What to Know When Starting a Remodel

If you're thinking about starting a home remodel, it's important to understand your goals, budget, and timeline. Home remodeling can help with:

Creating more usable space with functional improvements, like finishing a basement or adding a bathroom, or opening a closed off kitchen
Updating certain features, modernizing fixtures, appliances or cabinets, refinishing floors or freshening up paint
Adapting to lifestyle changes, such as growing families, new hobbies with dedicated spaces, or changing mobility needs
Increasing your home’s resale value, particularly in competitive markets like the greater Seattle area

Whatever the reasons for considering a remodeling project, it’s important to be aware of what is involved. Based on our experience, we have a few recommendations before committing to a full (or even partial) renovation. Understanding the scope of the project and carefully weighing the pros and cons will lead to a smoother process and a favorable end result!

Defining Your Remodeling Goals

Define what your objectives are for the project.

Identify needs vs. wants
Set realistic expectations as to time, budget and feasibility
Prioritize projects, if you plan to tackle multiple areas
Consider long-term value and functionality. Some remodel projects will boost your resale value, if that’s important to you, while others will improve the day-to-day enjoyment of living in your home, which is also valuable!

Budgeting for Your Remodel

Create a realistic budget. Research the costs, get multiple bids from contractors, and determine how much you are willing to spend.
Build in a contingency fund (typically 10-20%). Costs fluctuate and unforeseen events occur, so give yourself some cushion here.
We usually do not recommend the risk of taking a loan against your home to remodel. Instead, save up in advance and pay with cash.

Understanding the Timeline

Timelines are completely dependent on the project. A full house renovation can take anywhere from 3 months to 1 year.
In the Pacific Northwest, exterior remodels such as outdoor covered areas are best done between April 1st and October 31st.
Factor in supply chain impacts on scheduling. Always assume some items will be backordered and allow for extra time to complete the project.
Decide on your living arrangements during construction. We always recommend homeowners try to stay somewhere else while their home is being remodeled. The constant noise, dust, and people in your space is very disruptive to everyday life.

Understanding Permitting and Regulations

Permit requirements in Issaquah/Greater Seattle: The permitting process varies depending on city or jurisdiction, as well as the scope of the project. Please plan for a long permitting period and allow the “start date” to be when you have a permit in hand.
Common zoning considerations: Research your property at the City or County for local regulations regarding setbacks and land use restrictions before beginning construction.
Get HOA approvals if applicable: Most HOAs require permission to do renovations to a home to maintain property values in the area and comply with community standards.
Sierra Homes is an expert in navigating local regulations in the King County area, and we can help guide you through the necessary steps.

Choosing the Right Contractor

Before hiring your own contractors, make sure you do your research.

Gather recommendations from family or friends, read online reviews, and check professional associations like the National Association of Home Builders.
Ensure any contractor you hire is correctly licensed, bonded and insured for the specific type of work they’ll be doing. Get detailed written estimates and compare proposals.
Confirm availability for your project and make sure you review a detailed contract carefully before signing.

If you choose Sierra Homes to manage your remodel, our team will meet with you to make sure the scope of the project is understood and implemented. We have solid, long-term relationships with our contractors and craftsmen, and we stand behind the work that they do!

Design Considerations

Designing a project that meets your functional needs and budget constraints, and ends with a look you love, is a big task. If you’re working with us, we will develop a beautiful, thoughtfully curated design for your remodel project.

We can work with your own contractors, or we can handle the remodel construction process as well. This gives our clients maximum flexibility.
As we work to develop the perfect design, we will personalize it to fit your design taste as well as your functional needs.
Visit this post to learn more about current design trends in the Pacific Northwest, and about our design philosophy and process.

Material Selection

When planning your renovation, unless you have an unlimited budget, you’ll have to balance quality vs. cost considerations.

We recommend identifying what’s most important to you, then creating a plan to splurge on certain materials while using cost-effective alternatives for others. For example, subbing quartz for marble, or ceramic tile for high-end stone. Your contractor or designer can help you figure out where to get the best value, and where you definitely don’t want to cut corners.
Lead times for specialty items can be longer, but the end result may be worth it to you. This includes things like custom cabinets, specialty windows and doors, or imported tile.

The Remodeling Process

Now that your plan is in place, the remodeling process can begin! To give you a sense of the process, here’s how Sierra Homes offers a comprehensive, client-centered approach to home remodeling through four key phases:

Initial Consultation
Design & Bidding
Project Management
Client Service

Our client-focused approach emphasizes collaboration and attentive service, from initial concept all the way through project completion. You can find out more on our remodeling services page.

Now that you know what to expect, you can feel more confident about tackling your home renovation. If you’re interested in taking advantage of our design or remodel services, feel free to contact us! You can view our remodel portfolio to see examples of recent renovation work we’ve completed.