Renovation 101: What To Know Before You Renovate

As a designer, I’ve not only lived through many renovations myself (if you want more on that, read My Story), but I’ve also planned and managed tons of renovations for my clients. So yeah, I know a thing or two about renovations. And you know what really gets me? People make so many mistakes while renovating—it honestly upsets me! Renovations are not cheap. They’re not easy. So when you do renovate, you really want to make the right decisions. Keep reading to know what to consider when planning for a renovation.

AVOID COSTLY (AND UGLY) DESIGN MISTAKES

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Your Renovation Comes with a Need

Let’s start with the obvious: if you’re thinking about renovating, there’s a reason. You’re likely looking to improve something in your home. My guess is it falls somewhere between functionality and aesthetics.

Maybe your space isn’t functional. Maybe it doesn’t look good. Or maybe—let’s be real—things are just old and falling apart, and this renovation is no longer a “want,” but a need.

So, the first step of any renovation is what I like to call:

Research and Discover

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Like I said, the first step is to research and discover. But what exactly does that mean?

Well, it means play with as many ideas as possible for your new space and see what’s actually feasible. This is your time to dream a little! I’d highly recommend hopping on Pinterest, start saving interiors that speak to you, and see what style you’re naturally drawn to.

This part is so important! It helps you discover your interior design style. Once you’ve got a sense of what you like, you now have a baseline to work from. Do you want a Tuscan-inspired kitchen? Are you drawn to ultra-modern Scandinavian style? Do you want lots of texture and warmth, or clean lines and minimalism?

Read: Interior Design Styles Simplified: What’s Your Style?

This all impacts the renovation plan, and it’s better to know what you’re aiming for from the start.

Time to Bring in the Pros (Yes, That’s Me)

Once you have an idea of your style and vision, the next logical step is to consult with professionals. And listen… yes, you’ve landed on the blog of a designer, so let me pitch myself here real quick.

SO. MANY. PEOPLE. have consulted with me after their renovation is done or nearly done.

Here’s what happens: my client decides to embark on a renovation without me (insert sad violin here), and once the reno is almost finished, they suddenly realize things weren’t properly thought through. Now they’re stuck. They’re like: “Omg, who’s the best interior designer to help me complete this thing?!”

Naturally… they find me. They book a consultation. And that’s when I have to bite my tongue and politely hold back the painful truth: if they had just called me BEFORE the renovation was well underway, the outcome would’ve been completely different (and honestly, so much better).

That’s because I look at things differently. Designers think ahead. We know what’s coming, what matters, and what could go wrong. We see the space not just for what it is, but for what it could be—strategically, beautifully, and functionally.

So, yes, there is great value in working with a designer. We help you come up with the best concept, give you confidence in your decisions, and create something that’s outside the box.

Now That You’ve Got a Designer (or… didn’t—your call)

Maybe you’ve brought a designer onboard (love that for you). Or maybe you’re skipping that step (you might regret it later, but hey, it’s your journey). Either way, now it’s time to meet with a GC—aka a General Contractor.

At this point, you should have a very solid idea of what you want. You and your designer (or your Pinterest board) have hashed it out, and now you need to make sure that:

1. It’s all possible, and
2. It fits your budget.

Let’s Talk About Budget (Yep, Here We Go)

Every single time I sit down with a client about a renovation, the million-dollar question comes up:

“So… how much is this going to cost?”

And listen, I’m very good at what I do. But this question? It makes my head spin. Because it’s really not that simple.

Every renovation is different. I know people think we designers should be able to rattle off numbers based on similar projects, but the truth is:

• Costs are always changing
• Labour rates vary
• Materials vary
• Design is custom by nature

The most honest answer is this: you won’t know your renovation budget until you have a specific design plan. That includes everything from layout to finishes to sourcing. THEN you’ll also need a proper quote from your contractor.

But before I circle back to budget, there’s another crucial step I want to emphasize.

Interview. Your. Contractors.

This is technically part of the research phase, but I’m giving it its own section because it’s that important.

You need to:

1. Interview at least three different contractors
2. Get three quotes
3. Ask for their opinion on feasibility (not style—leave the design to the designer)
4. Find someone you actually trust and want to work with

I can’t stress this enough. As a designer, I’ve seen way too many bad contractors—and I mean really bad. It’s the stuff of renovation nightmares. On the flip side, I’m also lucky to have some amazing trades people I love working with (because, full disclosure, I can’t even paint a wall without making a huge mess).

If you’re working with a designer, we usually have solid connections. But if you’re sourcing your own contractor, make sure they’re someone your designer can work with, too.

And just a fun fact: most contractors hate designers. (I’ve been told I’m “different,” though—so now I feel kinda special.)

Living Through the Chaos

Let’s talk about the real part of renovations that no one prepares for: how to actually survive living through one.

I’ve lived through more renovations than I can count. Basically, I didn’t know what a fully finished home felt like until I moved out on my own. So trust me, I get it—it’s hard. Forget hiring the right designer, finalizing the plan, and selecting trades. Living through it is the true test.

Especially if you’re renovating a kitchen or bathroom (which is the case many times).

So think:

• Can you set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere in your home?
• Will you be brushing your teeth in the kitchen sink?
• Are you going to be showering at the gym?

Everyone’s situation is different. But the bottom line is: plan for the discomfort.

And be honest with yourself—can you really live without a proper kitchen for 2+ months? Can you handle noise, dust, delays, and disruption? What time of year would this affect your life the least?

These are real questions you need to ask and contemplate.

Budget + Contingency + Contingency

Back to budget. By now, you’ve hopefully gotten quotes from at least 3 contractors. You should have a clearer sense of how much this renovation will cost in your area.

At this stage, ask your contractor to break things down as much as possible so you understand where your money is going. And usually, this is when most people scale back. They realize their dream design might cost $100K, but they’re only ready to spend $75K.

This is where working with a designer becomes super strategic. We help you prioritize:

• What’s crucial to the design and function?
• What can be scaled down or cut?
• Where can we make smart substitutions?

It’s a balancing act between designing for your dream space and staying realistic about your budget.

Contingency is Non-Negotiable

Please, please, please, have a contingency budget. I recommend setting aside at least 10% of your total budget.

Because the truth is… something always comes up. People hate the idea of “unexpected costs” (who doesn’t?), but it’s the reality of renovation. If you’re opening walls in a 100-year-old house and not expecting surprises, I don’t know if renovating is for you.

It’s the nature of the beast. Plan for it.

Renovation Timelines

Now… let’s talk timelines.

I’ve been in this industry for a long time, and not once have I had a project go exactly according to schedule. And no, that doesn’t mean I’m bad at what I do. It just means renovations have a lot of moving parts—and many of them are out of your control (and mine).

Even with a project management background, I can’t control:

• Delays in materials
• Trades not showing up
• Weather
• That one weird hiccup no one saw coming

The point is: prepare for a longer journey than you thought. It’ll help you stay sane.

Helpful Tools for Renovation Planning

The good news? There are so many tools and companies out there to help you through the chaos. Here are a few of my favourites:

• Me! (shameless plug) – I offer online interior design services to help you avoid costly and ugly mistakes.
• DesignShop – A service that partners with amazing vendors and sends design samples right to your door.
• AI interior design platforms – Great for quick layout ideas and inspiration.

Read: Construction 101: A Guide to the Basics of Construction

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