enovations are becoming more and more popular, and can dramatically effect the value and living space of your home.  If you are planning on renovating your home, here are some important points to consider:

- Do you make efficient use of the space you have to work with?
- Will the renovation fulfill the family's current and future needs?
- What aesthetic features can you add to enhance the appearance of the space?
- What furniture arrangement would best suit the space and your needs?
- How can you achieve a low maintenance environment?
- Do you need to have flexibility with the use of the space?
- Do you prefer your rooms to be open spaces or more enclosed.
- What is the best location for a doorway?
- Would it be more convenient to have access to the backyard from the dinette rather than the family room?
- Can a room be given needed light by installing larger windows?
- Will installing a bay or bow window give you that extra width needed in a small dining room?

As you can see, there are many points to consider when renovating.  The key to achieving success in the end is proper planning.   We cannot stress enough the need for adequate planning.  One of the best ways to ensure your success is consulting with a professional in space planning.

Plan to spend some time discussing what your needs are, what you plan to accomplish, and getting expert ideas on what the possibilities and physical limitations are.  In order to make the right decisions, a detailed space plan is necessary.  

A space plan will give an overview of the area with furniture placement, clearance allowances, placement of doors and windows, and other items that fill the room.  If you renovation is fairly extensive, you should get a set of working drawings from a designer contractor.

Selection of the finishing materials like the flooring, wall treatments, paint color, etc.  will be your next step, and also a important one.  The finishing will set the mood of the rooms and the style of decor.  Do you want to create a formal, informal, elegant, casual, or dramatic look?  What will be the focal point of the room be?  For this step, make sure you relate well with your professional designer, and that they are able to listen and understand you.  It takes great skill in coordinating all the elements of colors, patterns and textures to achieve a professional looking renovation   The money you invest in renovations is better spent on getting the job done right by a professional, or paying for unforeseen mistakes that can (and usually do) happen when you do it yourself.  A professional may be the difference between getting the job done well, then simply just getting it done!

Undertaking a renovation project can seem overwhelming to some people, as there are many choices and decisions that need to get made along the way.  In some cases, it might be wise to have several experts in space planning, interior design, contrators, and other consultants for  flooring, windows & furniture.  Or you can go the easier route by selecting a full service design company that can coordinate and provide you all these services, taking you from the initial planning, through construction, to the completely furnished space 

To meet with a Jostar Interiors renovation specialist, contact us and set an appointment to see how we can make your home a better place to live!

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