… or shall we say, “A Dedicated Beginner’s Guide to Renovations.” Because if you’ve made it this far in the course, you have quite the determination to get the job done! Ask anyone who’s in the middle of a renovation how it’s going, and you’ll likely be met with some sighs, nervous laughs, and a long-winded answer. The truth is, dealing with a renovation is a serious undertaking, regardless of whether you’re hiring someone or doing it yourself. (If it’s the latter, buckle up.) The toughest projects are the most rewarding, though, and it’s safe to say that if you’ve been dreaming of renovating your house, you will find the renovation worth it in the end. Even if that feeling doesn’t hit for months after the (literal) dust settles.
… or shall we say, “A Dedicated Beginner’s Guide to Renovations.” Because if you’ve made it this far in the course, you have quite the determination to get the job done! Ask anyone who’s in the middle of a renovation how it’s going, and you’ll likely be met with some sighs, nervous laughs, and a long-winded answer. The truth is, dealing with a renovation is a serious undertaking, regardless of whether you’re hiring someone or doing it yourself. (If it’s the latter, buckle up.) The toughest projects are the most rewarding, though, and it’s safe to say that if you’ve been dreaming of renovating your house, you will find the renovation worth it in the end. Even if that feeling doesn’t hit for months after the (literal) dust settles.
… or shall we say, “A Dedicated Beginner’s Guide to Renovations.” Because if you’ve made it this far in the course, you have quite the determination to get the job done! Ask anyone who’s in the middle of a renovation how it’s going, and you’ll likely be met with some sighs, nervous laughs, and a long-winded answer. The truth is, dealing with a renovation is a serious undertaking, regardless of whether you’re hiring someone or doing it yourself. (If it’s the latter, buckle up.) The toughest projects are the most rewarding, though, and it’s safe to say that if you’ve been dreaming of renovating your house, you will find the renovation worth it in the end. Even if that feeling doesn’t hit for months after the (literal) dust settles.
… or shall we say, “A Dedicated Beginner’s Guide to Renovations.” Because if you’ve made it this far in the course, you have quite the determination to get the job done! Ask anyone who’s in the middle of a renovation how it’s going, and you’ll likely be met with some sighs, nervous laughs, and a long-winded answer. The truth is, dealing with a renovation is a serious undertaking, regardless of whether you’re hiring someone or doing it yourself. (If it’s the latter, buckle up.) The toughest projects are the most rewarding, though, and it’s safe to say that if you’ve been dreaming of renovating your house, you will find the renovation worth it in the end. Even if that feeling doesn’t hit for months after the (literal) dust settles.
… or shall we say, “A Dedicated Beginner’s Guide to Renovations.” Because if you’ve made it this far in the course, you have quite the determination to get the job done! Ask anyone who’s in the middle of a renovation how it’s going, and you’ll likely be met with some sighs, nervous laughs, and a long-winded answer. The truth is, dealing with a renovation is a serious undertaking, regardless of whether you’re hiring someone or doing it yourself. (If it’s the latter, buckle up.) The toughest projects are the most rewarding, though, and it’s safe to say that if you’ve been dreaming of renovating your house, you will find the renovation worth it in the end. Even if that feeling doesn’t hit for months after the (literal) dust settles.
… or shall we say, “A Dedicated Beginner’s Guide to Renovations.” Because if you’ve made it this far in the course, you have quite the determination to get the job done! Ask anyone who’s in the middle of a renovation how it’s going, and you’ll likely be met with some sighs, nervous laughs, and a long-winded answer. The truth is, dealing with a renovation is a serious undertaking, regardless of whether you’re hiring someone or doing it yourself. (If it’s the latter, buckle up.) The toughest projects are the most rewarding, though, and it’s safe to say that if you’ve been dreaming of renovating your house, you will find the renovation worth it in the end. Even if that feeling doesn’t hit for months after the (literal) dust settles.
Renovations can feel so overwhelming. It’s important to go into the process having a general understanding of what your vision is for your project. It’s okay if changes throughout the process! (It likely will!) Try getting a plan in place by breaking everything down into small tasks or line items. There is no right or wrong way to do this, but we’ve compiled a list of questions that have helped us get our heads straight.
Ask yourself:
Once you have that squared away, there are even more questions to consider:
(Right Image Credit: Up to Date Interiors)
Renovations can feel so overwhelming. It’s important to go into the process having a general understanding of what your vision is for your project. It’s okay if changes throughout the process! (It likely will!) Try getting a plan in place by breaking everything down into small tasks or line items. There is no right or wrong way to do this, but we’ve compiled a list of questions that have helped us get our heads straight.
