The trick to a successful remodel project is the right preparation ahead of time. Avenue B Development highlights the Top 10 tricks to getting your project off to a good start.

1. TOP 10 TRICKS TO GET YOUR REMODEL
OFF TO A GOOD START
Katie Bullard, Avenue B Development
www.avenuebdev.com

2. TIME TO REMODEL!
Do you worry this will be you?

3. IT’S EASY TO FEEL THIS WAY…
With 10 easy tricks to get your remodel off to a good start

4. TIP 1: HGTV PROJECTS ARE NOT REALITY
• Full house remodels do not usually get
done for $40,000
• Materials and labor are often donated
for the show
• Permitting is expedited for the show

5. TIP 2: SET A CLEAR OBJECTIVE
• Write down WHY you are doing
the remodel and WHAT you want
to get out of it
• “I need space for a growing family to
include an extra bedroom and family
room”
• “I want to create a green, energy
efficient space that reduces my carbon
footprint”
• “I want to sell the house in 2 years and
want it to be easier to sell given my
neighborhood market”

6. TIP 3: DEFINE YOUR NEEDS V. WANTS
• Go into the project knowing what you
HAVE to have and what would be NICE to
have
• Make a list of Needs v. Wants so that
budget tradeoffs are easier down the road
• Possible Needs: 1 extra bedroom with room for
King Bed, updated kitchen with more counter
space, improved flow throughout house, more
energy efficient features
• Possible Wants: Marble counters, heated
floor, double vanity, walk-in closet in new
bedroom

7. TIP 4: KNOW YOUR BUDGET
• Whatever your budget, you can create a
great space
• However, your budget parameters will
define how that space is shaped
• Size
• Finish Level
• Phasing
• Being realistic will allow you to get the
most of out whatever that budget is

8. TIP 5: HAVE FUNDS READY
• The longer a project drags out, the
more money you will waste
• Have all funds ready for disbursement
at the beginning of the project
• If all funds are not ready, have a clear
phasing plan for the project based on
your budget
• Don’t get stuck with cabinets and no
countertops!

9. TIP 6: KNOW YOUR STYLE
• This is YOUR space, not the
contractor’s
• Know what style works for you and
your family – don’t be swayed by a
bunch of different fads
• Create magazine clippings of rooms
and styles that you look – even if you
don’t know where to find those items,
your contractor probably does and can
better point you to the right showrooms

10. TIP 7: FIND THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR
• Do your research
• Do you want a contractor with significant
experience remodeling kitchens and baths?
• Do you want a contractor that knows your
neighborhood?
• Do you want a contractor that specializes in
modern v. traditional construction?
• Good Sources: www.austinnari.org,
www.houzz.com
• Interview several contractors to identify
who you will work best with
• Check references

11. TIP 8: PREPARE FOR PERMITTING
• A small remodel will not take 6
weeks….because the current
waiting time for permits is 12
weeks!
• Be prepared and patient; the
contractors have no control over
the length of time it takes to start
the review
• It IS improving and wait times
should be back under a month
within the next few months

12. TIP 9: HAVE A PROJECT KICKOFF
• Before construction starts, ensure
your contractor has a project
kickoff with you to define:
• Anticipated project timeline
• Working hour expectations
• Communication expectations
• Working conditions expectations
• Payment schedule/timing
• This will ensure that you minimize
surprises and potential issues

13. TIP 10: SELECT LONG-LEAD ITEMS EARLY
• Don’t sit around waiting for materials
to come in
• Certain items have long lead times:
Windows, Doors, Flooring, and special
order fixtures
• Select these as soon as possible so
that when you’re contractor is ready to
install, the items are on hand

14. HAPPY REMODELING!