How to Ensure a Stress-Free Renovation or New Build…

& What You Need to Know Before You Start!

Would you embark on an international trip without first researching your destination, booking flights and hotels, and carefully packing your suitcase? (Assuming we’re allowed to travel, that is...) You would probably make a plan at least a month in advance, wouldn’t you?

So why should renovating your home be any different? After all, both involve an investment of time and money, and both are important to how you and your family live.

I often meet new clients who have entered into the renovation process unprepared for what is to come. It’s no one’s fault — if you haven’t renovated before, it is difficult to estimate how much a project costs, how long it will take, what questions to ask your contractor, or the order in which decisions need to be made. 

Many of my new clients have told me they felt lost or overwhelmed before working with me. It is my job and my honor as your interior designer to make sure that you know exactly what to expect from the renovation process and are fully prepared for the transformation on the horizon. 

Just like that amazing international trip we are all waiting for, your home renovation can be a joyful and stress-free process when you approach it with knowledge, confidence, and a plan in place.

So, let’s dive into what you should know and plan for before you begin this journey…

Step #1 | Planning for Success

Planning is really all about establishing where you are and where you want to go. This first phase in the renovation process is when we answer all of the big questions:

• What is the main goal of the renovation?

• What do you like about the current space? What is not working?

• What parts of the old design are staying? What must go?

• And many, many more…

My role is to take the answers to these questions and turn them into a design that solves the current problems, maintains the elements you love, and blends them seamlessly into a space your family will enjoy living in for years to come.

The goal is to design a space that doesn’t look either outdated or trendy, but one that will stand the test of time and be just as beautiful in ten years as it is now.

Prepare for Step #1 | Determine Your Living Location

Clients often don’t think about the fact that some renovations may require them to relocate. This is all part of the planning process. Based on the scope of your project, we will discuss and determine whether it will be a live-in renovation or if you will be required to move out temporarily. (If so, those are costs that will have to be considered as well.)

Time of year can also be a determining factor… the month in which you renovate can make a big difference in the stress level of the project. I recommend you choose a less busy time of year, one where you are not super busy at work or with kids, and definitely not near any major holidays (especially if you plan to host).

Step #2 | Setting Realistic Budget Expectations

Although you may come into the process unsure of what things cost during a renovation, you do need to have some sense of the investment you are willing to make in your property. 

When it comes to budgeting, my role is to guide you in the cost of materials, and as we narrow down the overall investment range, give you ideas on where to splurge versus save during the renovation.

Prepare for Step #2 | Build Your Budget

One of the very first decisions you will need to make as you begin the renovation process is the amount you are willing to invest. In order to avoid sticker shock when that first quote rolls in, I always suggest that homeowners start looking at material costs when coming up with this amount.

 Even better yet, I would encourage you to book a Design Work Session with me to go through costs. As we look at numbers together, it may be the difference between deciding now is the right time to begin renovating, or waiting a few more years to save up for the renovation you dream of.

Step #3 | Executing the Renovation to Completion

In order for any renovation to be successful, there have to be clear lines of communication between the contractor, trades, and you, the client. 

My role is to be the liaison between all parties involved. In fact, I have an incredibly organized software and client portal (all of which you will have access to) that helps track projects and communications down to the very last detail. This ensures that materials are approved and ordered in a timely manner to avoid construction delays, and ensure that elements are installed to the specifications decided upon, etc. 

On a job site, when there are so many moving pieces and people, the details sometimes are forgotten. It is my job to pay attention to every little nuance to reduce mistakes and keep the project running on time and within budget from beginning to end.

Prepare for Step #3 | Conduct Your Contractor Interviews 

I always suggest homeowners interview multiple contractors and advise them to pay attention to a few very important details.

First of all, any good contractor will leave you with a quote that is broken down very clearly. For example, the types of materials the contractor plans to use, how much is allotted for labor costs, the budget they are allowing for things like flooring, electrical, plumbing, cabinetry, lighting, etc. 

Equally important is whether the contractor’s personality meshes with yours. Are they easy to interact with? Do you share common values? Do they seem to understand your lifestyle?

Finally, as with any relationship, communication is key. I tell homeowners to look for someone that communicates well, does good work, is always on time, values professionalism, and has high standards for the trades they employ or work with. 

Tried-and-True Piece of Advice for a First-Time Renovator

This is going to sound overly simplified, but the best piece of advice that I can give to anyone who has never renovated before is this: Have a plan!

Before you start breaking down walls, evaluate what is and is not working in your current space. Decide if the project is something you will do yourself, or if you plan to hire a contractor to manage the project. 

Then educate yourself. Become familiar with the prices of different finishes. Ask friends or family for contractor recommendations. And if you are new to a community, ask retailers (like flooring showrooms, cabinetry specialists, etc.) for referrals.

Of course, if you aren’t sure where to begin, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The journey through your project doesn’t have to be complicated, and having a great plan will make it easy, rewarding, stress-free, and even enjoyable. 

With a good plan and the right team, your dream space is right around the corner!

Until next month,
Adrienne