A Guide for Planning Your Next Home Remodeling Project
April 24, 2022
Starting a home remodeling project can be overwhelming.
Luckily, Home Run Improvement is here to help guide you toward bringing your vision for your home to life.
Determine the goal & scope of your home remodeling project.
Before setting out to make a major home improvement, it’s important to determine the project’s goal and scope. A few things to consider:
- Identify needs vs. wants. What are your “must-haves,” and what would be nice to have?
- List priorities. Does one aspect of the project stand above all others in terms of importance? Make that area the focus of your remodel, and don’t let other elements distract you from your core vision. This will be especially important if your budget is limited and you decide to stagger your remodeling projects over time.
- Research materials and methods for remodeling projects like yours. It helps to know the ins and outs of a project before speaking with a contractor about it! We're happy to guide you through the best materials and methods, but we're also able to bring your vision to life if you know exactly what materials you'd like to use. (P.S. Pinterest is great for searching for inspiration! If you show us a look, we can guide you on specific materials.)
- Determine the size & scope of your project. If you’re looking to remodel an existing space (such as a kitchen or bathroom) you’ll be able to skip right ahead to a contractor (like Home Run Improvement) as your first call. If you’re looking to structurally change your home or make an addition to the home, you’ll want to contact a residential architect who can assist in drawing up plans for your remodel and determine if there are any needed permits before construction can begin. Without having these plans first, a contractor cannot provide an accurate estimate. Further, without any necessary permits, you’re putting yourself and your home at risk–don’t trust a contractor willing to skip these critical steps!
Set a budget and stick to it.
The budget will be one of the most important parts of your remodeling project. Here are some things to keep in mind as you make your plans:
- If possible, stick to cash. Loans are great for many things, but if at all possible, try to avoid going into debt for remodeling projects. It's recommended that with a loan, you pay off the interest before it's due (typically within six months) to save on costs later down the line. Of course, this isn't always realistic—a lot of people don't have thousands of dollars sitting around! But if you can do this successfully, your future self will thank you. If a loan is needed, check with your bank to determine what loan is best for you. Home Run does not offer in-house financing.
- Plan for some wiggle room at the end of your project. We advise saving an additional 5-15% over your estimated expense. No matter how meticulous and careful you are with your budgeting plan—and especially as you dive into uncharted territories like installations or home repairs—unexpected costs often arise. This may be due to additional features you decide you want to add on as the project is in progress, further damage/repairs needed that are revealed through demolition, or simply for interior design/decor or once the space is remodeled!
Select a trusted contractor.
- Before you spend your hard earned money and allow someone to make changes to your home, you want to ensure you’re hiring someone with experience that you can trust. Start by checking reviews and references for contractors. Ensure that the person you are hiring has experience doing the type of remodeling you are looking to do and check to ensure they are licensed and have insurance.
- You’ll then want to schedule an estimate appointment (always free at Home Run) to determine the estimated cost of your project. This is not only a good time to determine if your project is within your budget, but also to discuss your options and design.
- At Home Run Improvement we are proud to stand behind the 100+ reviews of our customers with a rating of 4.8+ out of 5 stars. Our results speak for themselves! With ten years of experience as a locally owned and operated business, we put the utmost priority on professionalism, integrity, & quality. We provide clear pricing estimates up front and ensure every customer is highly satisfied with the work performed.
Plan ahead for construction or spaces to be out of service temporarily.
- Establish a timeline. Allowing yourself leeway for delays can help keep you from feeling frustrated and allow you to plan around when remodeling will be taking place. It can also be helpful to work with your contractor in establishing a reasonable timeline so you'll know what to expect throughout the project and how long various tasks will take.
- Plan ahead for spaces that won't be in use temporarily during your remodel: If you're planning on having a bathroom remodeled, for instance, plan ahead to use other bathrooms in the house and clear out the space until it will be ready for use again.
- In rare situations with large remodels, consider finding an alternative living arrangement, such as a rental or staying with friends or family. This may sound drastic, but it's worth considering if you're planning extensive renovations that take up much of your home such as a home addition or if primary spaces are being worked on all at once (bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen). Especially if you have small children, it can make the process easier on everyone involved to get out of the house and stay elsewhere while major construction is underway.
At Home Run we will give you your timeline of your remodel once a contract has been signed. Timelines vary based on type of project and availability of our crews, but our turn-around is one of the quickest in the Louisville area. We strive to be up and out of your space as quickly as possible, while still performing a thorough and quality job.
A home remodel is a big project that will pay off if you plan ahead and work with the right people.
That's why we're here to help. Home remodeling can be a cumbersome and confusing process, but you don’t have to go it alone. If you still have questions on where to get started or if you’re ready to take the step of getting an estimate, call us today at 502-888-1396!
