TIPS, TRICKS & TRENDS

...you're tackling a major project, it's normal to feel a bit anxious. How much will it cost? How long will it take? With the big investment and the excitement of envisioning your completed remodel, it’s easy to feel uncertain. However, understanding what to expect DURING your remdoel can ease your concerns and help you prepare for the process ahead. 1. The Dust. Even with elaborate ZipWalls, a fine layer of dust can gather in parts of your home far from construction. There are a few ways to control it. If you can, close off the construction area from the rest of your house with a compression-fit temporary wall. Running air filtering systems called air handlers can also pull the dust from the air on the nonconstruction side of the house. Heat the house without your furnace if possible, or completely block the warm-air and cold-air returns in the construction area. If you don’t, you’ll just be pulling dust from that section of the house into the part where you’re living. Consult an HVAC company before blocking ducts to make sure your furnace will still work effectively. 2. The Noise. It will be incessant. Whining saws, scratching Sheetrock sanders and thumping nail guns followed by bellowing compressors: in short, little peace or quiet. Find another place to nap and don’t count on working from home unless your home office is far away from the construction zone. If you’re sure it couldn’t possibly be that bad, visit someone else’s home under construction and you’ll see. 3. TheHighs. For you it may be the demolition of the ugly vinyl floors in your kitchen. For others it may be the installation of the carefully selected backsplash tile. Others still may feel elated only when they see Sheetrock go in or get to relax when their project is completely done. 4. The Sighs. It may be that you just want to be done, or that you’re tired of answering so many questions and writing so many checks. Or you may just be tired of having so many people in your house. Hang in there — remodeling fatigue will be short lived when you get to move back into your newly remodeled space. 5. The Unexpected. If you expect anything, expect this. Asbestos, irregular framing, jerry-rigged wiring, funny plumbing and more unexpected surprises are bound to arise. No, you won’t be laughing, and neither will your contractor. Count on finding something no one could have anticipated in your budget and your time frame, and you will be well prepared when it happens. 6. The Change Orders. The unexpected’s cousin is the change order, by which any new and changed work is documented, along with added or reduced cost. Change orders can also be used to resolve allowances, which are placeholders in the budget for particular items. But most often change orders occur because of things that clients decide to add or change. When you absolutely positively have to have that Italian tile, you can bet a change order is on the way. 7. Cash concerns. Even if your project is right on budget, the sheer amount of money you are spending may cause a bit of a freakout. If you’re used to writing four-digit checks, you can easily be writing checks with one or two more zeros during a large remodel. If costs are increasing, along with change orders, it could increase your anxiety. Having cash on hand that's a bare minimum of 10 percent above contract for contingencies will help alleviate that stress. Have 20 percent if you want to worry less. 8. The Delays. We don't always have delays but...people get sick, cars break down and sometimes faucets ordered from the factory take 10 weeks instead of six. You and your contractor will likely be working from a schedule that assumes the world is a perfect place. It’s not, and knowing that will allow you to be resilient when your schedule shifts a bit. 9. The Decisions. Where should that outlet be? How high do you want the showerhead? Where do you want the cabinet hardware mounted? Oil-rubbed bronze or chrome or brushed nickel or satin nickel? Is your head spinning yet? Count on hundreds of questions that you’ll need to answer as your project proceeds, or select your architect as your proxy. Just know that your selection of a contractor is the first of many you will make. 10. The Punch List. At the end of your project, expect one or two punch-list items that will take longer to resolve than anything else . It may be a light fixture that arrives broken or the very last two pieces of tile. The important thing is to get the final details right, even if they take a little longer. 11. The Party! Expect that you will want to show off your newly remodeled kitchen, living room or addition. We have had clients throw parties and invite friends, along with us and our trade partners. It’s gratifying for everyone to see a beautifully finished home filled with people enjoying themselves. For more information or answers to your questions, give Designing Women of Orange County a call at 949.371.9075.

Remodeling your home is exciting — it’s your chance to transform your space into something more functional, beautiful, and uniquely yours. But as anyone who’s tried it knows, a remodel is far more complex than picking out paint colors and new furniture. Whether it's a kitchen, bathroom, or whole-home renovation, bringing a professional designer on board can be the difference between a dream home and a DIY disaster. The Value a Designer Brings 1. Vision and Expertise Designers see possibilities where you might only see problems. They’re trained to approach space creatively while considering functionality, structure, and style. A good designer will not only help you refine your vision but also elevate it — often suggesting layouts, materials, or finishes you wouldn’t have thought of on your own. 2. Access to Resources Designers have access to a wide network of trusted contractors, suppliers, and showrooms. They can help you source higher-quality materials at better prices and connect you with professionals who do the job right the first time. 3. Time and Budget Management Remodeling projects can quickly spiral out of control in terms of time and money. Designers know how to plan efficiently, anticipate delays, and avoid costly mistakes. They help you prioritize your budget, ensuring you invest in the elements that bring the most value. 4. Cohesive Aesthetic It's easy to end up with a mishmash of styles or mismatched finishes when trying to do it all yourself. A designer ensures that your space feels cohesive and well-thought-out, not thrown together. They focus on the big picture, making sure everything flows visually and functionally. Why DIY Remodeling Often Goes Wrong While DIY might seem like a way to save money, it can end up being far more expensive in the long run — both financially and emotionally. 1. Underestimating the Complexity Remodels involve a mix of design, engineering, budgeting, and project management. What looks simple on HGTV is often anything but. Without a full understanding of construction processes and design principles, you risk making decisions that don’t work — or worse, that need to be undone later. 2. Expensive Mistakes Choosing the wrong materials, misjudging measurements, or failing to plan for structural requirements can lead to serious and costly setbacks. A misplaced wall, improperly installed tile, or overlooked plumbing reroute can mean thousands in repairs. 3. Burnout and Decision Fatigue Remodeling comes with hundreds of decisions — everything from light switch placement to grout color. Doing it alone can be overwhelming, and many homeowners eventually hit a wall. Designers act as your guide, filtering choices and offering clarity in the chaos. 4. Resale Risks Poor design choices or visible DIY mistakes can hurt your home's resale value. Even if the remodel "works" for now, it might not meet code requirements or appeal to future buyers. Designers help create timeless, high-quality spaces that increase long-term value. Remodeling your home is a major investment — of money, time, and emotional energy. A designer isn’t a luxury; they’re a smart choice that protects that investment. They bring skill, structure, and style to a process that’s notoriously unpredictable and stressful. While DIY can be rewarding for small projects, for major remodels, working with a professional designer can mean the difference between frustration and fulfillment. Your home deserves the best. So do you! Would you like this tailored to a specific type of remodel (like kitchens or bathrooms), or do you want it formatted for a particular platform like LinkedIn or your website?

A home remodel is a big step—exciting, yes, but also a bit daunting. Whether you're dreaming of a sleek new kitchen, a spa-like bathroom, or an open-concept living space, the question always comes first: *Am I ready for this?* If you're on the fence, here are four clear signs that you're ready to take the plunge into remodeling. 1. Your Space No Longer Works for You If you find yourself constantly frustrated by your home's layout, storage (or lack thereof), or outdated features, it's a strong sign that change is overdue. Maybe your kitchen is too cramped for your growing family, or the once-cozy living room now feels cluttered and tight. When your space no longer supports your lifestyle, a remodel can help transform your home into a place that works with you—not against you. 2. You’ve Been Thinking About It for a While Daydreaming about new countertops or pinning bathroom inspiration to your Pinterest board every night? That lingering itch for a change is worth listening to. A remodel isn’t something you decide on a whim. If you’ve been mentally redesigning your space for months (or years), it’s likely not just a passing thought—it’s a need that’s been building. 3. Your Finances Are in a Good Place Let’s be honest—remodeling can be expensive. But if you’ve been saving diligently, or if your home equity and credit score are strong enough to support a loan, you’re in a good position to move forward. Feeling financially prepared doesn’t mean having unlimited funds—it means having a realistic budget, understanding potential costs, and having a cushion for the unexpected. At Designing Women of Orange County are here to help you get the best materials, at the best value to our clients. We are with you every step of the way, and with our experience and knowledge, we are able to get your remodel done quickly without lowering quality. Check out our YouTube Channel for before and after videos. 4. You’re Ready for the Process, Not Just the Result It’s easy to get excited about the “after” photos, but real remodeling involves noise, dust, timelines, and decision fatigue. If you’re mentally prepared for some disruption—and have the patience to navigate it—you’re more than ready. Being aware of the process (and still wanting to move forward) shows you're truly committed. A remodel can breathe new life into your home—but only when you’re genuinely ready for it. If you’re nodding along to these four signs, chances are, it’s time to start planning your dream space. Don’t rush, do your research, and work with professionals who understand your vision. Designing Women of Orange County is here and ready to help you move forward with your remodel. Call or text for a consultation today. Designing Women of Orange County 949.371.9075

Investing in a home remodel isn’t just about enhancing your living space—it’s also a smart financial decision. A well-planned remodel can significantly increase your home’s return on investment (ROI), making it more attractive to potential buyers and increasing its market value. If you’re considering a renovation, here are five key ways it can boost your ROI. 1. Upgrade the Kitchen The kitchen is often the heart of the home and one of the first spaces potential buyers evaluate. A modern, functional kitchen can drastically increase a home’s value. Focus on key upgrades like energy-efficient appliances, new countertops, and updated cabinetry. Even minor improvements, such as a fresh coat of paint or new fixtures, can yield a high return. 2. Enhance Curb Appeal First impressions matter, and curb appeal can make or break a sale. Simple updates like fresh landscaping, a new front door, or an upgraded garage door can boost your home’s attractiveness. According to real estate experts, exterior renovations typically have a high ROI, as they immediately improve the home’s perceived value. 3. Bathroom Renovations for Maximum Impact Buyers love a stylish, updated bathroom. Consider upgrading fixtures, adding modern lighting, installing a new vanity, or incorporating water-saving features. Even small changes, like re-grouting tile or adding a fresh coat of paint, can make a big difference in resale value. 4. Increase Energy Efficiency Energy-efficient upgrades not only save homeowners money on utility bills but also attract environmentally conscious buyers. Adding energy-efficient windows, upgrading insulation, and installing a smart thermostat can make your home more appealing. These improvements often qualify for tax credits and incentives, further increasing their financial benefits. A remodel is a powerful tool for increasing your home’s value and maximizing your ROI. By focusing on key areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and energy efficiency, as well as improving curb appeal and adding functional space, you can ensure a strong return on your investment. If you're planning a renovation, prioritize projects that enhance both aesthetics and functionality to attract potential buyers and boost your home’s market price. Whether you are looking to sell your home, or just want to make a change, Call Designing Women of Orange County today to see what we can do for you! Designing Women of Orange County 949.371.9075