Custom home remodeling is extremely popular throughout Los Angeles, but it’s not always easy. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with this simple guide to remodeling in LA.

Every homeowner gets to the point where they need to make changes to their home. You may need extra room for your growing family, or the bathroom hasn’t been touched since the 80’s and is in dire need of a facelift.

Whatever it is, at some point you’re going to need to do some remodeling.

How do you go about it?

This guide covers everything you need to know about custom home remodeling, so you know you’re making the right choices.

Step 1: Decide on What You Want

Firstly, you need to sit down and really think about what you need from your custom home remodeling project.

For example, say the kitchen needs to be changed up.

What is it you’re hoping to do?

• — Do you want to simply update the fixtures and decor to be more in line with your tastes?
• — Are you looking to move things around, so you can have a new bigger stove, or kitchen island?

Whatever it is, make sure you have a concrete idea of what you want before you even start looking for contractors.

They’re going to need details, to be able to give you a good quote on the work they’ll do.

Step 2: Set a Budget for Your Custom Home Remodeling Project

Now you’re going to need to set a budget for the work you’re getting done.

You need to be realistic about how much you want to spend on remodeling your home.

How much can you afford?

Also, be sure to build in some extra wiggle room to the budget.

Sometimes jobs become bigger than first thought, or something goes wrong. When that happens, you’ll be glad you’ve got that extra cash.

You’ll need to factor in costs for other things too.

There’s plenty of things you’ll need to pay for that you won’t even have thought of before now.

For example, you may need to pay for taxes, or permits to get the work done.

Get all the costs together, and decide on how much you can afford to pay.

Step 3: Get the Permits You Need

If your Los Angeles custom home remodeling project makes major changes to your home, you need to check if you will need permits to do so.

Understand what types of permits you may need when you’re looking around for contractors; many of them won’t start on the job until you have them.

Some contractors include getting permits in their quote. At Skyline Construction and Remodeling, we will get all necessary permits for you to ensure a smooth building and remodeling process.

Step 4: Be Realistic About What You Want

It’s so easy to find yourself on home design sites, looking at beautiful homes and deciding that they’re showing you exactly what you want.

Sometimes, these designs look amazing but they just wouldn’t work in your home.

For example, if you have a smaller living room and you’re not expanding it, then a large real wood burning fireplace just won’t work in it.

Talk to the contractors you contact, and ask them what they can and can’t do for you.

Step 5: Live in a Home for a While Before Renovating

Have you just bought your home?

When you were in the process of buying it, you were probably thinking all about how you’d make changes to it to make it just right for you.

Even if you already have the plans in your head, make sure you’re living in your home for a while.

You need to get a feel for the home before you start making changes to it.

• — You’ll need to see where the sun rises, and how it affects the light in your home.
• — You’ll need to see where you spend most of your time in the home, and whether you’ll need to change your plans to accommodate them.

Step 6: Shop Around for Remodeling Contractors in Los Angeles

You’ll need Los Angeles remodeling contractors in order to make your dream a reality.

Not any contractor will do though. You need to do your homework and find someone who can give you exactly what you need.

• — Firstly, try asking around friends and family to see if they have somebody they can recommend.
• — You can also check out reviews online, to see what they have to say.
• — Don’t be afraid to interview a few different contractors, to see what they have to offer you.
• — You’ll also need to find out whether they’ll be able to start work for you soon, or whether you’ll have to wait for them to become available. If you need the work to start right away, this will be a major consideration.

Step 7: Be Ready to Communicate

When you have contractors in your home, you need to be able to talk to them about your custom home remodeling projects.

You should trust them to know their stuff, but at the same time they need to listen to you.

Keep checking in with what they’re doing, and talk to them about it.

If you see something isn’t going to plan, make sure that you speak up.

If you’re calm and considerate with them, they’ll be happy to talk with you about it. If you speak up early enough, you’ll find it’s much easier to put things right.

Step 8: Consider Moving Out

No, not forever!

If your custom home remodeling job is big enough, it might be a good idea to move out for a while as it’s going on.

It’s hard to continue with everyday life when you’re stepping over contractors and building supplies every day.

You may be able to stay with family or friends for a while, or even stay in a hotel if funds allow. It’s well worth considering, if the work will be disruptive enough.

After all, you can’t live without a kitchen for weeks on end.

Conclusion

There’s plenty you need to consider when you’re remodeling your home.

If you take your time picking a Los Angeles contractor and making plans, then you’ll get the home that you’ve always dreamed of.

Start looking for a good contractor today, and you’ll love the home that you end up with.