Things to Keep in Mind When Starting a Whole House Renovation
If you’ve ever thought, “How hard can it be to renovate a house?” — let me just say, I’m there now, like just at the very beginning and it's a lot. Don't get me wrong, it’s also insanely exciting to dream about fresh paint colors, new floors, and finally having that kitchen you’ve pinned a hundred times but, it’s also a journey filled with surprises, lots of disappearing dollars, sacrifices, high tension, decisions, and a whole lot of dust. When we decided on doing this giant renovation, I knew it would be a big project. What I didn’t realize was how much it would test my patience, my decision-making skills, and my ability to find calm. So, if you’re about to start your own home renovation, here are a few things things that might be able to help you in the early days.
11/2/2025
1. Choose people to work with you actually like
This isn't a small project and it isn't a short project and so you might as well do it with people you like. Trust is a huge factor (obviously) but sometimes relationship, personality and comfort is equally important because it's that strength that will get you to be honest, speak your mind and also laugh through the much to be expected shitty days.
2. Make a plan — but be flexible
Have your vision clear before you start. Create a moodboard (or five), pick a color palette, and know your priorities. But also? Be ready to pivot. Sometimes what you thought you wanted doesn’t fit the space, or you fall in love with something unexpected. Flexibility will save your sanity.
3. Stay organized
Keep all your notes, receipts, and ideas in one place — whether that’s a notebook, a Google Drive folder, or a big binder. When the decisions start coming fast, having everything in order makes a world of difference. Its also a good idea to get a new credit card for renovations so that all those related costs can go on there so it's clean and doesn't get mixed up with everyday life expenses.
4. Have a plan for how you’ll live during the renovation
If you’re living in the house while renovating, plan for chaos. You’ll need a “safe zone” — one room that stays clean, calm, and functional. If you’re not able to stay in the house, then make sure you have a functional space set up with where you're going. We're staying with our in-laws and although it won't be without flaws, we have our space carved out, places for the girls to have their things to maintain some normalcy and we will go with the flow.
5. Save money where you can
Create phases of your plan and make sure to do things as you can that meet your budget. Know you're in this house for the long haul so don't rush it all to only be in the hole. And save money on finishes, source your own vanity's and call in those favors with friends who know someone who knows someone who can get you a good price on pot lights.
6. It will take longer (and cost more) than you think
I know, not what you want to hear — but it’s true. No matter how well you plan, there will be delays and unexpected costs. Materials are out of stock, something behind the walls needs fixing, or a snowstorm throws off the schedule. Build a little cushion into your timeline and your budget. Future you will thank you.
7. Remember why you started
It’s easy to get lost in the stress and the mess, but at the end of the day, this renovation is about creating a home that fits your family for the next 20 years +. The little fingerprints on the new walls, the first dinner cooked in your new kitchen, the kitchens filled with family and cousins running around — those are the moments that make it worth it.
So take a deep breath, pour yourself something warm, sit close to your husband or partner and embrace the process. It’s not always pretty, but it’s the start of something beautiful.