Remodeling Tips: Do You See What I See?
Posted by Bob Wiedenmann on Tue, Jul 19, 2011 @ 10:20 AM
Sometimes what you want in your home remodel is crystal clear in your mind. The only problem is: you’re not the one actually doing the remodeling? It can be hard to communicate nuances and subtle things to your remodeler. How can you make sure that you and your remodeler have the same vision for your home?
We’ve all heard that a picture is worth a thousand words. When you’re trying to communicate what you want your remodeled home to look like, it may be worth more than that! There are times when words just seem to fall short in describing what you want. But if you can point to a picture of what you want, chances are your builder will know just what you mean.
We recommend you start a remodeling notebook. Whenever you see a picture in a magazine that illustrates what you want your remodeling project to look like, cut it out and put it in the notebook. You may want to supplement those images with photos you take in model homes or in the home of a friend.
The better organized your notebook is, the easier it will be to share with your builder. Here are some categories to consider for your remodeling notebook:
- Kitchen features (cabinets, sinks, islands, faucets, etc.)
- Master bedroom features (including master bath features)
- Common living spaces (include built-in entertainment features)
- Specialty items (fireplaces, mantles, trim, custom windows)
- Colors, textures, and finish styles
- Specific things you DON’T like
- Your written notes and questions
Don’t just tell your remodeler what you want—show him! Things will go much smoother if you’re both on the same page!