A maximum investment budget must be defined for the project.

If it is an invasive remodeling, it is preferable to have the original space plans

Silvia Mora July 17, 2018

Remodeling a home is a process that entails major changes and that can even alter the tranquility of household members. Whether it is aesthetic changes or more functional work or damage to structures, it is essential to work on an action plan before starting the modifications. Working on pre-planning will avoid many headaches such as excessive expenses or delays in the process.

The architect Melissa Rudin, from Alma Arquitectura, explains that when the decision to remodel is made, it is necessary to take into consideration several aspects such as the budget to be invested, the area to be remodeled, the previous and future use of the space, as well as the state of it. For its part, the architect Raquel González, adds that it is essential to verify building regulations and regulations, as well as regulatory and municipal plans to make sure that remodeling is allowed by aspects such as density, land cover or land use.

Other aspects that should be included in the action plan, is the time that will be taken to carry out the remodeling, the new elements that you want to add to the house, as well as the additional logistics such as purchase of materials and transportation of these.

Rudin explains that if an already inhabited space will be remodeled, it must be taken into account that there will be discomfort during the work period. “If one cannot move to another space during remodeling work, the best option is to contemplate a work process by sectors, so one space in the house can be inhabited without problem while the other is modified”

In addition, if it is a remodeling that will completely change the use of space, it is important to take into account that this change can lead to alterations in electromechanical installations. “That is, if you are moving the kitchen of the house to another room, you should keep in mind that the change of facilities such as pipes, 220V current circuits and independent circuits for the kitchen area, implies an extra cost in the budget” adds Rudin

Whereas, if the change is rather to modify a room to convert it into a living room, there will be no greater cost at the level of electromechanical installations, since the electrical characteristics for both spaces are similar and this implies less intervention.

González agrees that it is essential to be clear about the size of the project “both in square meters and in type of finishes, as that will determine the budget and the permits that must be requested.”

Something important is to take into account the age and current state of the house. If the structure is very old, it may have a number of hidden factors that must be changed or improved. For this it is ideal before any investment, previously analyze the space with a professional to be clear about the scope of intervention.

The need for advice will depend on the scope of the project. If what is desired is to give a new face to the space without making complex changes, a short advice to reinvent the space through colors, textures, furniture and light, may be enough, says Rudin.

If what you want is to modify completely the existing construction, change the uses and locations of the spaces, or build on the second level, a much deeper advice is required. In this, the existing space, its structural, architectural and electromechanical design must be analyzed, as well as the desired remodeling.

When it comes to invasive remodeling such as bouncing walls, changing pipes or opening windows, it is good to consider the recommendations of a professional in the area as this will be responsible for indicating how to proceed and whether or not it is possible. “A team of professionals is ideal. An architect, civil engineer, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, depending on what the project entails to guide and advise on the process that is complicated. From design, budget, permits and the construction, concludes González.