Whatever your reason for remodeling, it’s smart to get a home remodeling designer involved early on. Generally, remodeling becomes necessary at the transitional moments in life—with the addition of new or boomerang family members; when shifting to retirement and the hobby time it entails; or when transitioning to working from home, for instance. Additionally, some families remodel to improve energy efficiency, to age in place comfortably, or to add comfortable indoor and outdoor entertaining space. In all of these circumstances, and others as well, a home remodeling designer is an incredible asset and one we recommend incorporating in the remodeling process ASAP.

There are various reasons to partner with a design expert when remodeling your house plans. To be clear, we’re referring to a home designer here, not interior decorators. While decorators are exceptional partners for putting the final personal touches on a remodeling project, they cannot provide the construction expertise of home plan design experts. If you can, it’s smart to work with your house plan’s original designer. This architect will have invaluable experience regarding what alterations have worked with this specific plan in the past. Partnering with the original designer can help you sidestep many of the potential headaches of remodeling.

Here are a few of the many benefits you’ll see from hiring a design expert for remodeling house plans.

1. Avoid Structural and Code Headaches. Remodeling designers understand how to read blueprints and how to determine if a certain design will work structurally. Most remodeling designers also have years of experience working in one locale so they know how to meet local municipal and state construction codes. This kind of know-how can save you money in the long run as you’ll avoid fines as well as the need to redo construction that fails to meet code standards.

2. Scale Up for Future Growth. From storage solutions to repurposing space, remodeling designers understand how to create plans that can grow with your family. For instance, a house plan design expert might recommend an open kitchen/dining/family room area, which will allow you versatility in using the space according to current family needs.

3. Maximize Remodeling Budget. Home remodeling designers have industry connections that can save homeowners money. Your designer could have budget-saving partnerships with material manufacturers, contractors, and more. Plus, with a professional designer looking over your remodeling process, there’s a better chance your overall home value will increase.

4. Save Time. Let’s face it: Nobody has extra time these days. Researching just one material—let’s say countertops—can take weeks. There are dozens of details to consider. A home remodeling designer can free up your schedule by taking care of time-consuming research for you. Plus, designers’ specialized knowledge of modern materials and approaches can open your eyes to design potentials you never imagined.

5. Achieve a Balanced Design. There’s nothing more frustrating than finishing a long remodeling project only to feel there’s something off with the final result. Interior remodeling experts have years of experience in balancing all design considerations—functionality, colors, patterns, symmetry, and much more. They can also match your home’s existing architectural style for seamless transition between remodeled areas and original spaces.

Before contacting your remodeling designer, it’s wise to gather as much information as possible about your intended remodel. List other partners, such as trusted contractors you wish to partner with. Gather sketches, blueprints, pictures, and other inspirational materials to show your designer what you’re looking for. Name your top goals in remodeling. This kind of preparation will accelerate progress once you do get in touch with your designer.

Post courtesy of Houseplans.co, the online home of Alan Mascord Design Associates house plan collection, where visitors can find more than 700 beautiful home plans in a variety of styles, from Craftsman to Contemporary.

Are you ready to start your home remodeling project?  Contact us now so we can help you plan and then implement your design ideas! ~Gary B.