What to Know Before Starting a Home Renovation
At DGI Design x Build, we’ve walked countless clients through home renovations, from multi-room refreshes to full-scale remodels. And while no two projects are the same, we’ve noticed one constant: there are a few things most people wish they knew before starting a renovation.
Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, gut renovation, or just dipping your toes into the renovation process, we are here to provide a basic guide through what to expect, how to prepare, and how to set your project up for success.
1. Know Your Why and Your KEY Priorities
Before diving into demolition or picking out tile, get crystal clear on your why. Are you renovating to increase resale value? Improve functionality? Create your dream space?
Having a clear purpose will guide every decision, from layout choices to where to invest more of your budget.
💡 Bonus tip: Make a list of your top three non-negotiables. They’ll help you stay grounded when faced with endless design decisions.
2. Realistic Budgets Are Game-Changers
We can’t stress this enough: Be honest about your budget from the start. A lot of homeowners don’t realize how many costs stack up during a renovation: materials, labor, permits, contingency buffers, and more.
What to know before starting a renovation? That your “Pinterest dream home” might come with a premium price tag. But a good design-build team will help you get the best version of your vision within your price point.
3. A Well-Planned Timeline (With Room for the Unexpected)
Renovation timelines can shift, even with the best planning. Permits get delayed, products get backordered, and unexpected issues can pop up once walls come down. We always build in buffers and communicate proactively, but it helps when clients understand that flexibility is part of the process.
If you're wondering how long does a renovation take, the answer is: it depends on scope, materials, and your decision-making speed.
4. Decision Fatigue Is Real
From grout colors to outlet placements, the number of decisions in a renovation can be overwhelming. That’s where working with a full-service design-build team (like ours!) comes in handy since we streamline choices and guide you through a process that eliminates guesswork.
✨ Our advice? Lean on your experts. And trust your gut, overthinking every detail only leads to stress.
5. Plan Ahead for How You’ll Live During the Renovation
Living through a renovation isn’t always realistic, especially during kitchen or bathroom remodels. Dust, noise, and crew traffic can be disruptive, particularly with kids or pets at home.
One of the most important things to know before starting a renovation is how it’ll impact your day-to-day life. Make arrangements early and ask your team what to expect.
6. Communication Is Everything
Your renovation team should feel like a trusted partner, not someone you’re chasing down for updates. We recommend weekly check-ins, shared timelines, and platforms to track progress. Ask your builder or designer how they keep communication clear and consistent.
7. The Process Isn’t Always Glamorous, But the Outcome Is Worth It
The reality of renovations? Things get messy before they get beautiful, but having the right team, a strong plan, and a clear vision will continue to keep things running smoothly.
At the end of the day, you’ll have a beautiful home that feels uniquely yours, making every step of the process truly rewarding!
Ready to Renovate? Let’s Make It Happen.
Whether you’re just starting to explore what it takes to renovate your home or you’re ready to bring in the experts, we’re here to help. At DGI Design x Build, we specialize in luxury renovations that balance beauty, function, and craft, down to the last detail.
