Analyze your house and your needs before you remodel

As with any decision, many factors affect the decision to remodel.

It is not a decision to be taken lightly. You will likely be spending a significant amount of money, as well as investing time and emotional effort into the process.

Most families don't have the luxury of limitless budgets. So, it is important to get the biggest bang for your buck while getting what you want and need out of your new home.

If you have read our columns before, you have probably heard us say that bigger isn't always better. Sometimes smaller, less expensive additions (when you consider costs per square foot) are better than large additions that merely add space without daily purpose.

We are surprised how many clients come to us and say, "I really want a bonus room upstairs." And we say, "That would be fun. Why do you want a bonus room?"

And they say, "Well, because all the new houses have bonus rooms." They clearly haven't thought through the everyday use of the space once it has been created.

In technical terms we call that programming: "An intelligent response to everyday needs for space allocation" (American Institute of Architects).

In other words, good design reflects how you will use the finished space. Therefore, the first consideration of any successful project — new construction or remodeling — is "programming."

The key to designing space to function well every day is analysis. You don't have to come up with all the answers, but you should thoroughly think through your family's needs and your home's shortcomings.

Here are three steps to help you and an example of how one family approached their analysis.

Step 1: Analyze your current home in terms of what's working and what's not.

For one client, a second marriage meant blending two families with teenagers. A home remodel was definitely in order! For them, location (staying within the same school boundaries) and a fabulous valley view was on their "what's working" list.

On their "not working" list was a lack of bedrooms, bathrooms and a large gathering space.

Step 2: List your needs and wants.

This family decided a separate bedroom for each child was key to their success as a new family. Since the children were older, the new bedrooms didn't need to be near the parents' bedroom. They had two existing bathrooms but wanted four.