5 Things You Need to Do Before You Start a Major Renovation (That No One Talks About)

I see this almost every day. You’re about to start a major home renovation. You’ve pinned every inspo pic on Pinterest, binge-watched every episode of Architectural Digest’s Open Door, and you’re ready to bring your dream space to life. I love this for you. But before you start demo-ing walls like you’re on an HGTV show, let’s talk about the real prep work—the things no one tells you but absolutely make or break your renovation experience.

1. Live in Your Home (or at Least Observe It) for a While

Your house has a rhythm, and if you haven’t taken time to really understand how you live in it, your renovation could miss the mark. Before finalizing plans, pay attention to how natural light shifts throughout the day, where you instinctively drop your keys, which rooms you actually use versus which just collect dust. This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making your home work for you. A stunning kitchen layout means nothing if you keep bumping into an awkwardly placed island.

2. Have an ‘Oh Shoot’ Fund (Bigger Than You Think)

Whatever your budget is—add at least 20% to it for the unexpected. If you think you won’t need it, I promise you will. Maybe it’s an electrical issue hiding behind your 1980s drywall, or perhaps you fall in love with Calacatta Viola marble at the last minute (because trust me, it happens). This fund isn’t just for disasters—it’s for giving yourself the flexibility to say yes to the details that make your space truly yours.

3. Get Your Permits Before You Even THINK About Demolition

I know, permits can be a hassle. But what’s really a hassle? A stop-work order from the city that delays your project by six months. Even if your contractor says they’ll ‘handle it,’ double-check what’s needed. This is especially crucial if you’re making structural changes, dealing with historical zoning laws, or renovating in a high-end neighborhood with strict HOA rules. It’s a vibe killer when you find out too late that your dream floor-to-ceiling windows violate local codes.

4. Curate Samples not just Mood Boards—But for Materials, Not Just Aesthetics

We all love a gorgeous design board, but have you actually touched the stone you’re about to put all over your kitchen counters? Have you walked on the hardwood you’re considering for your floors? Photos are deceiving. What looks warm and creamy online might read yellow in person. Before signing off on materials, visit showrooms, order samples, and put everything together in natural light. You’d be shocked how different that ‘perfect’ tile looks once it’s next to your cabinets. Noting is worse or a bigger budget sinker than installing 500 sq ft of a flooring you just had to have then realizing the tones clash with your cabinets.

5. Plan for the Inconvenience Factor (And Then Multiply It by Ten)

Major renovations don’t just disrupt your home—they disrupt your life. If you think you can ‘just deal with it,’ imagine waking up to the sound of jackhammers six days a week or realizing you have nowhere to cook for six months. Plan where you’ll stay, how you’ll function without a kitchen, and if you have kids or pets, consider how they’ll handle the chaos. The more prepared you are for the inconvenience, the less it will feel like a crisis when it inevitably happens.

Renovating is an adventure—equal parts thrilling and a little terrifying. But with the right prep, you’ll set yourself up for a process that’s smoother, smarter, and way more rewarding. So before you grab that sledgehammer, take a beat, plan ahead, and make decisions that future-you will thank you for.