Designer 411: Home Renovation

Design: Austin Bean Design Studio

When planning a home renovation it's important to have the best of the best in your corner. We asked three professionals to weigh in on the some of the most important factors; from hiring a contractor, to pricing out of the market, to budgeting your renovation. Read on to get advice from the experts on all this and more.

Our Contractor

John Colaneri of Brunelleschi Construction is best known for his roles on the hit HGTV shows Cousins On Call and Cousins Undercover . When he isn't on set, he and his cousin Anthony specialize in urban development. Follow John on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook .

Before a project can begin, what are the first couple steps a homeowner must take?

Make sure you're planning, planning, and then planning some more. If you have all your design choices made and have ordered materials the project will run much smoother and faster.  

What are the top three things to ask before hiring a contractor?

Ask to see a current project, their insurance, and to speak with one of their previous clients.

How does a contractor's estimate break down? Is there room for negotiation?

You don't want a lump sum number from the contractor. The estimate should be broken down by trade so you can see what each item costs. There is always room to negotiate on price. You never want to pick the highest or lowest bid instead try to find a happy medium.

Will a contractor find and manage a plumber and electrician if needed?

A general contractor will manage the entire project for you and be in charge of the other sub-contractors. By doing this it can save you a lot of time and confusion from having to deal with all the other trades yourself. This service will cost you an extra 25 percent in budget line items, but it is well worth it to keep the project moving and giving you the peace of mind that it's being done correctly.     

Our Real Estate Agent

Luke Auen from RE/MAX Luxury Living , a Boston local, specializes in high end real estate. He works closely with his clients to give them sound guidance. You can contact him on Facebook and follow him on Instagram .

How can a homeowner be sure they don't price themselves out of the market with a home renovation?

They need to first ask themselves, when do they plan on selling their home. The answer will determine the extent and pace of the renovations. For instance, if the kitchen is 10 years old, simply replacing the appliances and countertops will make a big difference. 

Whereas, a kitchen that is over 20 years old will most likely need a complete renovation. It's also important for the homeowner to understand that something that is trendy right now might not be "modern" in 5 to 10 years. I also recommend for new owners to preserve the relationship with their real estate agent so that they can come to them for advice on what improvements will add the most value in the current market. All renovation projects should be relative to the value of the home: a $50,000 kitchen countertop does not belong in a $250,000 home. The general rule of thumb is that you always want to aim to get roughly 60 to 75 percent return on any renovations.

What are the best spaces in a home to invest?

The kitchen and bathroom are the first areas to invest in since they receive the highest ROI (return on investment). Another great place to upgrade is the media room. If you don't already have one you could create a similar space in a family room or basement. A media space will be very attractive for a family who values spending time together or a young couple who loves the idea entertaining friends. 

Our Designer

Brian Leighton of Brian Leighton Inc. , is a fine art photographer who took his artistic eye and turned it towards career in interior design.

What should you focus your budget on when renovating a short term vs. long term home?

When renovating a home short term, you don't need a huge budget to make a big impact, instead repurpose the items you buy to update a new space down the road. Accessories like rugs, pillows, and lighting can always be reused. Paint also goes a long way for an inexpensive pick-me-up; if you get tired of it in a few years, the cost of changing it is minimal.   

When renovating a home for the long term, your budget should be higher, since structural changes, and/or finish updates will have the biggest impact and tend to cost more for labor. Consider new finishes carefully before spending big to be sure your renovations will still look fresh 5 years from now. This is where a designer is crucial and though the help will add to your overall budget, we can get you the biggest bang for your buck. A good designer will know where to cut costs and where spending a little more will help wow future buyer for a quick and easy sale.

How much of a renovation project will an interior designer manage?

I offer the option of being involved as a consultant, which allows you to pick my brain for the day while we assess your project so I can offer some ideas and solutions. Alternatively, I can manage the entire project; from concept, to hiring contractors and subcontractors, purchasing materials, and choosing furnishings. Many clients want to be involved in the process, though still want the security and expertise of a designer.

At which point during the process should finish, furniture, and paint selections be made?

I like to start with paint colors, then finishes, then furnishings. Generally, you will be more limited in furniture finishes than paint colors so stay flexible with your paint selections. In most cases a slight variation in the color will pull it all together. Furnishings are chosen once you have your foundation of color and finishes, however be sure to place those orders 8 to 10 weeks before your renovation is expected to be completed so you can ensure on-time delivery.
Get more renovation tips in Designer 411: Bathroom Renovation and the Home Renovation Checklist .