How to Start Planning Your Home Remodel:
A Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’ve decided it’s time to remodel your home. Maybe your kitchen feels stuck in the ‘90s, your bathroom layout doesn’t make sense, or you’re finally ready to add that home office (because working from the dining table isn’t cutting it).

Whatever the reason, starting a home renovation can feel overwhelming. What comes first? How much will it cost? Do you need permits? (Spoiler: If you work with us, we handle that part for you!)

We’re here to walk you through the first steps of planning home renovation projects, so you know exactly what to do before the work begins.

Step 1: Define Your Goals – What Do You Want to Change?

Before you start picking out tile samples or browsing Pinterest for inspiration, take a step back and think about what’s actually not working in your home.

Ask yourself:

What problems am I trying to solve? (More storage? Better layout? More space?)
What’s driving this renovation—function, aesthetics, or both?
Am I planning for short-term updates or a long-term investment?

If you’re feeling stuck, walk through your home with a notebook and jot down what frustrates you in each space. This helps clarify priorities before jumping into decisions.

KNACK. Tip:
Separate your must-haves from your nice-to-haves. A new kitchen island might be a must, but heated bathroom floors? Maybe that’s an upgrade for later.

Ready to Take the First Step? Let’s Talk!

Not sure how to turn your renovation goals into a solid plan? We’re here to help! Let’s chat about your vision and what’s possible for your space.

Step 2: Research and Find Inspiration

Once you’ve nailed down what needs to change, it’s time for the fun part—getting inspired!

Check out home design magazines, Pinterest, and Instagram for ideas.
Walk through model homes or home improvement stores to see materials in person.
Look at before-and-after renovation projects to see what’s possible.

KNACK. Tip:
Keep a “Renovation Planning” folder (physical or digital) where you save images, material samples, and notes on what you like. This will help you and your contractor align on your vision.

Step 3: Set a Realistic Budget (and Plan for the Unexpected)

Ah, budgeting—everyone’s favorite part, right? (crickets)

Knowing how much to renovate a house is key to keeping your project on track. Costs can vary widely based on materials, labor, and the size of your remodel. Here’s a rough guide:

Project Type

Average Cost

Bathroom Remodel

$10,000 – $30,000+

Kitchen Remodel

$15,000 – $50,000+

Home Addition

$30,000 – $100,000+

Full Home Renovation

$50,000 – $200,000+

Factor in materials, labor, permits, and design costs.
Plan for unexpected expenses (because something always pops up). We recommend adding 10-20% to your budget as a contingency.

KNACK. Tip:
A good contractor (like us!) will provide a clear estimate upfront and keep you informed of any changes along the way.

Get a Clear, Upfront Estimate for Your Remodel

Wondering how much to renovate a house or what fits within your budget? We provide transparent pricing and realistic timelines—no surprises.

Step 4: Start Thinking About Your Timeline

You’re ready to renovate, but how long will it actually take?

Here’s a general idea:

Small renovations (bathroom refresh, new floors): 4-8 weeks
Medium renovations (kitchen remodel, home addition): 2-6 months
Full home renovation: 6-12 months+

Consider:

Do you have an important event coming up? (A wedding, baby, or holiday gathering?)
Are you prepared to live in a construction zone for a while?
Do you need temporary housing if it’s a major remodel?

KNACK. Tip:
The sooner you start planning, the smoother things will go. Some materials (like custom cabinets) can have long lead times, so plan accordingly!

Step 5: Find the Right Contractor (Hint: That’s Us!)

You wouldn’t trust just anyone with your home, right? Finding the right remodel home contractors is crucial.

When choosing a contractor, ask:

Do they have experience with your type of project?
Can they provide references and past project photos?
Do they offer clear timelines and budgets?

At KNACK., we:

Provide upfront pricing so there are no surprises.
Stick to reliable timelines to minimize disruptions.
Offer top-tier craftsmanship to make sure your home looks and functions beautifully.

Ready to chat? Reach out—we’d love to bring your vision to life!

Let’s Make Your Remodel Stress-Free

Choosing the right contractor makes all the difference. At KNACK., we handle everything from planning to construction—so you don’t have to stress.

Step 6: Work With Your Contractor to Finalize the Details

Once you’ve chosen your contractor, it’s time to solidify the plan.

We help you:

Refine the design to ensure everything fits your lifestyle and budget.
Select materials (so you’re not overwhelmed by a million choices).
Create a detailed construction plan so you know what’s happening and when.

KNACK. Tip:
Good communication is key! At KNACK., we keep you informed at every stage so you’re never left wondering what’s next.

Step 7: Prepare Your Home for Renovation

Before the demo crew shows up, take some time to prep:

Clear out rooms being remodeled (store valuables safely).
Set up a temporary kitchen if your kitchen is under construction.
Prepare for dust & noise—things will get messy before they get beautiful.

If you’re staying in the house during the renovation, let’s talk about how to keep essential areas functional. If the project is more invasive, we’ll help you come up with the best plan.

Why Hiring Local Matters—7 Key Reasons

Thinking about hiring a remodeling contractor? A local expert offers advantages like better communication, knowledge of local codes, and personalized service. See why choosing a contractor near you makes all the difference!

Step 8: Watch Your Vision Come to Life

Once construction begins, it’s go-time! Here’s what to expect:

Demolition (goodbye, outdated tiles!)
Construction and installations (walls, floors, cabinets, fixtures)
The final touches (paint, trim, and making it all perfect)

Throughout the process, we provide regular updates so you always know what’s happening. No ghosting, no surprises—just clear communication and quality work.

Let’s Get Your Home Remodel Started!

Planning a home renovation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By defining your goals, setting a budget, finding the right contractor, and preparing your home, you can make the process smooth and stress-free.

At KNACK., we believe remodeling isn’t just about improving spaces—it’s about creating a home that works better for you. We handle everything from design to construction, keeping you informed and on budget.

Your Dream Home Starts Here

Whether you’re remodeling a single room or your entire home, we’re here to bring your vision to life with expert craftsmanship and clear communication.

Hello!

At KNACK., we’re not just creating spaces or products – we’re building legacies. With roots in three generations of design and construction, we blend heritage and refined skills with innovation to create homes and custom pieces that tell a story.

Imagine Your Dream Home

What does your custom home look like? Ready to bring that vision to life? Our custom home-building team works with you to create spaces that reflect your unique style and needs so you can have the home of your dreams!

Make a Statement with a KNACK. Custom Creation

Looking for a bold, lasting piece? Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind outdoor firepit or handcrafted live edge table, our team brings your ideas to life with quality materials and artistry.