How much should I budget before contacting a remodeler?

You do not need an exact number, but a realistic investment range helps the design conversation begin in the right place.

Should I get three remodeling estimates?

Multiple proposals can be useful only when the scope, design responsibility, materials and construction assumptions are actually comparable.

Can I buy my own materials?

Sometimes, but purchasing responsibility, quantities, shipping, damage, warranties and schedule effects should be understood in advance.

Should design happen before I get a construction price?

Preliminary budgeting can happen early, but detailed pricing becomes more meaningful after the layout, scope and major selections are defined.

How much should I budget for unexpected conditions?

There is no single percentage for every home. Age, prior work and how much structure will be opened all affect risk.

Can we live in the house during remodeling?

Often yes, depending on which rooms are being remodeled, the project duration and your household needs.

dRemodeling Learning Center

Plan Your Remodel With Confidence

Remodeling comes with a lot of questions.

How much should you budget? Where should you start? What materials should you choose? Should you change the layout? How long will construction take? How do you compare contractors and proposals?

The dRemodeling Learning Center brings together practical answers based on nearly two decades of designing and remodeling Philadelphia-area homes.

Whether you're just beginning to explore an idea or preparing to start construction, use these guides to understand the decisions ahead and make them with greater confidence.

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Code Requirements

Guides

Lighting

Illuminating Your Kitchen: A Comprehensive Guide to Lighting Design and Remodeling

In this engaging blog post, Emma, dRemodeling's Lead Designer, sheds light on the importance of effective lighting in kitchen design. She breaks down lighting into three categories: ambient, task, and accent/decorative, providing tips on their optimal placement and selection to enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Emma also discusses the benefits of smart lighting solutions and the significance of achieving the right balance between task and ambient lighting. Highlighting dRemodeling's expertise, the post includes a real-life example of a kitchen remodel that exemplifies how well-planned lighting can elevate a kitchen's appeal. Emma encourages readers to contact dRemodeling for personalized lighting design and consultation, promising a transformation that makes kitchens shine.

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Kitchen Remodeling

Perfect Kitchen Design Guidelines

Recommended: In a kitchen with three work centers*, the sum of the three traveled distances should equal no more than 26 feet with no single leg of the triangle measuring less than 4 feet nor more than 9 feet.

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Code Requirements

Meeting Bathroom Code Requirements

So you want to remodel your bathroom? Well don't get ahead of yourself! There are a few things you should know before you begin your remodeling process, which you can easily find yourself running into trouble with if you don't consider these undertakings. Before you begin designing, be sure to check with your local building department to see which state/local code requirements and specifications you have to meet.

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READY TO PLAN?

Ready to Move From Research to Planning?

Reading can help you understand the process. At some point, the questions become specific to your home. Tell us about the space you're considering remodeling, your goals and your anticipated investment. Our team will review your project before scheduling the next conversation.

Design + Materials + Construction | Serving Philadelphia-Area Homeowners Since 2007

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Completed Philadelphia kitchen remodel by dRemodeling.