Remodeling Your Living Room, Kitchen & Bathroom

Remodeling the living room, kitchen and bathroom at the same time can take a toll on homeowners both financially and emotionally. Important rooms are in a state of upheaval, leaving homeowners little refuge during the remodeling work. At the same time, many people prefer to get it over with all at once and reap the benefits of the newly remodeled spaces without further interruptions.

Consider remodeling these three rooms if you are putting your house on the market. Buyers impressed with a new modern kitchen may be turned off just as quickly if the bathroom is in need of repairs or the living room is outdated. Save time and energy by getting the work done simultaneously and show the entire new look at once for greater success.

A designer creating the new rooms can integrate patterns, colors and styles when you perform multiple remodeling projects at the same time. Paint colors, fabrics and flooring can be purchased without fear of being discontinued. Furniture shopping can be organized and complimentary styles chosen for the rooms. Updated open floor plans often incorporate the kitchen and the living room into one large space, which makes continuity even more important.

Moving to a new home typically requires about 10 percent of the home's value, according to the American Homeowners Association. Consider remodeling instead of moving to provide bigger and better spaces while saving money. Financing a larger amount to remodel the kitchen, bathroom and living room may save you in fees and interest charges, especially if you receive a home equity loan to pay for the work.

Even if you hire a designer or architect to reinvent your spaces, make sure she honors your taste and style in the designs. Spend time looking at current websites for ideas of upgrades and patterns that attract you. Join blogs and forums while you're in the idea phase of the projects such as Home Savvi, This Old House and Home Remodeling 4U.

Be realistic about your skills, including both weaknesses and strengths, when choosing to remodel all three rooms yourself. Bring in subcontractors at various points to do the work at which you are least proficient, such as electrical work, plumbing and drywall installation. Consider the time that will be needed to complete each project and then double it. Most do-it-yourself remodelers will tell you that remodeling work is never done in the time estimated. While the initial motivation for doing it yourself is to save money, in the long run, it may end up costing you more to fix mistakes and find the time to finish the work than you anticipated.