7 steps to start your home remodeling project the right way

Whether you’re thinking about replacing the knobs on your kitchen cabinets or renovating the entire kitchen as a whole, starting any home remodeling project can be a little scary. 

No matter how big or small your project may seem, dozens of questions are probably starting to flood your brain all at once. 

Where will I get my product? What do I want it to look like? How do I choose a good contractor? How much is it going to cost? And first of all, how do I get started?

Figuring out where to start your project can be the most difficult part. While there are many paths you can take to getting started, you’re probably looking for some help to guide you through what steps to take to prepare for your project successfully. 

Lucky for you, we’re here to help. 

Southwest Exteriors has been a home remodeling contractor in San Antonio since 1989. Although we have specialized in exterior remodeling over the past 30 years, we understand the complexity of the home remodeling industry, no matter if it’s inside or outside. 

We want to help you through the preparation process, so you will know what to prepare and how to get started on your project the right way. 

This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for your home remodeling project. 

After reading, you will be equipped with the right steps and questions to ask yourself as you plan out your home remodeling project. Then, you can confidently get started on your project knowing you are set up for success.  

Step 1: Define the scope of your project

The first step to getting started on your project is to define exactly what the scope of your project is. In other words, this is outlining what you’re looking to renovate and the size of your project. 

For example, if you’re thinking of replacing your home siding, do you just want the siding replaced, or are you thinking of including the soffit, fascia, or gutters too? 

If you want to remodel your private bathroom, what does that entail? Will you include replacing the bathtub, counters, flooring, or shower? 

Defining the scope of your project first will help you have a clearer direction. What you want to remodel and the size of your project will determine what products and services you need to research as well as what your budget is. 

Step 2: Outline your goals for your project

After you’ve defined the scope of your project and have an idea of what you’re looking for and how large your project will be, the next step is to outline your goals for your project. 

When thinking about your goals, you want to consider quality, durability, and longevity. 

Questions to consider to help outline your goals are: 

• Are you looking for a product that is going to be strong and resistant to damage? 
• How often will you use it (if applicable)? 
• What do you want it to look like? 
• How long do you want it to last?

Asking yourself what you want to get out of your project will help you narrow the specific products and services you need and the quality of the overall project that you want. Your goals will also help you determine your project’s budget. 

Step 3: Research what products you are interested in

To help you narrow your options and find the right product for you and your project, you will want to research the products you are interested in. 

With any home remodeling project, there are many different types of products made of different materials. For example, a concrete coating can be made of epoxy, polyurea, paint, and many other types of materials. 

So, which would be best for you, and how do you choose the right one? That is what your research is for. You never want to blindly choose a product or contractor you know nothing about. 

Looking at the pros and cons of the product, its design elements, how much it costs, and how it compares to others are just a few topics you should be researching. Then, you can have a better idea of the specific product type you are interested in, which will help narrow your options and take you one step closer to starting your project. 

Step 4: Determine your project’s budget

Now that you have outlined the scope of your project, your goals, and narrowed what products you’re interested in, you can start to consider your budget. 

The cost of your project is probably one of the first things you thought about when the idea of remodeling your home came to mind. However, determining your budget is Step 4 in this process for a reason. 

The scope of your project, goals, and product interests all directly affect your project’s budget. If you’re looking for a high-quality product and installation that is going to last, you cannot expect it to be the least expensive option. 

Outlining your budget is about having realistic expectations. If you’re just looking for the easiest and cheapest option, you will more than likely have to sacrifice the quality and longevity of the product. 

Researching how much your project will cost is another great way to create a realistic budget and have a better idea of what you are going to pay. 

Step 5: Research the installation process of your project

As I’m sure you can tell by now, researching is a large portion of preparing for your project. After outlining your project in its goals, products, and budget, you also want to know what goes into the installation process for your project. 

How long your project is going to take comes down to the installation process. You want to know if your project can be completed in one day or one month. 

You will also want to research what some of the best practices are for installing your project. This will help you find a high-quality contractor who knows what they are doing, or if you are planning on doing your project yourself, you can learn more about what and what not to do. 

Overall, learning about the installation process helps you to get a better idea of what all goes into your project and how it is done correctly. If you do not know about the installation process, you could potentially get ripped off, lose money, and risk having to redo your project. 

Step 6: Look for a contractor or decide if you will DIY it

One of the final steps to getting started on your project is finding the right contractor (or deciding if you will do it yourself). 

If you know you are going to hire a professional contractor, there are many things to consider before selecting the right one for you. 

The quality of the contractor is similar to the quality of the product: it must align with your goals. If you want your project to last for many years in your home, then you will need to find a contractor that has a reputable history with raving reviews. Simply searching “Best ___ contractors near me” will help you narrow your search down. 

On the flip side, if you are looking for someone to just get the job done for the least expensive amount, then you must have realistic expectations of the quality and longevity of the outcome. 

If you’re thinking of doing your project yourself, then you’ll want to continue your extensive research into the products and installation skills necessary. You must also be aware of the risks of remodeling your home yourself, especially with larger projects like a window replacement or concrete coating. 

After following Steps 1-5, you may find that the products you want are not available for over-the-counter purchase, which would force you to find a compromise for your DIY project. 

Step 7: Meet with a contractor and start your project

You’ve outlined your goals for your project, defined your budget, and researched all you can about the products and services you need. 

The final step to get started on your project is to schedule a consultation with a contractor you trust or get started on your DIY project by making sure you have all the supplies and instructions you need. 

Because of all the research you have done by now, you will know exactly what to look for to find the right contractor for you. Researching a contractor online and asking the right questions during a consultation will help you determine if they will meet your needs for your project. 

Preparing for your home remodeling project

Now that you know the seven steps to prepare for your home remodeling project, you are ready to get started. 

Figuring out where to start can be the hardest part of any project. Remember to follow these steps to cover all your bases, and you’ll be ready to start your home remodeling project successfully. 

• 1: Define the scope of your project

• 2: Outline your goals

• 3: Research products you’re interested in

• 4: Determine your project’s budget

• 5: Research the installation process

• 6: Look for a contractor or decide to DIY it

• 7: Meet with a contractor and start your project!

With Southwest Exteriors, we want your project to be as easy and stress-free as possible for you. We’ll take care of everything and keep you constantly in the loop as soon as you contact us so we can give you the look you love coming home to. 

We also want to provide you with all the information you need to successfully research the right information and prepare for your project, whether you work with us or not. 

If you’re looking to get your windows, siding, or door replaced, want your exterior painted, or a concrete coating in your garage, we might be the right contractor for you. 

Schedule your free, in-home consultation with an expert design consultant by filling out this form on our webpage. A representative will call you within the same day to get your appointment scheduled. 

Not ready to start your home remodeling project yet? Check out our Learning Center and the Home Solutions Channel to learn more about windows, siding, doors, exterior painting, and concrete coating.