Ask yourself:
Once you have that squared away, there are even more questions to consider:
(Right Image Credit: Up to Date Interiors)
Renovations can feel so overwhelming. It’s important to go into the process having a general understanding of what your vision is for your project. It’s okay if changes throughout the process! (It likely will!) Try getting a plan in place by breaking everything down into small tasks or line items. There is no right or wrong way to do this, but we’ve compiled a list of questions that have helped us get our heads straight.
Ask yourself:
Once you have that squared away, there are even more questions to consider:
(Right Image Credit: Up to Date Interiors)
Renovations can feel so overwhelming. It’s important to go into the process having a general understanding of what your vision is for your project. It’s okay if changes throughout the process! (It likely will!) Try getting a plan in place by breaking everything down into small tasks or line items. There is no right or wrong way to do this, but we’ve compiled a list of questions that have helped us get our heads straight.
Ask yourself:
Once you have that squared away, there are even more questions to consider:
(Right Image Credit: Up to Date Interiors)
Renovations can feel so overwhelming. It’s important to go into the process having a general understanding of what your vision is for your project. It’s okay if changes throughout the process! (It likely will!) Try getting a plan in place by breaking everything down into small tasks or line items. There is no right or wrong way to do this, but we’ve compiled a list of questions that have helped us get our heads straight.
Ask yourself:
Once you have that squared away, there are even more questions to consider:
(Right Image Credit: Up to Date Interiors)
Renovations can feel so overwhelming. It’s important to go into the process having a general understanding of what your vision is for your project. It’s okay if changes throughout the process! (It likely will!) Try getting a plan in place by breaking everything down into small tasks or line items. There is no right or wrong way to do this, but we’ve compiled a list of questions that have helped us get our heads straight.
Ask yourself:
Once you have that squared away, there are even more questions to consider:
(Right Image Credit: Up to Date Interiors)
Permitting regulations vary based on where you live, but generally speaking, if you are making structural changes, changing the footprint of your home, adding additions, doing HVAC work, demolition, or re-roofing, you will need permits.
Call your local municipal office. You are likely a few clicks away with a quick Google search :) If you don’t get the right person immediately, they’ll be sure to direct you to someone who can help.
Ah, the age-old question! This depends on the work being done. Some permits are issued immediately, while others require an inspection of the plans. During the renovation process, inspections of the work will more than likely be required as well.
Permits, while annoying to acquire at times, are there ultimately for your safety. There are many things that can happen if you skip this process. If the municipal building inspector notices your renovation and stops to ask for permits, you can be fined for not having one (and then will be given a stop-work order). An even bigger headache could arise if/when you try to sell your house. If your deed is examined and the plans listed are different from the actual property, a potential buyer can back out of the deal. (You can apply for a retroactive permit, but that’s another story!)
Well, this is a big question that requires a lot of consideration before answering! Ultimately, you’ll have to decide which route is best for you. If you have a big project and a tight timeline for getting the work done, working with a contractor might be the best option to keep things moving. Taking on a renovation yourself is doable, but it will take time, lots of practice, and some hurdles along the way.
Structural work involves anything that changes the structure of your home, like removing load-bearing walls, changing the footprint of your space, etc. Non-structural work includes things like changing finishing materials, doors, windows, or anything more cosmetic.
Best case scenario, you can find a structural engineer through the recommendation of someone you know. Worst case scenario, you have to do some research. Try finding someone local through the internet. Ask local designers or architects who they recommend and do a lot of vetting of this person before you sign — engineers are expensive!
When it comes to general contractors, we strongly suggest finding one through word of mouth — even if it’s through a friend of a friend of a friend. This way, you have a reputable source and know they’ve done good work before. There are a lot of bad contractors out there (and a lot of great ones, but they’re harder to find). Be wary of contractors who are trying to nickel and dime you and trust your intuition when hiring for projects.
Ask yourself if they pass your bull💩 meter. Do you get a good vibe from this person? Are they responsive? How do you see yourself working with them? Are they open about pricing with you? Do they have a portfolio? These questions will point you in the right direction.
Hiring an unlicensed contractor means they are uninsured. This could be a big problem for you down the road if something were to happen to your contractor on the job — medical bills, financial implications, etc. This also means your contractor hasn’t gone through the proper certification to acquire a license for the work they’re doing for you. While this doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t qualified to do the work, this could turn into an unnecessary issue down the road.
