Pre-Project Planning Guide
Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of a home remodel? Struggling to picture how you'll live through the transformation of your most-used spaces? With the right preparation, you can do more than survive your remodel. You can thrive through it.
This pre-project planning guide walks through the steps that get your home and your family ready before work begins.
1. Should you stay or should you go?
Whether you're staying home during your remodel or moving somewhere else while the work is done, it's time to pack. Get organized, either into suitcases if you're leaving or into your "remodel-free" zone if you're staying. Take your time so you have everything you need to stay comfortable.
Use this as a chance to declutter while you shift things around. It makes moving back into your transformed space even smoother. For help deciding, read Should You Stay or Should You Go?
2. Plan for your secondary kitchen or bath
If you're staying and your kitchen or bathroom will be limited, have a plan for both.
- Think through how more people will share less space
- Plan towel and product storage
- Expect a different daily bathroom routine
- Set up a temporary kitchen
- Consider a toaster oven or hot plate
- Stock easy-cleanup solutions to keep meals simple
Our bathroom remodel prep tips and guide to surviving a kitchen remodel go deeper.
3. Prepare your house for the change
Rearrange or move furniture, clear everything out of areas that will be demolished and empty any cabinets being replaced or refinished. It's best to take valuable photos, art and decor out of the remodel area completely, so they stay safe and ready to go back up when the project is done.
4. Don't forget about your pets
With new people coming and going, you'll need a plan for your pets and how they handle the daily disruption. If your pet is staying home during the remodel, give them a cozy spot that feels safe and keeps them out of the work area.
Have questions about getting ready? We're always happy to talk through your project in a free 15-minute remodel consult.
5. Give the neighbors a heads up
Letting your neighbors know that trailers and trucks will be coming and going is a nice gesture. Many contractors, including us, post a yard sign with contact information so anyone with a question or concern can reach the contractor directly.
Designed first, with one fixed price
Our goal is to make every project as stress-free as possible, so you feel excited instead of anxious from day one to day done. That starts with planning. Our Studio A designers work through your design and selections with you first, and design is included with every remodel. Once your design is complete, you get one fixed price and a clear schedule, and you can follow every step in our Buildertrend online project portal.
Pre-project planning FAQs
When should I start preparing my home?
Once your schedule is set, start packing and clearing the work areas a little at a time instead of all at once right before demo.
Can we live at home during a remodel?
Many families do. A plan for your kitchen, bathroom, pets and daily routine makes it far more manageable. See our tips on living at home during a remodel.
Does design cost extra?
No. Studio A design is included with every remodel we build.