Try to figure out a theme early on and stick to it. For example, think about whether you want your kitchen to be modern, traditional, or eclectic. If you admire a friend’s home, ask them if they’d mind telling you where they shopped or found inspiration.

Appliances Flooring Lighting Plumbing Electrical work Installation costs Furniture Accessories Payment to any professionals you hire

Before you hire an architect, make sure to ask to look at their portfolio. You want to make sure that they have experience handling projects similar to yours. You should also ask for a quote about how much their work will cost.

Take some time to look through each designer’s portfolio. Choose one who has created rooms that you like. Make sure to get a quote for how much each designer’s services will cost.

Whichever type of contractor you need, meet with a few candidates before hiring anyone. You should also ask for a projected budget and timeline. Ask family and friends for recommendations. [7] X Expert Source GreatBuildzContractor Matching Service Expert Interview. 25 November 2020. You can also read online reviews to see if other customers had a positive experience. At a minimum your contractor should be licensed, have insurance, and have at least 5-10 years of experience. [8] X Expert Source GreatBuildzContractor Matching Service Expert Interview. 25 November 2020.

Whichever type of contractor you need, meet with a few candidates before hiring anyone. You should also ask for a projected budget and timeline. Ask family and friends for recommendations. [7] X Expert Source GreatBuildzContractor Matching Service Expert Interview. 25 November 2020. You can also read online reviews to see if other customers had a positive experience. At a minimum your contractor should be licensed, have insurance, and have at least 5-10 years of experience. [8] X Expert Source GreatBuildzContractor Matching Service Expert Interview. 25 November 2020.

Also consider your timeline. It will likely take you much longer to do the job than a professional. Decide if that is a major factor in your decision. If you decide that you want to do the work yourself, make sure that you do so safely. Do not attempt to rewire your house, for instance, if you don’t have that sort of experience. However, you can paint the walls in your living room yourself without any prior experience. Don’t be afraid to hire a professional only for the things you need. For example, you might hire someone to install your appliances, but choose to decorate on your own.

If you hire professionals, check in with them at least once a week to check on their progress. If you are doing the work yourself, resist the urge to multitask. If you start on the bedroom before the bathroom is done, you’ll end up with 2 projects, which is harder to manage than just 1 at a time.

For example, you might think it would be nice to have your sink on a different wall. But that would mean ripping out old plumbing and installing new pipes. Instead, ask yourself if you can live with just having a new sink installed in the old spot. Similarly, it can be very expensive to create new spaces for your range or wall oven.

Make sure to price several different cuts of granite. Oftentimes, a $25 slab will look just as good as one that costs $45. Choose laminate for a more affordable option. If you have an average-sized kitchen, you can expect to pay $500-$1200 to have laminate installed. Granite would cost about $3,000-$3500. [14] X Research source Keep in mind that they typically don’t last as long as granite. Laminate likely won’t last more than 10 years, while granite can last for over 100 years.

You can expect to pay between $100-$300 per square foot for cabinets, depending on the materials you select. Make sure that the shelves are made of at least . 5 inches (1. 3 cm) thick furniture grade plywood. Talk to your supplier about getting a warranty for your cabinets. Many will offer one.

Refrigerators Ovens Cooktops Microwaves Dishwashers The features you choose are really up to you. If you want to increase resale value, go for energy-efficient appliances. These are typically quiet and cut down on electric bills.

Extra storage space, such as a pantry or lazy Susan Recessed lighting Tile back-splash Energy-efficient appliances

If you are working with a professional, ask them for advice on what sort of fixtures are most appropriate for your space. Take into account whether you want this room to stay in the same style as the rest of the house and plan accordingly. For example, if the rest of your house is ultra-modern, you probably don’t want to choose a rustic look for your bathroom.

Visit a store that sells fixtures and spend some time deciding what you want to focus on. For example, if you want a free-standing tub to be the focal point of your room, allocate extra money for that feature.

Many porcelain tiles are now made to mimic the look of natural stone, so you can have the best of both worlds!

You might also want to consider some bright lighting around the mirror, which can make it easier to see any makeup you’re putting on. If you can, add a window to your bathroom. This feature adds a lot of resale value.

Keep in mind that while the toilets are relatively affordable, installation can be expensive. You might be able to DIY if you have any knowledge of plumbing.

Large medicine cabinets and under sink storage are also great ways to add storage space. Consider adding a ledge in your shower where you can store products like shampoo.

If you choose carpet, make sure it reflects your lifestyle. For example, white carpet probably isn’t a wise choice if you have small children or a playful puppy. Visit a flooring store to look at samples and get a feel for what materials cost. For example, laminate is less expensive than actual hardwood. You could compare the 2 to see what works for you.

Feel free to be creative in your living space. For example, you could have a gray room with 1 red wall to create a dramatic accent.

For the kitchen, look at tables, storage racks, and bar stools. You might price couches, end tables, and lamps for your living room. For the bedroom, consider headboards, dressers, and nightstands. You might want a new table or buffet for the dining room. Your furniture should fit your lifestyle. For example, if you have a large family, consider a long dining table with a bench on 1 side to accommodate several people. If you and your partner love movie night, a comfy sofa might be your priority.

For your dining room, you might display decorative plates on the walls. To jazz up your table, add new placemats and napkins. Mirrors are a great way to make a small room look larger. To fill a large room, consider purchasing some oversize pieces, such as a long table or sectional sofa.

For your dining room, you might display decorative plates on the walls. To jazz up your table, add new placemats and napkins. Mirrors are a great way to make a small room look larger. To fill a large room, consider purchasing some oversize pieces, such as a long table or sectional sofa.