Where to start with your home renovation

Walter Russell from Home Sweet Home Builders of Woburn MA joined me on this first episode to discuss how to get going with a project, Walter brings the perspective of a contractor in a discussion about how to kick off your home renovation.

Episode Recap

Step 1: Know what you want 

Step 2: Know what you can afford

Our fictional homeowner is trying to figure out how to start a project that would be a two story addition, kitchen on the first floor and a master suite on the second floor. She has $200,000 to spend. What should her first call be? Does she have enough money to complete what she would like to do?

• Should you call a contractor first or an architect? 
• How does someone begin to set a budget? 
• We discussed factors that contribute to the price of a project. 
• An architect is thinking about what is possible in the space, a contractor is thinking budget. Ideally you would bring the two together early in the project.
• Is it a good idea to put everything you want into a plan just to see how much it is going to cost? Will that cause unnecessary disappointment?
• Building a master plan is going to be important for realizing what the maximum scope potential is
• Architect works up a vision and a scope of work, the contractor will be able to give a rough budget number based on that. 
• Should you keep your home renovation budget number secret? 
• Walter gives some ballpark prices for common smaller projects. 
• Are square footage prices accurate?

Learning from the mistakes of others

Don’t rush into a project

Walter Russell is the co-owner of Home Sweet Home Builders, a full service construction company, with a core focus on residential remodeling and roofing. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and twitter @HSHBLLC or on the internet at www.HSHbuilds.com

Help me spread the word! Send a link to this show to 3 of your friends who you think could use information about home renovations. I would really appreciate that.

Chat with me! Join the community on Flick, a podcasting chat app. You can ask questions, chat with other listeners about your project, new products, and more! The app is free, download it wherever you get apps and then open this code on your phone: https://flickchat.page.link/rohX

Join our mailing list! Get insider information, extras (like the images we can't post here) and other exciting news http://eepurl.com/gFJLlT

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

The music is Blueberry Festival Footrace by David Fisher and performed by Hanneke Cassel www.hannekecassel.com

Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com