It's not uncommon for homes to need significant remodeling 20 or 30 years after being built. Instead of just minor upgrades, some homes require overhauls in multiple spaces. Older homes can demand even more extensive work.
That leaves many homeowners facing the question of whether to undertake a single whole-home project or a series of smaller projects over time. While one-time whole home remodeling gets everything done in one big project, phased remodeling allows you to space things out and stay in your home as work gets completed.
Both approaches have their benefits and drawbacks, and every homeowner has to decide what's best for their specific needs and preferences. In this post, I'll go over some of the key questions about phased renovations to help you make an informed decision.
In general, you can remodel your entire home by doing a series of smaller projects. For example, you can start by installing a new kitchen and then following that up with upgrades to bedrooms or bathrooms.
To achieve a comprehensive renovation that maintains a cohesive design, the scope and sequence of projects should be in place before work begins. Open communication during the design phase about all of the goals and expectations can help put that kind of plan in place.
This type of phased remodel is distinct from the ad hoc approach that is the natural default for many homeowners. It's common for people to space out remodels over time to save money, but instead of having an overarching plan for their house, they focus each job on the most pressing issue at that time.
There's nothing inherently wrong with the ad hoc model, but it can lead to patchwork solutions. When a whole home overhaul is truly needed, a phased renovation plan offers a much more dependable road map for achieving the best results.
To create an effective master remodeling plan, you want to work with the right team of professionals. In our experience, a design-build firm is the best contractor for phased renovations because they offer both design and construction services under one roof, enabling easier planning, scheduling, communication, and project transitions.
With a design-build firm, you start working with the design team to identify all the work that needs to be done. During the design and planning phase, detailed drawings and 3D renderings are created to align with the homeowner's vision. They can then analyze the scope of work and break things down into an optimized plan for smaller projects over time.
By working with one firm, you ensure that each phase is already on their calendar, avoiding the delays that can come with hiring a series of different general contractors. You can also avoid the miscommunication that can arise from having independent designers and construction contractors.
For all of these reasons, working with a professional design-build company is worth the investment if you want to implement an airtight plan for a phased renovation.
When you meet with remodelers about a phased renovation, you should ask questions that give you insight into their experience and what you should expect if you decide to work with them.
Asking these types of questions can help you find the right contractor who delivers high-quality design and skilled craftsmanship, reflected in a track record of customer satisfaction with past clients.
A long-term series of projects can create complications for budgeting. The timing of each phase, including coordinating labor and procuring materials, can influence the cash flow needs.
Establishing a realistic budget from the start will help you stay on track and avoid surprises later. This can give you an idea of whether you can afford all of the work that you envision across the full life of the project.
From there, you can work with the remodeler to identify a project timeline and payment schedule. In the process, you'll likely have to account for possible contingencies and potential inflation in the cost of materials. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10-20% of your budget for contingencies.
Once you have a sense of the broader budget forecast, you can organize your finances to ensure that the project can keep moving forward to completion.
One benefit of a phased remodel is that you can usually stay in your home while work is being done. Some stress is inevitable; however, a detailed project timeline helps keep you informed and minimizes disruptions during the remodel.
Homeowners should create a temporary living arrangement if the remodel significantly disrupts daily life. For example, this could be staying in a finished basement while work is happening on the main floor. Having a temporary kitchen and access to a laundry room are important if you want minimal disruption to regular routines. No matter what part of your home is under construction, you'll want to ensure that you have bathroom access and that the contractor is taking appropriate safety measures and protecting your home from dust and debris.
You can also help in this process by taking steps to get ready for each phase. Preparing for a remodel involves decluttering the space and removing any items that may obstruct the work area. Doing that preparation well ahead of time can make life easier for you and your remodeler.
Whole home remodeling solves multiple challenges at once and promotes cohesive style and functionality, but choosing between phased or one-shot remodels depends on your circumstances.
A one-time whole home remodel may be better for you than a phased remodel if:
Hogan Design & Construction is a custom home remodeler that has been serving the Chicagoland and southern Wisconsin region for 25 years. We tailor our work to your needs, whether that's a phased remodel or doing everything in one single project. Our design-build approach ensures that budgets, timelines, and design choices remain aligned from start to finish.
If you're ready to explore what we can accomplish together, our remodeling process typically begins with an initial consultation and assessment of the current state of your home. From the very beginning, we work to communicate clearly and keep our focus on how to deliver the best results for you and your family.
To get the ball rolling on your remodel, contact us today to schedule a consultation.