Renovation solutions: Analyze wants, needs before starting remodeling project

As residential architects, we naturally question what triggers someone to turn those remodeling dreams into reality.

We have discovered there are three areas that motivate people to get the ball rolling.

The first is the tangible need for a different physical arrangement. For example, the anticipated birth of another child, a change in jobs with a plan to work from home or the need to bring an aging parent or relative into your home on a permanent basis.

The second driving force is more emotional or psychological. This impetus stems from a desire to upgrade our current situation to make our homes more functional, livable and/or attractive.

While a new mudroom may not be critical to the family's survival, the increased control of clutter and the ability to find coats and backpacks easily on a school morning will contribute to your family's quality of life on a daily basis.

Progress is also important to mental health: While we may look back fondly on the early days of marriage with its hodgepodge of hand-me-down furniture in a basement apartment, as the years go by we expect our situation to improve. The home we live in is one measure of this expectation to progress in life.

The third incentive to plunge into remodeling is available money. A sudden windfall, such as winning the lottery, would make the decision to remodel much easier! However, we don't recommend waiting for this option.

There are some realistic scenarios that could lead you from dreaming about a remodel into real-life action. Such situations could include getting a promotion and raise at work, receiving an inheritance or finding a great interest rate on a loan that takes advantage of equity you have built up in your home.

Current economic conditions also play a part in this decision. While we all feel the adverse effects of the events of recent months, there are some benefits of the current situation that favor remodeling.

The downturn in new construction has left many contractors — particularly subcontractors — looking for work. A year ago, you couldn't hire a good framer to save your life, but they are now out there ready and willing to work for much less than they were charging last year.

Materials, such as lumber, are also cheaper today, thanks to the decrease in demand. And, while it may be harder to qualify for a loan these days, if you do you can take advantage of the lowest interest rates seen in years.

The decision process should start with analyzing your needs and wants, both tangible and psychological.

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

For a recent client, a second marriage meant blending two families. A home remodel was definitely in order.