Few projects entail as much planning and effort as a home remodel. Even if you don’t lift a hammer and nail, you’re likely to feel the impact as the project progresses. Some people have found that breaking the project into smaller pieces by phasing it helps them deal with the job on financial and personal levels.
Pros and Cons of Phasing
Besides lowering your financial and personal stress with phasing, you’ll have a chance to live with the project before proceeding. If you find that the flooring you chose is hard to keep clean or not the look you want throughout the house, you can select something else during the next phase.
If you plan to live elsewhere during the remodeling, phasing it could make it possible for you to stay at home or shorten the duration of your absence. The money you save by not needing food and lodging could save a good deal of money. On the other hand, you’ll be living with the chaos that a home remodel can create, from noise, dust, and traffic.
On the downside, phasing a home remodel will probably increase the cost of the project by the time it’s finished. Prices for materials and labor tend to increase over time. Phasing might also add to the complexity of the job, which increases its cost directly and indirectly.
How to Phase a Remodeling Project
The best place to start is by articulating the steps involved in the remodeling project. Sit down with your design team and builder to cover the major steps of the project. You’ll be able to see where the natural phase breaks are and which relate to another part of the job.
If your project involves adding concrete slabs for a new patio and a bedroom, it would make sense to include the concrete for both in the same phase. It will save money to schedule the pours at the same time to cut trip charges and possibly get a lower cost per yard based on higher volume.
Talking to the Lender
While you’re phasing the home remodel with the construction team, it’s a good idea to check with the lender about the financial logistics involved. The bank may have its own requirements regarding the construction progress to minimize their risk.
Bottom Line
Phasing a home remodel might make it easier for you to get through it to achieve the home you want. It’s a way to spread the project out, giving you the advantage of time-testing the design and materials, as well as easing the financial stress. This option may also mean more financial commitment over time and, of course, the inevitable stress of dealing with construction but in more manageable pieces. By looking at the scope of the work first, you’ll make a decision that best fits your home and family.