A whole home remodel is an exciting journey that offers the chance to completely transform your living space. Whether you’ve been dreaming of an open-concept kitchen, modernized bathrooms, or simply more functional living areas, a full home renovation aligns your home with your style and current amenities. As seasoned Delaware design-build remodelers, Bromwell Construction is pleased to walk you through the essential steps of planning and executing a complete home remodel. From setting your goals and budget to selecting the right contractor and designing your dream home, we’ll help you navigate the process with confidence. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for turning your house into a cohesive, beautifully updated space that meets your needs and enhances your lifestyle. From, “I want to renovate my house. Where do I start?” to, “I absolutely love this.” We’ll guide your journey.
What is a Whole Home Remodel?
A whole home remodel is more than just updating a few rooms—it’s a comprehensive renovation that can change your home and the way you live in it. By opting for a complete home renovation, you can address broader issues like outdated layouts or inadequate space. For instance, removing a wall between the kitchen and living room can open up the floor plan, creating an open-concept layout perfect for modern living. Unlike smaller projects that focus on one area, a full home remodel involves reworking multiple spaces. Even relatively untouched spaces in your renovation often benefit from weaving in new flooring or updating paint colors across different rooms. This approach allows you to create a cohesive design throughout your home, ensuring that every room flows seamlessly into the next.
Why Consider a Full Home Remodel?
There are many reasons why homeowners choose a full home remodel. One of the biggest benefits is the opportunity to create a space that better suits your lifestyle. Whether you need more room for a growing family or want to modernize an older home, a whole home remodel provides the flexibility to make these changes.
Another advantage is the ability to tackle all renovations at once, which can actually save time and money in the long run. With a complete remodel, you can consolidate costs, reduce the overall disruption to your daily life, and achieve a more unified design.
For those considering the investment, it’s also worth noting that a high-end whole home remodel can significantly increase your property’s value. By modernizing your home and improving its overall flow and design, you’re creating a more enjoyable living environment and making a wise financial decision.
Where to Start with a Whole Home Remodel
Initial Planning and Goal Setting
The first and most crucial step is establishing clear project goals. Start by asking yourself, "What do I want to achieve with this remodel?" Are you looking to update outdated features, improve the flow of your home, or add more space? Defining your priorities will help you focus on what’s most important and guide your decisions throughout the process.
Once you’ve set your goals, it’s essential to determine the project's scope. Will your remodel involve every room in the house, or will you focus on key areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and common spaces? Knowing the extent of your renovation will make it easier to plan and budget accordingly.
Your early plan should include a list of your goals, a rough timeline, and a preliminary budget. It’s also helpful to gather inspiration by looking at design magazines, websites, or even homes in your neighborhood to get a sense of what you like. While it’s tempting to include every dream feature in your remodel, focusing on the essentials first will ensure that your project stays on track and within budget.
Budgeting for a Complete Home Renovation
How much does it cost to remodel an entire house? The cost of a full home remodel can vary widely based on several factors, including the size of your home, the extent of the renovations, and the quality of materials and finishes you choose. On average, homeowners can expect to spend anywhere from $150,000 to $500,000 or more to remodel their home and change the layout.
Setting a budget is a critical part of any complete home renovation. A well-planned budget keeps your project on track financially and helps you make informed decisions about where to allocate your resources. When creating your budget, start by researching the average costs of a whole home remodel in your area. Keep in mind that the price can vary widely depending on factors like the size of your home, the complexity of the remodel, and the quality of materials you choose. For instance, a high-end whole home remodel will naturally cost more due to premium materials and finishes. Include a buffer in your budget for unexpected expenses, which are common in any renovation project. This will help you avoid stress and financial strain if unforeseen issues arise, such as structural repairs or delays in material delivery.
Choosing the Right Whole Home Remodel Contractor
Choosing the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your full home remodel. The right contractor will bring your vision to life while ensuring the project runs smoothly, stays on budget, and is completed on time.
Start by researching whole home remodel contractors near Wilmington who have experience with projects similar to yours. Look for contractors who specialize in complete home renovations and have a proven track record of success. Reviews and testimonials from previous clients can provide valuable insights into their work quality and customer service.