A well-built deck creates an inviting outdoor living space that adds value, functionality, and curb appeal to your home. If you're looking for a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood, TimberTech composite decking is an excellent choice. Designed to resist moisture, fading, staining, and splintering, TimberTech products provide the appearance of natural wood with significantly less upkeep. This guide walks through the major stages of building a TimberTech deck, from planning to the final inspection. Home Run is an official TimberTech Gold installer with specialized TimberTech training and access to enhanced warranties. Planning the Project Every successful deck begins with careful planning. Determine how the deck will be used, whether for entertaining, outdoor dining, or simply relaxing. Consider the size, shape, and location of the deck while taking into account access points from your home and the surrounding landscape. Select the TimberTech decking collection and color that best complements your home's exterior. At this stage, establish a realistic budget that includes materials, hardware, permits, and any specialized tools you may need. Before construction begins, verify local building codes and obtain any required permits. Preparing the Site Once the design is complete, prepare the building site by clearing vegetation, removing obstacles, and marking the deck layout with stakes and string lines. Confirm that the area is level and that drainage directs water away from the home's foundation. Accurate measurements during site preparation help ensure the framing and decking install smoothly later in the project. Building a Strong Foundation The strength of any deck depends on its foundation. Install concrete footings below the local frost line according to building code requirements. Secure support posts to the footings before installing beams and floor joists. Carefully check that all framing members are square, level, and properly spaced. Solid framing provides the support needed for the composite decking and helps prevent movement over time. Installing TimberTech Deck Boards With the framing complete, begin installing the TimberTech deck boards according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Many TimberTech products use hidden fastener systems that create a clean, fastener-free surface while maintaining consistent spacing between boards. Work methodically across the deck, checking alignment frequently. If your design includes a picture-frame border or decorative patterns, install those features as you progress. Take extra care when constructing stairs to ensure uniform rise, run, and secure fastening. Installing Railings Railings enhance both safety and appearance. Install railing posts securely to the deck framing before attaching the top and bottom rails. Complete the system by installing balusters and any gates required for stairways or access points. Choose railing styles and colors that complement your decking for a cohesive finished look. Adding the Finishing Touches Complete the project by installing fascia boards to conceal the framing and create a polished appearance. Many homeowners also choose to add deck lighting, post cap lights, stair lighting, or under-rail illumination to improve safety and extend the enjoyment of the deck into the evening. After construction is complete, clean the deck surface and remove any remaining debris. Final Inspection Before putting the deck into regular use, perform a thorough inspection. Verify that all fasteners are secure, railings are solid, stairs are stable, and the structure complies with applicable building codes. A careful final inspection helps ensure the deck is safe, attractive, and built to last. Maintaining Your TimberTech Deck One of the biggest advantages of TimberTech decking is its minimal maintenance requirements. Unlike traditional wood, composite decking does not require annual sanding, staining, or sealing. Routine maintenance typically includes: Sweeping away leaves and debris. Washing the deck periodically with mild soap and water. Cleaning spills promptly to prevent staining. Inspecting railings and fasteners during seasonal maintenance. With proper care, a TimberTech deck can maintain its appearance for many years while requiring significantly less maintenance than a wood deck. Conclusion Building a TimberTech deck is an investment that enhances both your home and your outdoor lifestyle. By carefully planning the project, constructing a solid foundation, following proper installation techniques, and performing regular maintenance, you can create an outdoor space that is beautiful, durable, and enjoyable for years to come. Whether you're building the deck yourself or hiring a professional contractor, choosing quality materials and following best practices will help ensure a successful project and lasting results. Not sure how to proceed? Call to schedule a free Deck assessment with our team today.
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Metal roofing has gone from a niche product to one of the most talked-about options in residential roofing over the last decade. You've probably seen it on newer builds, heard it mentioned by a neighbor, or come across it while researching a roof replacement. And then you ran into the price tag. That sticker shock is usually where the research stops — or where homeowners start looking for reasons to justify it. This guide doesn't do either. It gives you the honest metal roofing pros and cons and a clear framework for deciding whether it makes sense for your specific home in Louisville. What Is Metal Roofing? Before getting into pros and cons, it helps to understand that "metal roofing" covers several different products that perform and cost very differently. The two most relevant for residential homes in Louisville: Standing seam metal roofing — panels run vertically from ridge to eave with raised seams that interlock. No exposed fasteners. This is the premium option you see on high-end custom homes. It's what most people picture when they hear "metal roof." Metal shingles / stone-coated steel — metal panels shaped and coated to look like traditional shingles or tiles. Lower profile than standing seam, easier to retrofit, and less expensive. There's also corrugated metal — the classic ribbed panels more common on agricultural buildings and outbuildings. You'll occasionally see it on residential homes for a specific aesthetic, but it's not what most Louisville homeowners are evaluating. Standing Seam vs. Corrugated Metal Roof Since both come up in residential conversations, here's a direct comparison:
