16 Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Minneapolis Remodel

Planning a remodel can be exciting and yet jumping in without a clear plan can lead to unexpected setbacks. Taking time to ask yourself some essential questions will not only clarify your needs and priorities but also set the stage for a smooth and successful project. Whether it’s a complete overhaul or a simple refresh, knowing what you want to achieve from the start can make all the difference. Here are 16 key questions to ask yourself before you begin your remodel in the Greater Minneapolis Area - each designed to help you create a home that truly reflects your lifestyle and aspirations. 

1. What do you love about your current space, and are there new spaces you wish you had?

Start by considering what you love about your current home to preserve or even emphasize these features during the remodel. This might include the natural light in the living room, the cozy feel of your kitchen, or the unique arrangement of spaces. Keeping these elements can help retain the essence of your home’s character throughout the changes, while also highlighting aspects you want to showcase, like an architectural detail or favorite layout.

Next, think about any spaces you wish you had—a home office, gym, or mudroom are common examples that we hear. Identifying these needs early on guides the design, allowing you to make the most of your home’s potential by repurposing existing rooms or adding square footage to create spaces that support your evolving lifestyle. [read more about our Architectural Design service]

2. How long do you plan to stay in this home?

For homeowners planning a short-term stay, focus on updates with strong resale potential, like bathrooms or kitchens, and avoid overly niche design choices. However, if this is your forever home, invest in materials and custom designs that match your personal style and support long-term enjoyment. Prioritizing energy-efficient features and durable finishes may also make sense in this scenario, adding lasting value and functionality.

If you’re likely to sell in the near future, balance personal preferences with market trends. High-return upgrades, like kitchen and bathroom remodels, generally attract buyers, while niche features might not. A resale-minded remodel helps you create a space that feels like home now while increasing appeal for potential buyers down the line. 

3. What are your specific design goals?

Think about the look and feel you want to achieve. This could include styles like modern, rustic, or transitional, or preferences for certain colors and materials. You may also want to consider how your new design will align with the rest of your home’s style, ensuring a harmonious look throughout. Defining your goals clearly—whether they’re aesthetic, functional, or both—will serve as a guiding principle when making decisions on everything from fixtures to furniture layout. 

4. How large is your family?

Taking into account the size and dynamics of your household will help you prioritize space requirements, room layouts, and features. For larger families, open spaces that encourage connection, multiple bathrooms, or a spacious kitchen for family meals might be beneficial. Smaller families, on the other hand, may focus on functionality, comfort, and storage. It’s also worth considering future needs, such as accommodating elderly family members or planning for a growing family. This foresight allows you to incorporate disability-friendly features or plan for potential expansions.

5. Do you entertain often?

If entertaining is part of your lifestyle (or you'd like it to be!), consider how you’d like the flow and layout to accommodate guests. This may mean designing an open kitchen-dining-living area, incorporating a bar or serving area, or creating cozy seating arrangements. Outdoor spaces may also come into play if you enjoy hosting outside. Thinking through how you’d like to entertain in your remodeled home ensures that social spaces are integrated seamlessly and with the right balance of comfort, accessibility, and privacy.

6. How do the existing spaces connect, and does it work for you?

Evaluate the layout and flow between rooms—do they feel well-connected, or do certain spaces feel isolated? If you want a more cohesive feel, you may need to adjust walls, doors, or room functions to improve traffic flow and connection. This is especially relevant in older homes where spaces were more segmented; opening up the space or rethinking transitions can create a more fluid, modern feel that enhances the entire home’s functionality. 

7. Are there any underutilized spaces in your home?

Think about rooms or areas that tend to go unused—whether it’s an extra bedroom, a dining room, or an under-the-stairs nook. These areas represent untapped potential that could be transformed into a functional space that better serves your lifestyle. Repurposing these spaces, like turning a spare room into an office or a neglected nook into a reading area, allows you to make the most of your home’s footprint and can add significant value and functionality.

8. do you need to stay in the home during the remodel? 

Living in the home while remodeling can affect your day-to-day experience, especially if it’s a major remodel like a kitchen or bathroom overhaul. Consider whether you’ll need to make alternative arrangements or establish a temporary living setup. Knowing this ahead of time can help you better plan the timeline and budget to accommodate any relocation needs.

9. How do you envision the feel of your space?

Imagine the atmosphere you want to create in each room. Whether you want a cozy and warm living room, a sleek and modern kitchen, or a tranquil and airy bedroom, this sense of “feel” can guide your design choices. Elements like lighting, textures, materials, and color palettes play a significant role in achieving the desired ambiance, helping each room evoke a particular mood that complements your lifestyle. The emotional impact of your home is an essential consideration. [learn about our Interior Design service]

10. How much maintenance are you willing to commit to?

Different materials and finishes come with different maintenance levels. For example, hardwood floors may require refinishing over time, while tile is often more durable. If you prefer low-maintenance options, you might lean toward choices that are easy to clean, durable, and don’t require frequent upkeep. Factoring in your maintenance tolerance can ensure your remodel fits seamlessly with your lifestyle.

11. Do you have pets? 

Having pets can influence choices for materials, flooring, and even room layouts. Consider adding features like pet-friendly flooring that resists scratches, custom pet nooks, or spaces for food and water bowls. By factoring in your pets’ needs, you can ensure that the remodel supports both your lifestyle and theirs, creating a harmonious and pet-friendly environment.

12. Is outdoor access or a view important to you?

If you enjoy outdoor spaces or have a scenic view, think about how to enhance the connection between indoors and outdoors. Features like large windows, sliding doors, or decks can help you make the most of your surroundings and create a more expansive feel. Designing with the outdoors in mind not only brings in more natural light but can also make your home feel more connected to its environment.

13. Where do you currently spend most of your time? 

Understanding where you spend the most time can help prioritize remodel efforts in these high-use areas. It might be a favorite corner of the living room, a work-from-home setup, or the kitchen where family gathers. Focusing on making these spaces functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing can increase your satisfaction with your remodel.

14. Is privacy a priority?  

Privacy is often an essential factor, especially in homes near busy streets or close to neighboring properties. Consider window placements, fencing, or landscaping to create a sense of seclusion where it’s needed. Whether it’s for bedrooms, bathrooms, or outdoor spaces, a focus on privacy can create a more relaxing environment.

15. What’s your timeline?

A clear timeline can affect your design, especially if you need to work within a certain season or have deadlines for moving in. Knowing your timeline allows for better planning, ensuring that materials and labor are available when needed, and minimizes potential disruptions. [read more about timelines here]

16. How’s your relationship with your neighbors? 

If you’re planning an expansion, it’s worth considering how the remodel might affect your neighbors, particularly if you’re making structural changes. Maintaining a good relationship can go a long way, so consider informing neighbors ahead of time if the remodel will be extensive or disruptive.