial brainstorming phase. But before you sign off on a new floor plan, make sure it's one you can realistically afford. While you might have visions of tearing down walls between rooms, exposing ceilings, converting your garage into a crafting shed and more, those plans might not be practical.

Take a look at your monthly income and expenses to determine what you can afford. In many cases, people take out home equity lines of credit to pay for renovations. Use an online mortgage calculator to determine what you can afford and what your estimated monthly payments would be.

After you have a professional plan in place and are satisfied with your budget, you're ready to move on to the next phase of the process. Work closely with your builder to get the project started. Along the way, incorporate your design elements, refine your overall vision and eventually move into your newly refreshed space.