“We want to remodel several areas of our home. Should we do them all at the same time, or would it be less overwhelming to tackle individual projects one at a time … OVER time?”
We get this question a lot, and we’ve tackled projects both ways. So, which strategy works best? That depends on the needs and comfort level of each homeowner. Here’s a list of pros and cons to help you understand the costs associated with each option.
REMODELING ALL AT ONCE
PROS
- One master plan creates consistency throughout your entire house.
- Single HOA plan review, single City plan review, and single permit to pull.
- Bundling material orders and subcontractor work into one larger project is more cost effective (economies of scale).
- Shorter, less expensive project overall (time and expenses increase when you remodel in phases).
- Less invasive and shorter amount of time that your home is in disarray.
- Less noise and mess for neighbors.
CONS
- More money to pay upfront.
- You may need to find temporary housing, causing an added expense or an inconvenience to friends or family.
- Significant disruption and other inconveniences – like dust, noise, electrical shut-offs, water shut-offs and more – if you live in your home during a larger remodel.
- Renovating all at once can feel overwhelming.
REMODELING IN PHASES, OVER TIME
PROS
- Less money upfront creates more immediate cash flow.
- Ability to pay as you go, as you can afford each phase.
- Tackling smaller projects, one at a time, can feel less overwhelming.
- A large portion of your house may still be livable.
CONS
- In the long run, far more costly in overall time and expenses.
- Multiple plan reviews and permits eat up time, money and energy.
- Lost momentum, and sustained disruption caused by serial remodeling, can mentally wear down homeowners as projects continue to drag on.
- It may be necessary to demo something completed in an earlier phase to begin the next phase – such as removing new drywall to access electrical, removing new base and casement to lace in or install flooring.
- Code may require added work to be done – including outlet, railing and light fixture installations – that might need to be removed in the next project phase.
- Remodeling in phases interrupts how trades work most efficiency – in order from “rough” work to “finish” work.
- Duplication of efforts and less efficient use of contractor time – including daily setup, travel time, cleanup of job site and more – can increase costs.
- By the time the next project phase begins, certain materials and finishes might be discontinued and unavailable.
- If you try to pre-order for the next phase of your remodel, you risk under-ordering materials if anything in the plan changes.
- It’s often hard to know where to start and stop during each phase, especially with flooring, paint and trim.
If you’re thinking about a home remodel, but you’re still not sure whether to renovate all at once or in phases over time, contact HighCraft to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re happy to discuss each option in more detail and find a solution that’s right for you.
