FROM THE CONTRACTOR: What Else Should You Consider While Remodeling?
Updated: Sep 2
When homeowners start planning a remodel, it's natural to focus on the main project.
The new kitchen.
The updated bathroom.
The finished basement.
But after more than 20 years of working in homes, we've learned that one of the best questions to ask before construction begins is:
"While we're already doing this work, is there anything else that would make sense to take care of now?"
Sometimes homeowners don't think about those additional projects until construction is already underway.
The cabinets come out, and suddenly they realize they'd also like to paint the adjoining room.
The flooring is removed, and they begin wondering whether they should continue it into the hallway.
A wall is opened for electrical work, and they remember the outlet they've always wanted on the other side of the room.
These are reasonable ideas—but they're much easier to plan for before the project begins.
Think Beyond the Main Project
A remodel often creates opportunities to take care of other updates at the same time.
If you're remodeling a kitchen, for example, you may also want to consider:
Painting adjoining rooms
Updating lighting
Replacing or refinishing flooring
Updating trim or baseboards
Adding electrical outlets
Repairing drywall
Updating doors or hardware
Addressing minor plumbing issues
Not every project needs to be added to the scope.
But it's worth thinking about the bigger picture before construction begins.
Sometimes a small project that has been sitting on your to-do list for years becomes much easier to complete while work is already happening in your home.
Look at the Rooms Around the Project
Don't just look at the room you're remodeling.
Take a step back and consider the spaces surrounding it.
For example, if you're replacing the flooring in your kitchen, does that flooring connect to a dining room or hallway?
If you're painting the kitchen, will the adjoining walls suddenly make the rest of the space look dated?
If walls are being opened for plumbing or electrical work, are there other changes you've been wanting to make while those areas are accessible?
These are the kinds of decisions that are easy to overlook in the beginning—but can become more complicated once construction is already underway.
Changes Are Easier Before Construction Begins
One of the most common things we see during a remodel is the homeowner realizing halfway through the project that they'd like to add something else.
"Since we're already replacing the flooring..."
"Since the walls are open..."
"Since we're already painting..."
Again, those ideas may make perfect sense.
But changes made after a project has started can affect materials, scheduling, labor, and cost.
That's why we encourage homeowners to spend time thinking through the entire project before work begins.
The more decisions you can make upfront, the easier it is to create a clear scope and realistic budget.
Sometimes Combining Projects Can Save Time and Money
This doesn't mean you should add every possible project simply because contractors are already in your home.
The goal is to identify work that makes sense to complete together.
For example, if painters are already preparing a room, adding an adjoining hallway may be more efficient than scheduling a separate painting project later.
If flooring is being replaced in one area, it may be worth considering whether connecting spaces should be addressed at the same time.
If drywall is being opened for plumbing or electrical work, there may be other improvements worth considering while access is available.
Every project is different.
But thinking ahead gives you the opportunity to evaluate those options before construction begins.
Sometimes combining projects makes financial sense. Other times, it doesn't. The key is having the conversation early enough to make an informed decision.
Make a List Before You Start
Before meeting with your contractor, walk through your home and make a list of everything you've been thinking about changing.
It can be helpful to divide those ideas into three categories:
Must Do
Projects that are necessary or directly related to the remodel.
Would Like to Do
Improvements that would enhance the finished space but aren't essential.
Consider While We're There
Smaller projects that may make sense depending on timing, access, and budget.
This gives you a chance to look at the entire picture rather than focusing only on the main project.
An experienced contractor can then help you determine what makes sense to combine, what should wait, and where you may be able to avoid unnecessary costs.
From the Contractor: Think Ahead Before You Start
One of the easiest ways to make a remodeling project more complicated is to make important decisions after construction has already begun.
That doesn't mean everything has to be decided down to the smallest detail before work starts.
But the more you think through your home and your goals ahead of time, the better prepared you'll be.
Before your next remodel, ask yourself:
What else have I been wanting to update?
Are there adjoining rooms I should consider?
Will work already being done make another project easier?
Are there lighting, electrical, flooring, or paint projects I've been putting off?
Would it make sense to address them now rather than later?
Sometimes the answer will be no.
But sometimes asking those questions early can save you from wishing you'd thought about something after the project is already complete.
The Bottom Line
A well-planned remodel doesn't necessarily mean doing more.
It means looking at the bigger picture.
Before construction begins, take the time to think beyond the main project and consider what other improvements may make sense while work is already happening.
A little planning upfront can help reduce future disruption, avoid unnecessary additional labor, and potentially save money in the long run.
At Reinhart Home, we believe good remodeling starts with good planning.
Sometimes that means helping homeowners decide what to include.
And sometimes it means helping them recognize what can wait.
Either way, the goal is the same:
Make informed decisions before the first wall comes down.
Thinking About Your Next Home Project?
Reinhart Home offers free initial consultations to help homeowners look at the bigger picture and develop a thoughtful plan before construction begins.
Locally owned. Personally invested.
Serving Greater Kansas City
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