Planning Your New House's Interior: Key Considerations and Steps

Starting the interior work on your new home can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a newcomer to home renovation, it's essential to keep a few key considerations in mind to ensure that your project is both successful and stress-free.

Key Considerations

Firstly, do you have the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to undertake the specific interior work you plan to do? This might include whole-house remodeling, kitchen updates, ADA compliance, game room installations, or new construction. Your choice of project can significantly impact your approach and resources required.

Whole House vs. Specific Rooms

Are you looking to undertake full-house renovations or focus on specific rooms like the kitchen, game room, or even a new construction project? Research is crucial in either case. For instance, a basic kitchen remodel can cost anywhere from $150 to $350 per square foot in California, depending on the scope of work. These costs can escalate if you're facing shortages of skilled labor and materials, such as cabinets.

Research and Resources

For new homes or older homes that are part of a tract project, it's wise to leverage the knowledge of your neighbors, local home association, or design professionals. Your neighborhood library can also provide valuable insights. Professional design blogs, media, and magazines like Consumer Reports are excellent resources for detailed information on successful interior remodels.

Useful Tools for Research

Local Libraries Home Association Members Design Professionals Consumer Reports Design Blogs and Magazines

Saving on Costs

You can also find cabinets at a salvage yard, which can be an economical alternative. Moreover, hiring an interior designer can save you both time and money. Their services are typically tax-deductible, making the investment worthwhile.

Accessibility and Functionality

Consider the long-term needs of your home. If you envision yourself needing to use a wheelchair in the future, will your home be accessible? Pathways, doorways, bathrooms, and kitchen areas should be designed for ease of movement for all users.

Doors and Bathrooms

Are the doorways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair? Can you handle your bathroom needs starting from a seated position in a wheelchair? Is kitchen work easily doable from a seated position in a wheelchair?

Think about the daily routine such as waking up, preparing breakfast, and handling chores from a seated position. Visualize where family members will spend their time and how different scenarios like hosting a party, family reunion, or holiday dinner would play out in your home.

Functional Design

Consider the functionality of each room. For example, in the bedroom area, imagine your routine as if you had just woken up. Plan for where your bed is, where the first steps after waking up should lead you, and what tasks you might need to undertake before heading to the kitchen for breakfast.

Utilizing Space Efficiently

Bedroom Area: Plan for easy access to the bed and suitable locations for daily activities. Living and Dining Areas: Consider the flow of traffic and where family members will spend their time during daily activities. Kitchen: Arrange for a workspace that is easily accessible from a seated position. Plan for storage and equipment that can be used conveniently.

Cost-Effective Upgrades

While comprehensive renovations can be expensive, there are affordable ways to enhance your home's value without breaking the bank. Some simple yet impactful upgrades include:

Painting: Fresh coats of paint can dramatically transform a room's appearance and mood. Kitchen Cabinets: Updating kitchen hardware, such as drawer pulls and faucet handles, can refresh the space without a huge investment. Tiling Floors: Adding tile to floors can update the look and feel of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

Permits and Long-Term Planning

Depending on the extent of your interior work, you might need to obtain permits. Additionally, consider the long-term value of your home. Upgrading kitchen and bathroom areas can significantly increase your home's resale value.

In conclusion, taking the time to plan and research can save you both time and money in the long run. By focusing on functionality, accessibility, and cost-effective upgrades, you can create a home that not only meets your current needs but also holds potential for future expansions or modifications.