Table of Contents
Start with Why
Before diving into renovation planning, it's crucial to understand why you're renovating. Are you addressing functional problems, improving your quality of life, increasing property value, or simply wanting a change? Understanding your motivation helps guide every decision that follows.
If your primary goal is functionality—perhaps your kitchen layout doesn't work, or you need more storage—your planning should prioritize solving those problems. If you're renovating to sell, your approach might focus on broad appeal and return on investment. If you're creating your forever home, you can prioritize personal preferences and long-term quality.
This "why" becomes your north star throughout the process. When you're faced with decisions or tempted to expand the scope, refer back to your original motivation. This helps prevent scope creep and keeps the project focused and manageable.
Assess Your Current Space
Take time to honestly assess what's working and what isn't in your current space. Walk through each room and make notes about functionality, flow, storage, lighting, and how the space makes you feel. Be specific: "the kitchen feels cramped" is less helpful than "the kitchen lacks counter space and the layout creates bottlenecks when cooking."
Consider what you want to keep. Not everything needs to change, and working with existing elements can save money and maintain character. Perhaps the layout works but finishes are dated, or the structure is sound but needs better organization.
Document everything with photos and measurements. These will be invaluable when discussing the project with professionals or when planning layouts. Take photos from multiple angles and note any issues that aren't immediately visible—poor insulation, outdated wiring, or structural concerns.
Set Clear Priorities
Renovations can quickly become overwhelming if you try to do everything at once. Instead, create a priority list. What must be done? What would be nice to have? What can wait?
Must-haves are typically functional requirements: fixing structural issues, addressing safety concerns, or solving problems that significantly impact daily life. Nice-to-haves might include aesthetic improvements or upgrades that enhance but don't solve core problems. Future considerations are things you'd like to do eventually but don't need now.
This prioritization helps in several ways. It guides budget allocation, helps you make decisions when costs exceed expectations, and allows you to phase the work if needed. You might complete the must-haves now and plan the nice-to-haves for a future phase.
Budget Planning
Establishing a realistic budget is one of the most important steps in renovation planning. Start by researching typical costs for the work you're considering. Get quotes from multiple contractors if possible, and add a contingency of 15-20% for unexpected issues.
Break your budget down by category: structural work, finishes, fixtures, labor, permits, and contingency. This helps you see where your money is going and identify areas where you might adjust if costs exceed your total budget.
Be realistic about what you can afford. It's better to do a smaller renovation well than to stretch your budget too thin and compromise on quality. Quality work and materials will serve you better in the long run than trying to do too much with too little.
Consider financing options if needed, but be cautious about taking on debt for renovations. Ensure the investment makes sense for your situation and that you can comfortably manage the payments.
Creating a Realistic Timeline
Renovations almost always take longer than initially expected. Build in buffer time for delays, which are common due to material availability, weather, permit processing, or unexpected discoveries during demolition.
Work backwards from any deadlines you have. If you need the space ready by a certain date, plan accordingly and add extra time. If you're living in the space during renovation, factor in how the work will impact your daily life.
Consider seasonal factors. Some work is better done in certain seasons, and material availability can vary. If you're ordering custom items, factor in lead times. If you need permits, research how long approval typically takes in your area.
Break the project into phases if it's large. This allows you to complete and enjoy parts of the renovation while continuing work on other areas. It also spreads costs over time and makes the project more manageable.
When to Get Professional Help
While some homeowners successfully manage their own renovations, professional help can save time, money, and stress. An interior designer or architect can help you avoid costly mistakes, access trade discounts, and coordinate the many moving parts of a renovation.
Consider professional help if: the renovation is extensive, involves structural changes, requires permits, or if you're unsure about layout and design decisions. Professionals bring experience that helps avoid common pitfalls and can often save money through better planning and supplier relationships.
Even if you're managing the project yourself, consulting with professionals for specific aspects—like an architect for structural changes or a designer for layout and material selection—can provide valuable guidance without committing to full project management.
Remember that good planning is the foundation of a successful renovation. Taking time upfront to think through your goals, priorities, budget, and timeline will make the entire process smoother and help you achieve results you'll love for years to come.
Need help planning your renovation? Contact Studio Juntos to discuss your project, or learn more about our renovation planning services.