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As any remodeling professional knows, the key to a successful remodel is establishing clear and achievable goals. Often, a homeowner's wants and needs are not going to be the same. By asking your clients to create a thorough design brief with these six steps, you can be sure both you and the homeowner have a clear idea of exactly what goals your remodeling job should accomplish.

1. Figure out what you like and why – Collect a variety of pictures and figure out what you like about them. It could something obvious, like the design of a door or color of a wall, or subtle, indescribable feeling.

2. Study how you live – What do you like and dislike about your current home? How do people move around your house, where do they spend their time, and what are they doing?

3. Start designing – Start drawing up what rooms you want—feel free to be extravagant; you can edit later on. Don’t forget about outdoor spaces and future needs.

4. Analyze the list – Determine where specific activities will take place. What furniture will go where? Can you combine two or more rooms on the list? Identify what you liked from step one—do your designs have these qualities?

5. Consider the big picture – Now that you have the specifics sorted, consider the big picture. Whether you want your home to be suited for future lifestyle changes, environmentally friendly or simply maximize affordability, it’s important to have a clear idea of your overall goals. Define potential elements of your house in three terms: nonnegotiable, important, and nice to have.

6. Finalize it— Bring the puzzle together. Try to keep the big picture in mind, consider all family members' ideas and feelings, and don't try to keep up with your neighbors. Focus on your family's specific needs and continue keeping detailed notes throughout the process.