Master bedroom renovations often get pushed to the bottom of the home remodeling list, both out of money constraints and more pressing matters. However, the master bedroom is one of the most important areas in the home. The bedroom is your haven; it's a place to escape from the pressures of life and from the noisy children and their needs. It's also a place to unwind and ground yourself at day's end. A well-designed and decorated bedroom can help you to feel centered and organized as you start the day, and calm and relaxed as you end it.

Olde World Iron Ceiling Fixture

To help you do your bedroom renovations right, we've prepared this "Renovating Your Bedroom" Checklist:

1. Know your budget.
   Before creating your dream bedroom, consider your budget constraints. There are myriad ways to renovate a bedroom, limited only by your imagination and creativity and budget. Set limits for yourself before you begin and decide what is essential and what you can disregard if necessary. Since home renovation projects can, and often do, run into unexpected glitches and incur hidden costs, leave yourself wiggle room of at least 15%, and don't calculate that amount as part of your budget.
2. Know your goals.
   The second item on our "Renovating Your Bedroom" Checklist is deciding exactly what you want out of your bedroom space, with your budget as your guide. How simple or extensive a project is this? Is the size of your bedroom adequate or do you want to enlarge it? Will you be adding a bathroom or a laundry area? Is there sufficient natural light or do you need to add some windows? Regardless of your budget, it isn't always necessary to make major structural changes when remodeling a bedroom. Sometimes, a few simple design changes can significantly upgrade the look and feel of a room. Simply changing window treatments, light fixtures, bed linens, area rugs, and wall hangings can have the desired result.
3. Know your skills.
   Realistically assess your own do-it-yourself skills, if you have any, and decide if this project is one you can manage independently. In addition to the necessary skills, you'll need time, and plenty of it. If you do decide to do it yourself, there are great remodeling computer software programs that can help you expand your design capabilities. Take advantage of all the resources available to you for design ideas, such as magazines and catalogs, internet, television, and even the homes of your neighbors, friends, and family.

   
   Raleigh Bed

4. Know your contractor.
   If the scope of your project is beyond your capabilities, then selecting a contractor is the next step on the "Renovating Your Bedroom" Checklist. Choosing the right contractor may be the most important decision for any home remodeling project. When choosing your contractor, consider his level of workmanship, the quality of his materials, customer references and satisfaction, the contractor's personality, and, of course, his cost. Speak to friends and family for recommendations and check out references for any contractor you may want to hire. Meet prospective contractors in person, preferably on site in your home, to discuss your goals and his capabilities. Check all applicable licensing requirements in your state and get everything you agree upon with a potential contractor in writing.
5. Design.
   The last major step in our "Renovating your Bedroom" Checklist involves the design element. You may find that your creativity and your contractor's experience and suggestions are sufficient to create a great interior design. Alternatively, you may consider hiring an interior designer or an architect. These decisions must be based on the level of changes (structural and aesthetic) being implemented, your own level of creativity and skill, and your budget.

Hopefully, as a result of your renovations, you bedroom will be comfortable, functional, and reflect your tastes and interests. Following the tips in our "Renovating your Bedroom" Checklist will bring you well on your way to the bedroom of your dreams.