Remodeling Tips from a Designer

Remodeling Tips from a Designer

By Alexis Schmidt, Farha HomeTrends’ Interior Designer

Refreshing and refinishing homes is what we do at Farha HomeTrends. Our team of craftsmen, project managers and designers has remodeled every imaginable space in every imaginable way. From decades of experience, we’ve learned a few tips and tricks that are helpful to homeowners looking to stretch their remodeling dollars further.  

Research and Be Inspired

First, find your inspiration. Check out magazines from the library and see what catches your eye. Pinterest, Houzz and Instagram are all great places to find inspiration. You may not think you have a style or preference but we’re all drawn to spaces that make us happy. Describing it in detail may be difficult but you know how you feel when you see it.   

Before you start the project, do your research.  Ask your neighbors, friends and family who they’ve used for a contractor. Check with the Better Business Bureau and Google reviews. Look up websites to see a contractor’s past projects.   Make big decisions first and small details will usually fall into place. Big decisions often involve fixed pieces that are harder to change later. 

Online ordering comes with its own set of challenges. Always pay close attention to the size of objects and the company’s return policy. When it comes to home goods, seeing the product in person is usually a better bet. Pick it up, examine the quality and avoid expensive returns. Plus, shopping locally is always the best choice. 

Consider the Possibilities but Follow Your Heart

Be open to new ideas and variances in the budget. Allow for reasonable fluctuations and consider suggestions from those of us who have been down this road a few times. Learn to give-and-take but decide what you absolutely cannot live without and work around that non-negotiable point. Go with your gut. Remember that you are the person who will live with this remodel and you know what best suits your lifestyle.  

Balance your preferences and ideas about the project with the opinions of experts. There is a right way to remodel and business professionals save time and money by avoiding expensive mistakes. We know where to find the best materials at better-than-retail prices and have valuable relationships with specialty subcontractors. The Farha HomeTrends‘ experts can steer you away from mistakes that might blow your budget. Call us to discuss your remodeling project and browse the website for design inspiration.