Project Planning

Project Planning

 
   
 
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Woods Home Improvements
Phone:  708-488-9226 or
     630-464-5944

 

Planning Your Project
Planning is so important in any remodeling project!  Take a look at the the current area to be remodeled. What do you like?  What isn't working for you?   How do you use the space?  Make sure your plan matches your lifestyle.

Pour over magazines, taking clips of photos and layouts.  Take not of designs that inspire you.  Can you see yourself living in this space?  Take time to research your options.

 

Prioritizing:
 

Think about items that are MUST-HAVES vs. items that you WOULD LIKE ?  Put these items in a list, starting with the most important.


Establish a Budget:
 
It is best to figure out a budget for your whole project and let your contractor know about it. Unrealistic expectations can result if you don't convey how much you want to spend and what you hope to get for that amount of money.
 
If you have to skimp on items now to get what you want later, you might go with a less expensive countertop, flooring or electrical fixtures. These areas are easier to replace later than, say a more open-space plan you would have rather had.
 
What is the scope of your job. We can help in this area.. The advice and expertise of a knowledgeable contractor will help you establish the steps that need to be taken to attain the plan you are looking for.
 
Remember cabinetry and other special order items can have lead-times of 4-8 weeks for delivery to your project site.  If you have a start date in mind of next Monday, however a permit was just obtained and nothing has been ordered, you will likely be disappointed. 
 

If you are thinking of doing some of the work yourself, make it at the beginning or at the end of the job. Then our part of the job isn't delayed and you still save money on the "do it yourself" portion.  If you decide to do a part of the job in the middle, the contractor may have to start another job, delaying your project and creating headaches for you. 

 

Finalize a Plan:
 

Map out where you want everything to go. This is so important.  It gives us a chance to know where you're thinking.  You might think that there is space for what you have envisioned, only to find out that you haven't accounted for the space needed for something else. 

 

Preparation:
 
Here are some ways you can prepare for construction.
 
1.  Pack your personal items in clearly labeled boxes that can be moved to another part of the home during the project.
2.  Remove any items from walls in neighboring rooms. The vibrations from construction can cause pictures to fall.
 
Talking with us about any comments or concerns you have should help ease the construction process.
 

Remember, it's a temporary inconvenience, but a permanent improvement. Have fun with it! Keep a sense of humor.


 
Some Items to Consider for Your Project:

 

BUDGET

  • Amount $____________
  • Add 5-10% for changes you may want after construction is underway.
SPACE NEEDED
  • Will walls need to be moved to accommodate the new layout?
  • Floor plan for new space?
CABINETRY
  • Layout
  • Book Cases
  • Entertainment Centers
  • Storage
  • Wood type
  • Style
  • Finish
 

ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING

  • Will electrical or plumbing need to be moved or added to
    accommodate the new plan?

 

 

PLUMBING FIXTURES IF ANY?

  • Bar sink and faucet
  • New bath fixtures
  • Shower/Tub

 

APPLIANCES
 

HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING

  • Add onto existing system or add new system?
  • New vents and returns?


FIREPLACE

  • Gas
  • Wood
  • Decorative
  • Mantel type
     

 

 

LIGHTING
  • Task lighting 
  • Room Lighting
  • Accent lighting
WINDOWS/DOORS
  • Replace?
  • New? Type?
  • Door hardware replaced?
FLOORING
  • Tile
  • Laminate
  • Wood
  • Vinyl
  • Carpet

CEILING FINISHES

  • Smooth/Textured/Knock down?

 

WALLS/TRIMS
  • Paint
  • Wallpaper
  • Paneling
  • Other
  • What colors


DOOR/WINDOW TRIMS-BASEBOARD-CROWN MOLDINGS

  • What type of trims?

     


     

    OTHER ITEMS TO CONSIDER
    • Furniture
    • Electronics (TV-VCR-COMPUTER)
    • Security system
    • Universal Design (wider doorways, accessible features)
    • Window coverings

     

     

 

 

 

Proudly serving Chicago, IL and the near west suburbs:  Brookfield, Downers Grove, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lombard, Maywood, Melrose Park, Oak Brook, Oak Park, Park Ridge, River Forest, Western Springs, Westmont

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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