Planning Your Remodel: Five Steps to do Before you Begin

Remodeling your home is an exciting journey, but without a well-thought-out plan, it can easily become overwhelming.
At Beyond the Box, we specialize in designing and executing your dream remodel. Our advice to all our clients: Start with a clear vision.
Before you dive into material selections and layouts, ask yourself: What do I want to achieve? More storage? A better flow? A space that feels more like “you”? Gather inspiration, but do not overdo it—analysis paralysis is real! Too many options can make decision-making feel impossible.
Let’s review the five things to do before you even start your remodel.
Understand Your Why
There is a reason you thought about remodeling this space in the first place. What was that reason? Thinking of the bigger picture will help you make the best decisions for your remodel. Ask yourself these questions:
- Is this your forever home, or will you sell in a few years?
- How does this remodel fit into your long-term financial goals?
- Are you upgrading for function, aesthetics, or both?
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new design without considering how long you’ll actually use the space. If you don’t take the time to clarify your long-term plans, you could end up investing a large budget into a home you plan to sell in just a couple of years. Understanding your true intentions will help you make choices you won’t regret down the road.
Set a Budget That Works for You
A remodel isn’t just about new cabinets. It’s a full start-to-finish project that requires careful budgeting. From cabinetry and materials to labor, installation, and those inevitable unexpected expenses, planning ahead is key.
Start by gathering multiple estimates to get a clear understanding of the market. Compare quality to make informed decisions. And don’t forget to set aside contingency funds, because once demolition begins, surprises are almost guaranteed.
Find a Professional
We’ve all been in the position of looking at a space in our home we hate and saying to ourselves, “I can fix this”. And you probably can. But, will it be high-quality, budget-conscious, and done on time? The answer is probably, no.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a fan of DIY. But when it comes to our favorite places in our home, we don’t want to cut corners and hope it works out.
So, let’s ditch the hammer ourselves, pick up a phone and reach out to your local design team and contractors in your local area.
A professional like Beyond the Box will not only know how to bring your vision to life effectively but will also bridge any gaps in your knowledge to ensure a seamless process.
Design with Purpose
Remodeling is about seamlessly blending form and function. Your space should not only look stunning but also work effortlessly—like ensuring your oven door doesn’t collide with the dishwasher. Professionals, like those at Beyond the Box, meticulously plan every detail so that design and functionality support each other.
Your layout is intentionally crafted to maximize space and improve efficiency. Your team prioritizes your budget while selecting high-quality materials that offer the best value—delivering long-term savings without compromising on style or performance.
Prepare for the Remodel Process
You’ve determined your why, set your budget, and locked in the professional who understands your vision. Now it’s time to begin.
It’s important to keep these things in mind as construction gets underway:
Remodeling takes time.
Prepare yourself for adjustments.
If remodeling your kitchen, find ways to work around it like grilling or utilizing a crockpot in the dining room. You will be in a construction zone for some time.
Always keep clear communication with your contractor and your design team. As they communicate every change, task, and expectation with you, it is your job to do the same. Be patient. It is worth the wait.
Enjoy Your New Space
The last and the best part. Your vision has come to life, and it is time to soak it up. After patiently waiting for what felt like eternity, now you get to move into your new space and enjoy every part of it–the soft close drawers, the under-cabinet lighting, the gold accents. Whatever your vision was, now enjoy.
If you or someone you know is getting ready for a remodel, start with the end in mind. Ask yourself crucial questions. Keep clear communication with everyone involved. Remember, patience is crucial.
Want more tips, tricks, or ready to start the journey? Reach out to your Beyond the Box team today!