Interior Designer’s Guide to a Home Renovation

How to prep for your project—and what to avoid along the way.

A home renovation can be one of the most exciting (and stressful) things you take on. Whether it’s a full gut job or a room refresh, the process is full of decisions, timelines, and, yes, the occasional surprise behind the walls.

As an interior designer, I help clients navigate this journey all the time—and these are the prep tips I share with everyone before the first wall comes down.

1. Assemble the Right Team

The success of your renovation depends on the people you hire—period. That means getting multiple bids, meeting in person, and making sure you feel comfortable with your contractor, designer, and architect (if needed). These are the people who will be in your home daily, answering your questions and helping you make some pretty major decisions. Make sure it’s a good fit, not just a good price.

Avoid this pitfall: Hiring based on price alone can backfire. Trust and communication are worth every penny.

2. Set Realistic Expectations Around Budget

Chances are, the initial estimate might surprise you. That’s totally normal. The key is to sit down with your team and work through your priorities:

• Do you want real marble, or would porcelain give you the look for less?

• Can you leave plumbing where it is and focus on an aesthetic upgrade?

• Is custom cabinetry a must, or will semi-custom do the trick?
  

These conversations will help you build a budget that reflects what actually matters to you—and create space for the unexpected (because there’s always something).

Avoid this pitfall: Skipping pricing conversations or not leaving wiggle room for surprises can derail your entire project.

3. Know Your Timeline (and then add a cushion)

TV shows make it look like a bathroom reno can happen in a weekend. In reality, a cosmetic-only bathroom project can take 4–6 months. A full overhaul? Closer to 9–12 months. And that’s if everything goes according to plan.

Keep in mind: Contractors and Designers can only estimate based on what they can see. Once you open up walls, you might uncover issues that extend your timeline.

Avoid this pitfall: Assuming everything will go exactly to plan. Flexibility is your friend.

4. Communicate Early and Often

Renovations are a series of small (and big) decisions—some that affect the entire project. Clear communication with your team from the very beginning can prevent missteps and keep things moving forward, even when challenges pop up.

Be honest about your goals, your budget, and your non-negotiables. A great team will help you weigh your options and make informed decisions throughout the process.

Renovating your home isn’t just about changing your space—it’s about investing in how you live every day. With the right team, realistic expectations, and a little flexibility, you’ll be in your dream space before you know it. And when in doubt? Lean on your designer. We’re here to guide you through it all.

Looking for more Interior Design inspiration? Follow us on Instagram @lovelace_studios.