Once you’ve identified a few potential contractors, schedule consultations to discuss your project. During these meetings, ask about their experience with whole home remodels and request examples of past projects. It’s important to choose a contractor who understands your vision and has the expertise to execute it.
In addition to experience and expertise, communication is key. Your contractor should listen to your ideas, provide thoughtful input, and keep you informed throughout the process. A good contractor will be transparent about costs, timelines, and any potential challenges that may arise. Ensuring that your contractor is properly licensed and insured will protect you from liability in case of accidents or issues during the remodel.
Design-Build Remodeling for Whole Homes
The design-build approach is the most efficient, streamlined, and cohesive method to achieve your dream home. At Bromwell Construction, we specialize in design-build remodeling, where our team manages the design and construction phases under one roof. This integrated approach offers numerous advantages over the traditional design-bid-build method, particularly for large-scale projects like a full home renovation.
What is Design-Build Remodeling?
In a design-build remodel, one team is responsible for your project's design and construction. This means that you work with a single point of contact who manages the entire process from the initial planning stages to the final touches. This approach fosters better communication, faster decision-making, and seamless execution of your vision.
- Initial Consultation and Goal Setting
The process begins with a detailed consultation to discuss your goals, needs, and budget. This is where we help you clarify your vision for your home and outline the project's scope. - Design Phase
Our team of designers collaborates with you to create a cohesive, functional design that reflects your style and meets your needs. Because we handle both design and construction, we ensure that all design choices are feasible within your budget and timeline. - Pre-Construction Planning
Once the design is finalized, we move into the planning phase, securing permits, ordering materials, and preparing the site. This phase is crucial for setting a realistic schedule and ensuring the project runs smoothly. - Construction Phase
With everything in place, our construction team begins the transformation. Throughout the build, we maintain open communication, informing you of progress and potential changes. The close collaboration between our designers and builders ensures that any issues are quickly resolved, keeping the project on track. - Final Walkthrough and Completion
After construction is complete, we conduct a final walkthrough with you to ensure every detail meets your expectations. We address any final touches and ensure you are fully satisfied with your new space.
Why Design-Build is the Best Approach for Whole Home Remodels
The design-build model offers several key advantages:
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Streamlined Communication: With one team handling the entire project, there’s no need to juggle multiple contractors or deal with miscommunication between designers and builders. This leads to fewer delays, misunderstandings, and changes in the project’s direction.
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Cost Efficiency: Because design and construction are managed by the same team, we can ensure that your design fits within your budget from the start. This minimizes costly surprises and changes later in the project.
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Faster Project Completion: The integrated approach of design-build allows for a more efficient workflow, reducing the overall timeline of your remodel. With everyone on the same page from day one, decisions are made quickly, and the project progresses smoothly.
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Cohesive Design and Construction: A design-build remodel ensures that your entire home has a cohesive look and feel, as the same team is responsible for every aspect of the project. This creates a more unified and polished final result.
How Long Does It Take to Remodel an Entire House?
The timeline for a whole home remodel can vary significantly depending on the scope of the project, the size of the home, and any unforeseen challenges that may arise. On average, a complete home renovation can take anywhere from six months to over a year to complete.
The timeline typically starts with the design and planning phase, which can take a few weeks to several months, depending on a client’s decision-making cadence, the complexity of the project, and the approval of permits. Once construction begins, the timeline will depend on the specific tasks involved. For instance, structural work, such as removing walls or adding new rooms, usually takes longer than cosmetic updates like painting or installing new flooring.
Keep in mind that delays can occur due to weather, availability of materials, or unexpected issues that arise during construction. Working with an experienced whole home remodel contractor like Bromwell can help ensure that your project stays on schedule, as they can anticipate potential challenges and address them proactively.
Bromwell Brings Your Delaware Home into the Future, Your Way
If you’re ready to take the first step in your entire home remodel in Delaware or neighboring Pennsylvania, contact Bromwell Construction today. Our team of experts is here to guide you through the process, from initial planning to final touches, ensuring your renovation is a resounding success.
