I am a designer who is hired to make sense of older homes that did not originate from a professional design. Many times the homes are purchased due to their fantastic view of the waterway and need to be redesigned. I am one of those designers who gets giddy over such a project, I love the challenge! Today’s post is a how-to to remodel such a project.

The first thing you need to do with such a home if you’re a homeowner is to hire a professional architect and interior designer. This is the team that is going to dissect the home and come up with a functional and charming home.

Avoid Remodel Mistakes

Avoid Remodel Mistakes

There are three things you do not want to do with a project like this and that is:

  • Don’t try to make it into a style it is not.
  • Avoid tunnel vision.
  • Avoid doing anything until you have a plan.

Tips for a Successful Remodel

An existing property is full of clues as to what it should be. It takes the skilled eye of a professional from the design world, not a contractor to walk through a project and consider the following aspects of each and every idiosyncrasy.  

Many people think that their contractor can design but the fact is everybody on a project team comes with their own skill set and the contractors are there to build from a plan that is designed by an architect and a designer; just as an architect and a designer do not physically build a home.

These properties that fall into my lap to make sense of are a direct result of someone being outside of their wheelhouse. Three tips to think about for a successful remodel are:

  • Consider the Existing Roof Design.
  • Take notice of the views.
  • Interview the client on their vision.

As a designer, I enjoy a complicated remodel. I love making it unfold and creating a special never seen before home design!

Images Courtesy of Canva.

Other posts you might enjoy:

Home Remodeling Adds Value to Your Life!

Kitchen Remodel Musts

Kitchen Remodeling – 3 Pro Tips for DIY Home Improvement

A Guide to Negotiating Your Home Renovation

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About the Author: Patricia Davis Brown

Patricia, like her blog, is not a one-dimensional designer, which is evident in her accolades of 17 national design awards. Over a 38-year career in the industry, she has carved a niche in several areas of design. Licensed in interior design and certified in kitchen and bath design, she offers a full menu of design services ranging from whole house interior design, kitchen and bath design, lighting design, full remodels, commercial design and universal (ADA) design. Patricia is a sought-after speaker in the industry and has been published in many publications as seen on her interior design firm’s website, https://www.patriciadavisbrowndesigns.com/. She writes for such publications as QuinStreetinc, Relaxed Remodeler, and eHow.com talent offering design tips.