How to Prepare for a Home Renovation (Before You Call a Contractor)

Dec 21

If you’re thinking about renovating your home, your first instinct might be to call a contractor.

Totally understandable.
But here’s the thing — a little preparation before that call can save you time, money, and a lot of stress later.

Most renovation issues don’t come from bad intentions. They come from rushing into a project without enough clarity. So before anyone swings a hammer, here’s what you should think through first.

Get Clear on Why You’re Renovating

Before budgets, before finishes, before Pinterest boards — ask yourself why you’re doing this.

Is it:

To improve functionality?
To accommodate a growing family?
To update an outdated layout?
To increase resale value?

Your “why” influences every decision that follows. Without it, it’s easy to overspend in the wrong places or end up with a beautiful space that doesn’t actually solve the problem.

Understand How You Use Your Space (Not How It Looks Online)

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is designing for photos instead of real life.

Think about:

How many people use the space daily
Where clutter actually accumulates
How you move through the room
What currently frustrates you

A renovation should make your life easier — not just prettier.

Set a Realistic Budget (With Flexibility)

Renovations are almost never a single number. There’s the ideal budget… and then there’s reality.

Before calling a contractor, decide:

Your comfortable investment range
Where you’re willing to splurge
Where you’re okay pulling back

And always leave a contingency. Because something will come up. Planning for it doesn’t make you negative — it makes you prepared.

Make Preliminary Decisions (You Don’t Need Everything Yet)

You don’t need to know the exact tile or faucet before reaching out to a contractor — but having general direction helps.

Things to consider:

Are you changing the layout?
Are you moving plumbing or electrical?
Do you want custom or standard cabinetry?
Is this a phased project or all at once?

Clarity early on leads to more accurate pricing and fewer surprises.

Know Your Timeline (And Be Honest About It)

Renovations take time — often more than expected.

Before calling a contractor, think about:

When you’d like the project to start
Any hard deadlines (travel, life events, move-ins)
How flexible you can be

Being upfront about timing helps everyone plan realistically.

Decide How Much You Want to Be Involved

Some homeowners love being hands-on. Others don’t — and neither is wrong.

Ask yourself:

Do I want to manage decisions daily?
Do I want someone to guide the process?
Do I have time to source materials and review details?

This is often where working with an interior designer before construction can make a big difference.

Gather Inspiration — But Don’t Lock Yourself In

Save images that speak to you. Look for patterns in what you’re drawn to.

But keep an open mind.

Not everything you love online will work in your space, your budget, or your timeline — and that’s okay. Inspiration is a starting point, not a contract.

Consider Bringing in Design Early

This is where many projects go off track — design decisions are made after construction has already begun.

Working with a designer early helps:

Finalize layouts before pricing
Prevent costly changes later
Create a clear vision everyone can build from

It’s not about adding complexity — it’s about reducing it.

Final Thoughts

A renovation doesn’t start when demolition begins. It starts when you get clear on your goals, expectations, and priorities.

Taking the time to prepare before calling a contractor sets the tone for the entire project — and makes the experience far more manageable.

A little planning goes a long way.

Sara St Paul