So, you’re finally ready to start pursuing that remodel you’ve been dreaming of for years. Or maybe you bought a new home that needs some serious fixing up. Or perhaps, you’re ready to build your dream home from scratch.
I’m sure anyone considering a new construction or remodeling project has a million and one things flying through their mind. If this is you, you’re likely asking yourself, “Where do I even begin?”
Well, having a solid idea of where you want to take your design is a great start.
Some still opt for the old fashion method of cutting pictures out of magazines to create a physical vision board. And while I love a good craft project just as much as the next person, with technology, you can make this process so much easier. Which is why I would like to introduce you to Pinterest and Houzz.
Pinterest is a “visual discovery engine”, designed to spark inspiration and keep your ideas organized and easy to find. Pinning is the verb used by Pinterest users everywhere to describe saving
With Pinterest, you can build a “Pin Board” for your project. Pin Boards are used to compile ideas of what you like for that dream remodel down the road. Having a visual compilation of what you want or styles you like, can make a world of difference in planning your project.
Like Pinterest, Houzz is a place to browse and save thousands of beautiful photos. However, Houzz is specifically geared toward home design/remodeling. Once you create your Houzz profile, you can begin building “projects” and saving inspiration to them.
Not just a picture platform, Houzz also helps you connect directly with design and construction professionals. Not only can you view a home professional’s page for a portfolio of projects, but users are also able to leave a review of a company directly on their Houzz page.
To share some reasons why tools like Pinterest or Houzz are valuable, I turned to Better Builders Project Developer, Pete Baughman, and Interior Designer for Housewarming Seattle, Amanda Kratochvil.
In the Better Builders project development process, a site visit with Pete is one of the first steps. During this first “eyes on” meeting, Pete walks the site with the owners. The purpose of this is to get a solid understanding of what the homeowners hope to achieve through remodeling. This is also when potential clients are trying to get a professional’s feedback on the feasibility of their project. It should come as no surprise that guess-timating the cost of a project is very challenging, especially when the full picture is unclear.
When looking for images to build your idea board with, it is important to look beyond what you like and dislike. When developing your design, Pete advises, “when you look at an image of a design, you need to think about how the image makes you feel. Notice more than just the bits and pieces you like and dislike.” We are dedicated to providing a final product that you love, and every last detail will be considered.
Amanda Kratochvil, Lead Designer with Housewarming Seattle, finds similar value in platforms like Pinterest and Houzz.
Check out the Housewarming Seattle Pinterest profile here.
If working on your idea board has inspired you to take the leap into your next remodeling project, let us help you begin the journey of bringing your vision to life. Check out our eBook: "The Homeowner’s Guide to Planning a Remarkable Renovation" to get started!
