How to Prioritize Your Remodel If You Can’t Do Everything at Once
(A.K.A. Surviving the Renovation Hunger Games)
Let’s face it: remodeling your home can feel like trying to choose your favorite ice cream flavor—you want everything right now, but your budget and schedule say chill out. If your floor plan dreams are bigger than your bank account, it’s time to prioritize like a pro. Here’s how to break your remodeling project down into bite-sized phases without losing your mind—or your foundation.
1. Safety First, Always
Before you pick out backsplash tiles or debate floating vanities, check for anything that could pose a safety risk. Think faulty wiring (hello GFCI upgrades), outdated forced air heating/cooling systems, or leaky roofs with damaged flashing and felt (underlayment). These aren’t fun, but they're essential.
Hire a licensed contractor or general contractor to walk through your home and flag urgent concerns. Trust us—no one wants a glamorous green building bathroom if the ceiling is caving in.
2. Fix What’s Falling Apart
If your fascia boards are rotting, your foundation is settling into those pesky expansive soils, or your plumbing makes sounds like it’s haunted—fix those first. These aren't glamorous upgrades, but they're the bones of your home. And if you neglect them now, you're asking for future change orders and sky-high cost codes.
Pro tip: Check your grade and drainage to make sure water isn't sneakily damaging your structure. Some solid damp proofing goes a long way.
3. Focus on Function
What space drives you the most crazy on a daily basis? If your kitchen layout makes you feel like you’re running an obstacle course, or if you have one bathroom for six people (bless you), then you’ve found your starting point.
Use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools to visualize changes and plan efficiently. Don’t forget to consult your blueprints and consider how any updates affect your footer (footing) or framing. Prioritizing function over finishes will pay off in comfort and sanity.
4. Maximize Your ROI
Want your remodel to work as hard as a construction worker on a hot day? Focus on updates that add value to your home. Kitchens, bathrooms, and energy-efficient improvements (like new windows or fire-resistive insulation) are known for great returns.
If you’re planning to sell in the near future, ask your construction company or custom home builders about materials and styles that appeal to buyers. Bonus: you’ll feel like a real estate mogul while sipping coffee in your upgraded space.
5. Don’t Forget the Flow
We’re not just talking about your vibe here—we’re talking layout. If you're remodeling your living room but plan to tear into the adjacent hallway next year, don’t waste money on finishes that’ll be ripped up later.
Look at your floor plan holistically. That gorgeous new glulam (glued laminated beam) you want might look better once the gable is reframed. Try grouping remodels by area or system (like all the plumbing at once) to keep things efficient.
6. Think Seasonally
Believe it or not, weather affects your building construction schedule more than you'd think. Want to pour ready mix concrete for a new patio? Plan for spring or summer. Replacing windows or doors? Avoid the rainy season if you don’t want a surprise indoor swimming pool.
Your contractor or home builders can help you plan your remodel around ideal construction windows. And if heavy equipment like a backhoe is needed, you’ll definitely want dry, stable soil.
7. Budget Like a Boss
Once you’ve got your priorities straight, break down your budget into realistic phases. Use tools that track bids, cost-plus contracts, and daily reports. Build in a little wiggle room for unexpected hiccups (ahem, change orders), and don’t forget the small stuff like frieze board (bird block) or a better form for your flatwork.
Staying organized can mean the difference between a smooth project and waking up in a construction site for six months straight.
8. Work With the Right Crew
Not all builders are created equal. You want professionals who will respect your budget, your time, and your vision. Look for experience, strong communication, and a track record of success. Bonus points if they nerd out over blueprints and obsess over the grain of your wood finishes.
At the end of the day, a good construction company becomes a partner in building your dream.
Wrap-Up: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Your home is your castle—no need to renovate it in one weekend. Focus on safety, function, flow, and future value, and take it one phase at a time. Whether you're diving into the kitchen this year and tackling bathrooms next, or slowly turning your space into a passive house masterpiece, every step forward counts.
And remember: even the best-laid BIM plans start with a single form. 🏗️✨
Need help mapping your remodel? Our team at L&T Construction can help with bids, blueprints, and bringing your vision to life—one foundation at a time.