You will spend 33 years in bed. That’s a lot of time spent in an outdated, uncomfortable room. It may be time to upgrade your sleeping space and invest in a bedroom remodel.
Understand the Lingo: Renovation, Redecorating, or Bedroom Remodeling?
There is a difference between renovating, remodeling, and redecorating. Most homeowners looking to make a big change choose a bedroom remodel.
Remodeling needs a larger budget and includes changes to the structure of the room. New walk-in closets or additions are examples of remodeling.
Changing the appearance of the room without changing the structure of it is redecorating. A fresh coat of paint and new window treatments count as redecorating.
Bedroom renovation includes fixing holes in the wall or patching a ceiling leak. Renovation leaves the existing structure alone but improves its condition.
Which approach you take depends on your budget and your dream. Redecorating and renovating are the least expensive options. Bedroom remodeling may cost a little more, but it will give a drastic change to the room and add value to the home.
Ten Tips for your Bedroom Remodel
Remodeling your bedroom can be an overwhelming experience. There are so many directions you can take in choosing your final plans.
Here are a few tips for your big project.
1. Budget, Budget, and Budget
The average price of a master bedroom remodel is $7880, an average of around $66 per square foot. This price is only a jumping off point, and your price will be higher or lower depending on what you do.
You can use this estimate to make your basic budget. Always count on unexpected costs and count them into the budget.
2. Update your Window Treatments and Linens
This is the perfect time to get rid of your old bedding and curtains and buy fresh, new linens. Take your paint swaths with you for the perfect match. Match your linens and window treatments to each other.
3. Splurge on a New Mattress
You’ll never have a better time to buy a new mattress and pillows. A new bed is the best way to finish your project.
Bedding companies deliver the new mattress and dispose of the old one for you. If you’re not sure where to start or how to buy a mattress, let a bedding expert evaluate your sleep needs.
4. Consider Your Future House Values
A good bedroom remodel will add significant value to your house. Buyers like to see clean, open spaces. When it comes time to sell your home, you can recoup much of the money you spent on the project.
Take a look at magazines and even other remodeling projects in your area. See what trends you may want to add to your bedroom to increase value.
An addition, like an office, adds immediate value. Other trends that add value include:
- Skylight
- Walk-in closet
- Larger windows or dormer windows
- Window seats
- Reading nook
- Dressing room
- Faux ceiling beams
Any unique, personal touches that you add to your bedroom increase its future value.
5. Choose your Color Schemes
This is your chance to experiment with a new color scheme. Let your decorator show you new ways to use color, such as accent walls and bold trim. Colors influence emotion, so choose the colors that speak to you.
6. Update your Wiring
A bedroom remodel exposes your electrical outlets and wiring. This is the perfect time to update and upgrade them. Add outlets and do some hard wiring for a ceiling fan, electric fireplace, or wall sconces.
This is a great time to extend your cable or TV wiring, too. You don’t have to keep your TV in the same corner if you can get a longer wire fed through the wall. If you want to add speakers and surround sound, there is no better time than now.
7. Stand Firm
This is your money, your project, and your space. Don’t change your plans based on your project manager’s opinion unless he is concerned for safety. Ask him to explain and illustrate how his changes will affect your finished project.
Remember that the people in charge of your bedroom remodel aren’t your friends. They may have your best interest at heart when suggesting a change, but they may be looking at increasing the total costs of the project. If it doesn’t make sense to you, don’t do it.
8. Consider Upkeep
Remember that you will be cleaning this bedroom. Choosing an elegant carpet, for instance, may seem like a good idea at the time. In reality, keeping it clean and free from everyday wear and tear is a different story.
Choose finishing touches and materials that are sturdy and easy to clean. Think of long term maintenance. A skylight is a beautiful addition, but who is going to climb on the roof to clean it?
9. Hire a Designer
When you are spending this much time, money and effort on a project you need to be sure that you cover all the angles. Hire a designer to draw up the plans and help you get the most out of the finished product.
This may be your first bedroom remodel, but your designer does it every day. She will know how to get the most out of your budget.
10. Replace Furniture
This is the perfect time to replace old and clunky furnishings for sleeker new options. Think of how you’d like your finished space to feel and shop with the completed project in mind.
Shopping for furniture doesn’t have to break the bank. Mix high-quality items with more affordable ones to stretch your budget. Choose what items you’d like to be your focal points and buy the rest to complement them.
What’s Next?
Now that you’re done with your bedroom remodel, it’s time to keep going. Remember that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to make changes to your home.
A fresh coat of paint and some new decor for each room will give your home a fresh new feel.
Ready for your next project? For lots of helpful tips on redecorating your living room, check out this page.
Leave a Reply