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“My Home Doesn’t Fit Me Anymore.”
A guide/worksheet for homeowners considering remodeling.
The Problem:
Beginning the job of remodeling your home is a daunting task. There are so many things to think about and so many decisions to make. Where does one begin?
The Solution:
While every remodeling situation is unique and involves its own set of problems, there is a good solution. And, like most good solutions, it will be found by properly defining the problem. We, at Vice Versa Design Build, through our keen architectural insight and valuable construction experience, can help you to uncover the perfect solution to your remodeling needs and desires.
The following questions will help you, the homeowner, begin to define the scope of your remodeling project. By giving some careful consideration to these and other possible questions, a workable set of remodeling goals will begin to take shape. Vice Versa will then be able to positively and economically work with you to give these goals form that will facilitate and enhance your unique lifestyle.
The insufficiencies of your current living space can be identified within the two main categories listed below and usually be a combination of both.
Quantity vs. Quality:
Is our house big enough?
Do we enjoy the spaces we currently have?
Do we use the space we have economically and efficiently?
These are key questions that will need to be addressed to find your perfect solution. A lot of living needs can be met by adding more space, but sometimes it may be more feasible and economical to redefine the quantity and quality of space you already have. Begin by looking at how you are currently using the space you already have and how your home environment currently affects you. Granted, the qualitative aspects are tougher to define, but really try putting some of your homes qualitative shortcomings into words. It will pay off later in making your new space custom tailored in subtle, yet very rewarding, ways.
By making a list of thoughts in response to the following questions, you will automatically be addressing issues of quantity and quality. These thoughts will be the guidelines for your new space. Also, it is helpful to note things that you particularly like, or work well, in your home. Remember, don’t concern yourselves with form, we will work on that later, just address the current problems literally.
Points to Consider:
- Do you want to change the architectural style or character of the home you live in?
- Do the spaces you live in feel crowded or claustrophobic?
- Do you feel the need for more/less natural light?
- Are interior and exterior areas of our home poorly lit or lacking ambience?
- Are certain areas of your home difficult to maintain or keep clean?
- Can you live with some rooms becoming smaller to gain space in others (i.e. dining room space toward kitchen--secondary bedroom toward M. bedroom/bath, etc.)?
- Do you need more living space for entertaining/gathering (inside and out)?
- Are applieances & utilities (i.e. washer/dryer, dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, water heater, furnace, hose spigots) in good shape, accessible and convenient to use?
- Do you need specialized space such as home office, hobby, or in-law suites?
- Is there a feeling that certain areas or parts of your home were not well built or appear cheap?
- Are there views to the outside world around your home that you want enhanced and/or have concealed?
- Do the circulation paths or the way you move around (inside and outside) of your home flow easily, or are they cumbersome and awkward?
- Are areas of your home warmer, colder, draftier, and more damp than you would like them to be (year round)?
- Are your heating/cooling bills acceptable?
- Do you have enough storage for things we want out of sight (boxes, cloths, dry goods, etc.) and in full view (books, pictures, memorabilia, artifacts, etc.)?
Other Areas of Inspiration:
- Clip ideas and “looks” * from magazines or books and compile a mini “portfolio” of your new space
- Assemble brochures of interesting building products, fixtures, or materials you would like to investigate using in your project
- Visit showrooms of local suppliers of:
indoor/outdoor lighting
flooring
tile
kitchen & bath fixtures
- Visit Model Homes and Home Shows
Your New Lifestyle:
Vice Versa hopes these thoughts will provide you with enough direction to begin your remodeling endeavor. We are available to help you address these and other questions that may arise during your Remodeling Design Phase. Once you have made the commitment to work through the old problems, we believe your new home will, undoubtedly, fit you perfectly.
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