A couple of months ago, our colleague Bryan Sebring at Sebring Services asked us what is the most important tip that we could give a homeowner who is about to embark on a Renovation project.

The answer was simple: Ask yourself, “Why?”

Specifically, why are you considering a renovation in the first place?

Of course, a renovation is a great way to increase your home’s value, especially if you are thinking about resale down the road. But, what are your other motivating factors?

Will a renovation improve your quality of life, thus increasing the enjoyment in your home? What problems are you trying to solve and what need is this renovation going to fill? Are you perhaps looking to save on monthly costs by adding energy-efficient features, like new windows, doors and higher R-value insulation? Are your needs largely structural, more aesthetic or a bit of both? Does the scope of your renovation fall in line with your budget?

Asking yourself “why” brings focus to your renovation project. It helps you hone in on your specific goals and choose the right solutions to fit your needs and desired outcomes. In fact, it’s the first step any homeowner should take before embarking on a renovation. It’s a time to dig down deep and ask the hard questions with the purpose of uncovering valid, honest answers.

It’s also important to understand what may be a want, versus what is a true need. While a gourmet kitchen with the latest high-end appliances and finishes sounds appealing, it may not be the best investment or solution for a growing family in need of additional bedroom or bathroom space.

The answers that you uncover by asking “why” will also help you select the right professional for your job. For example, if the scope of your project merely includes updating cabinetry, countertops, flooring, lighting and paint, many contractors can do this type of work.

However, if you are looking to solve a specific design dilemma, then a Design Build company may be a better choice. They have the necessary skills and expertise to create solutions that solve your specific design challenges and execute all of the required construction.

A Design Build Firm is also the ideal choice if the scope of your project is larger in scale and involves many moving parts. From concept to completion, they can fulfill all project aspects, including the design work, obtaining of zoning variances and building permits, general construction and construction management. It’s truly a full-service offering.

At the end of the day, no matter what your “why” is, your number one goal as a homeowner is making the best decision to enhance and protect your life’s biggest investment – your house! You want to ensure that your renovation provides the best solutions to meet your needs and that you hire a professional to get the job done.

To learn more about the advantages of partnering with a full-service design build firm, contact us at Inspire Homes. We specialize in residential renovations, house additions or custom builds to help you inspire a love for your home again.