How to Choose the Right Remodeler if You Live on the West Side of Cleveland
How to Choose the Right Remodeler if You Live on the West Side of Cleveland
Remodeling your home is more than an aesthetic upgrade — it's an investment in how you live. Choosing the right remodeler can make the difference between a smooth, satisfying transformation and a stressful experience with unnecessary hiccups.
But when you live in a unique and vibrant part of Northeast Ohio, like Cleveland’s west side suburbs, that choice becomes even more important. From the charm of Lakewood's century homes to the custom builds in Avon and Westlake, every neighborhood comes with its own set of opportunities and challenges.
So how do you choose the right remodeler for your home? Here are a few key things to consider.
Understand the Local Landscape
Not all neighborhoods are created equal, and the same goes for the homes within them. The suburbs on the west side of Cleveland offer a diverse range of home styles, each with distinct characteristics:
Lakewood is full of century-old colonials and craftsman bungalows. These homes often come with plaster walls, knob-and-tube wiring, and smaller lot sizes that require careful planning for additions or exterior work. Many of them have been DIY-remodeled over the years and may need strategic changes to the layout to create the most optimal flow.
Bay Village and Rocky River are dotted with charming homes from the 1940s to 1970s, many of which have seen renovations over time. These homes often benefit from updates that bring in a contemporary yet traditional style and improving the use of space. Kitchens in these homes are often on the small side or narrow and don’t meet the needs of families entertaining.
Westlake and Avon feature homes with more recent construction, but they were typically built in the last 30-40 years. These homes often have larger footprints and newer infrastructure but still present opportunities to refresh builder-grade materials, open up floor plans, and enhance the character.
Choosing a remodeler who is already familiar with these styles means fewer surprises and more informed decisions right from the start.
Know the Local Rules
Each municipality on Cleveland's west side has its own building codes, zoning laws, and approval processes. A remodeler who works locally will already know how to navigate them.
In Lakewood, for example, zoning can be particularly strict in historic districts. You may need to have your designs and plans submitted not only to the city for approval, but to the historical board of your neighborhood before moving forward with construction.
Bay Village and Rocky River have detailed rules about set-backs, garage placement and size, and even where crews can park or store materials. A remodeler familiar with these guidelines can help keep your project moving forward and avoid unnecessary delays or fines.
In Avon and Avon Lake, many newer developments have HOA rules in addition to city regulations. Even interior projects—like a kitchen remodel—may require HOA approval if they involve changes like moving a window or adding exterior ventilation.
The city of Westlake holds construction projects to especially high standards, often requiring more than state or national codes. Even small details—like the specs of your kitchen hood—must meet specific criteria to pass inspection.
Working with someone who already understands these dynamics can streamline the process and help avoid costly delays. A design-build-remodel company on the west side will know the exact steps that need to be taken and will facilitate making sure all these details are taken care of for you.
Prioritize Clear Communication
Whether you're planning a full kitchen overhaul or a modest bathroom refresh, it's essential to work with a remodeler who truly listens. In these neighborhoods, we often hear clients say things like, "We want to open up the space, but keep the character," or "We love the old charm, but need better functionality."
Understanding the balance between preserving charm and enhancing livability is key. Remodelers who are familiar with the homes in your area are more likely to understand the nuances of your goals and how to bring them to life.
Look for Proven Experience in Your Neighborhood
When considering remodelers, look for ones who have worked on homes like yours—ideally just around the corner. That kind of hands-on, neighborhood-specific experience is invaluable.
Maybe they’ve remodeled kitchens in Westlake within HOA guidelines or added second stories in Avon Lake that required zoning board approval. Perhaps they've worked with the historical board in your neighborhood in Lakewood or reimagined a bungalow’s roofline in Bay Village.
These aren’t just projects—your home is a part of the fabric of the neighborhood. Working with someone who knows the area well can make your renovation run smoothly and more efficiently, meet hyper-local city and neighborhood requirements, and ultimately reduce your stress during the entire process.
Balance Big Picture Vision with the Fine Print
Finally, it helps to choose a remodeler who pays attention to the small stuff. West side homes often come with hidden challenges:
Sloping or uneven floors in older homes, or multiple layers of old flooring
Messy electrical work over the years that can be cleaned up and brought up to current code and standards
Complex rooflines on second-story additions that require careful design to ensure the new space blends seamlessly with the original structure
A remodeler with local experience will know what to look for, what to expect, and how to plan for these details—often before they become problems.
The Bottom Line
Remodeling your home should be an exciting step forward, not a maze of red tape or zoning surprises. When you choose a remodeler who understands your home, your community, and your goals, the result is a smoother process and a space that truly works for you.
Thinking about a project in Lakewood, Avon, or anywhere in between? Let's talk about what’s possible for your home.
Odell Construction is located in Westlake, and we specialize in renovations on the west side of Cleveland.