Renovating a home can be one of the most rewarding—and challenging—projects a homeowner undertakes. Whether you're updating a single room or giving your entire house a makeover, a successful renovation requires careful planning, budgeting, and execution. Hiring an experienced interior designer can help with the process, eliminate costly mistakes, and save time. For my clients,, I personally oversee the progress of every single project to make a messy process smooth and quick. Here’s a step-by-step look at the home renovation process to help guide you from initial ideas to the final reveal.
​​1. Define Your Goals
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Before swinging a hammer or calling a contractor, clearly define what you want to achieve. Are you looking to modernize a dated kitchen? Add more functional space? Increase property value? Knowing your “why” helps determine your budget, timeline, and the scope of work.
Key considerations:
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Functionality vs. aesthetics
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Long-term vs. short-term residence
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DIY vs. professional work
2. Establish a Budget
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Set a realistic budget early on, and include a contingency fund (typically 10–20%) for unexpected expenses. Get quotes from contractors and suppliers, and prioritize your must-haves.
Typical costs to account for:
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Labor and materials
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Permits and inspections
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Temporary living arrangements (if needed)
3. Create a Design Plan
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Work with an interior designer to map out the new layout. At this stage, you’ll decide on materials, finishes, fixtures, and other key design elements.
An interior designer will present you with
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Floor Plans and Elevation Drawings
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Mood boards and Renditions
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Color choices for walls, furniture and accessories
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Furniture options
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Windows, countertops, fixtures, flooring, lighting, and more
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Art and accessories options
4. Get the Necessary Permits
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Depending on your location and the scope of your project, you may need permits for electrical, plumbing, structural, or zoning changes. Failing to secure the right permits can result in fines or complications when selling the home. A contractor or an architect can get those for you.
5. Demolition
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Once plans are approved and materials selected, the demo begins. This phase can be messy and noisy, and might reveal hidden problems like mold, wiring issues, or structural damage that will have to be addressed.
Your contractor will:
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Protect areas not under renovation
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Rent a dumpster for debris
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Salvage usable materials if possible
6. Structural Work & Systems Updates
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If you're moving walls, replacing floors, or updating plumbing or electrical systems, this is when it happens. Structural changes often require inspections to ensure they meet the current code requirements.
7. Interior Work
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Once the structure is set and systems are in place, it’s time for insulation, drywall, flooring, furniture, and painting. This is where the space begins to look like a your home again. By this time items previously purchased by your designer should have arrived and be ready to install.
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This stage includes:
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Wall finishes and paint
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Flooring installation
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Lighting fixtures and outlets
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Cabinetry and countertops
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Appliances install
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Professional construction clean-up
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Furniture, rugs, accessories, and art
8. Final Touches & Cleanup
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Finishing touches like trim, and hardware, are installed last. Once complete, conduct a designer will do a final walk-through with you to create a punch list of any outstanding issues.
9. Enjoy Your Renovated Home
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After months of planning and hard work, it’s finally time to enjoy the results. Take time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and share your transformed space with family and friends.
Final Thoughts
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Home renovation is a complex but fulfilling journey. It tests your patience, decision-making, and budgeting skills—but the payoff is a refreshed, more functional space that reflects your vision and lifestyle. Whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a team of professionals, understanding the renovation process can make the experience more manageable—and more rewarding.
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