The short answer is… yes! Unless you want to experience a very chaotic renovation. The real question is whether you want to be the one to project manage, or if you want to hire this task out. Don’t rely on your contractors to manage your timeline — you will be very disappointed. The pro to PM’ing your own renovation is that you have more control over the situation. The con really is the time implications.
A home inspector is exactly what it sounds like; a licensed professional that comes into your home and surrounding property to inspect it. The inspector is there to ensure everything is up to the building code and standards. The ongoing joke is true… your inspector will likely always find something to pick at when doing their walkthrough, but it really is to benefit you in the long run.
Now that you have a general understanding of the different steps involved in a home renovation, it’s time for a pep talk! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath! It’s going to be okay. If you decide to tackle this journey on your own, bravo. If you decide to hire someone to help you along the way, bravo as well. You can read all the renovation blogs and books to try and prepare yourself, and you’ll still find new challenges along the way. 💩 will go inevitably go wrong, and all that matters is that you know how to handle it when it does. Challenge yourself to think of hurdles as areas for pivots and opportunities to improve. Rely on your network for help when you need it. There’s a big community of other DIY renovators and designers in the Spoak network and beyond. Reach out for advice (or a shoulder to cry on). You got this.
Now that you have a general understanding of the different steps involved in a home renovation, it’s time for a pep talk! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath! It’s going to be okay. If you decide to tackle this journey on your own, bravo. If you decide to hire someone to help you along the way, bravo as well. You can read all the renovation blogs and books to try and prepare yourself, and you’ll still find new challenges along the way. 💩 will go inevitably go wrong, and all that matters is that you know how to handle it when it does. Challenge yourself to think of hurdles as areas for pivots and opportunities to improve. Rely on your network for help when you need it. There’s a big community of other DIY renovators and designers in the Spoak network and beyond. Reach out for advice (or a shoulder to cry on). You got this.
Now that you have a general understanding of the different steps involved in a home renovation, it’s time for a pep talk! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath! It’s going to be okay. If you decide to tackle this journey on your own, bravo. If you decide to hire someone to help you along the way, bravo as well. You can read all the renovation blogs and books to try and prepare yourself, and you’ll still find new challenges along the way. 💩 will go inevitably go wrong, and all that matters is that you know how to handle it when it does. Challenge yourself to think of hurdles as areas for pivots and opportunities to improve. Rely on your network for help when you need it. There’s a big community of other DIY renovators and designers in the Spoak network and beyond. Reach out for advice (or a shoulder to cry on). You got this.
Now that you have a general understanding of the different steps involved in a home renovation, it’s time for a pep talk! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath! It’s going to be okay. If you decide to tackle this journey on your own, bravo. If you decide to hire someone to help you along the way, bravo as well. You can read all the renovation blogs and books to try and prepare yourself, and you’ll still find new challenges along the way. 💩 will go inevitably go wrong, and all that matters is that you know how to handle it when it does. Challenge yourself to think of hurdles as areas for pivots and opportunities to improve. Rely on your network for help when you need it. There’s a big community of other DIY renovators and designers in the Spoak network and beyond. Reach out for advice (or a shoulder to cry on). You got this.
Now that you have a general understanding of the different steps involved in a home renovation, it’s time for a pep talk! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath! It’s going to be okay. If you decide to tackle this journey on your own, bravo. If you decide to hire someone to help you along the way, bravo as well. You can read all the renovation blogs and books to try and prepare yourself, and you’ll still find new challenges along the way. 💩 will go inevitably go wrong, and all that matters is that you know how to handle it when it does. Challenge yourself to think of hurdles as areas for pivots and opportunities to improve. Rely on your network for help when you need it. There’s a big community of other DIY renovators and designers in the Spoak network and beyond. Reach out for advice (or a shoulder to cry on). You got this.
Now that you have a general understanding of the different steps involved in a home renovation, it’s time for a pep talk! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath! It’s going to be okay. If you decide to tackle this journey on your own, bravo. If you decide to hire someone to help you along the way, bravo as well. You can read all the renovation blogs and books to try and prepare yourself, and you’ll still find new challenges along the way. 💩 will go inevitably go wrong, and all that matters is that you know how to handle it when it does. Challenge yourself to think of hurdles as areas for pivots and opportunities to improve. Rely on your network for help when you need it. There’s a big community of other DIY renovators and designers in the Spoak network and beyond. Reach out for advice (or a shoulder to cry on). You got this.
This lesson is meant to guide you through general renovation information and FAQs. Please consult with a professional before starting a project you are unsure about or do thorough research. If you have a general renovation question we can help with, feel free to shoot us an email and we’ll do our best to consult with our network of designers for an answer.
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