Jason M-S Conaway
Aug 23, 2025
It’s tempting to think that the first step of any home remodel is to hire a contractor. After all, they’re the ones who will ultimately build your dream space, right? While it seems logical, starting your remodel by calling a contractor can lead to expensive missteps, miscommunications, and disappointing results. Before you reach out to a contractor, there are several critical steps you should take to ensure that your project gets off on the right foot. In this outline guide, we’ll break down the entire remodeling process into 10 essential phases and explain the importance of each one. By the end, you’ll understand exactly why the contractor should come into the picture only after significant groundwork has been laid.
TL;DR
Before starting your home remodel, don’t rush to hire a contractor. Instead, follow these 10 essential phases to ensure your project is successful. Begin by preplanning your vision, defining your goals, and setting a realistic budget. Conduct a feasibility study with an architect or designer to check local regulations and realistic costs. Design your project in detail, prepare construction documents, and secure permits before moving forward. Once permits are approved, solicit formal bids from contractors and negotiate terms carefully. During construction, maintain oversight, track expenses, and address issues promptly. In the final phases, wrap up any loose ends, move back in, and enjoy the results of your hard work. Taking these steps ensures your remodel is smooth, within budget, and aligned with your vision.
Phase 1: Planning and Vision Building
The foundation of any successful remodel begins with a clear vision and thorough planning. This is where you, the homeowner, take the lead. Before any professional designers and contractors are brought on board, you need to clearly and thoroughly articulate what you want to achieve. This phase is all about defining your vision, needs, and how the remodel will improve your daily life.
Key Steps
Identify Your Goals: Start by identifying what areas of your home need attention and why. Are you expanding your kitchen? Creating an open floor plan for better flow? Modernizing your exterior for curb appeal or improving energy efficiency? Write down your desires, needs, and long-term goals. Consider how this remodel will serve you in the next 5-10 years and beyond.
Define the Functionality of New Spaces: Beyond aesthetics, consider how each space will function in your daily life. Think about workflows for tasks like cooking dinner, doing laundry, or even managing a home office. How can the remodel make these tasks easier or more efficient? Will the new kitchen layout streamline meal prep? Will a redesigned laundry room save you time? Clearly articulating the purpose and function of each area helps ensure the design will meet your lifestyle needs.
Collect Inspiration: Inspiration can come from many sources, so take the time to explore. Gather images, notes, or ideas from magazines, Pinterest boards, home design shows, or even homes you’ve visited. Having a strong visual reference will not only clarify your vision but also make communication easier when you’re working with professionals down the line.
Define Your Budget: Setting a realistic budget is crucial before embarking on any remodel. Take a hard look at how much you are willing and able to spend. Be sure to factor in a contingency—remodels often run into unforeseen expenses, so it’s wise to include an extra 10-20% buffer. Your budget will guide many of your decisions, from material choices to the scope of work.
Evaluate Your Pain Tolerance: Remodeling can be disruptive, so consider how it will impact your day-to-day living. Will you need to move out temporarily? If so, where will you go, and how long can you afford to be away? Assess how much inconvenience you’re willing to tolerate. For example, if you're planning a full gut renovation, you might need to live off-site for months, and this could influence both your budget and the timeline of the project.?
Key Players
Homeowners: You are the key decision-maker. Your preferences, lifestyle needs, and vision for the future drive every aspect of the preplanning phase.
Financial Planner: Can help you ensure that the remodel aligns with your long-term financial goals, whether you are funding it through savings, loans, or other means.
Remodel Planning Specialist: If you feel overwhelmed, consider bringing in a specialist to help formalize your vision, organize your thoughts, and begin the early planning work.
Lender: If you are financing the project, this is the time to evaluate loan options, speak with your lender, and understand what financial commitments you’re making for the remodel.
Phase 2: Feasibility Study
Once your vision is in place, the next step is determining whether your vision and plans are realistic. This phase is crucial for uncovering any potential obstacles that could impact your project, such as zoning laws, structural limitations, or budget constraints. It’s all about figuring out what’s possible within the constraints of your property, budget, and local regulations, ensuring that you can proceed with confidence.
Key Steps
Hire an Architect or Designer: Engage a professional who understands both design and local regulations. An architect or designer will analyze your ideas to see if they are technically feasible and can be executed within the physical constraints of your property. They’ll also provide valuable input on how to optimize your design for both aesthetics and functionality while remaining compliant with the rules and codes that apply to your area.
Assess Local Regulations: Before moving forward, it’s essential to investigate local zoning laws, building codes, and any homeowner association (HOA) requirements that may restrict your project. For example, you may need to ensure that your home remodel doesn’t violate height restrictions, setback rules, or floor area ratios (FAR). This step helps prevent costly delays or redesigns later in the process.
Consult with a Contractor (Consultant Capacity): Involving a contractor early in the feasibility phase allows you to get a rough estimate of construction costs and timelines based on your vision. While this won't be the final bid, it provides a sense of whether your ideas are financially feasible. A contractor’s insight into labor costs, material availability, and potential challenges on-site can help you fine-tune your design to stay within budget.
Prepare a Feasibility Report: With all the information gathered, your architect or designer will prepare a comprehensive feasibility report. This report will outline whether your project can move forward as planned or if adjustments need to be made. It will include insights on budget alignment, potential design modifications, and timelines for obtaining permits. The report ensures you’re making informed decisions before moving to the next phase.
Consider Specialty Consultants: Depending on the complexity of your remodel, you may need to bring in specialty consultants like structural engineers, surveyors, or environmental experts. They’ll assess whether your project will require additional adjustments or permits, such as soil testing for new foundations or environmental impact reports.
Key Players
Architect/Designer: Leads the feasibility study, offering professional input on how to balance your design vision with regulatory, structural, and budgetary constraints. They’ll coordinate with other professionals as necessary.
Government Planning and Building Officials: Provide guidance on zoning and building codes. They are often involved in reviewing the feasibility report to ensure compliance with local laws.
Contractor (as a Consultant): At this stage, the contractor provides early estimates for construction costs and timelines. Their input helps ensure that your design remains within financial and practical limits.
Specialty Consultants: Depending on your project’s complexity, structural engineers, surveyors, or environmental consultants may provide critical evaluations of site conditions, structural integrity, or environmental impact.
Phase 3: Design
The design phase brings your vision to life through careful planning and creativity. It’s crucial not to rush this step, as a well-thought-out design will save time, money, and frustration down the line. This phase is also an opportunity to get a realistic understanding of how much your remodel might cost by involving a contractor in a consulting capacity to provide preliminary cost estimates.
Key Steps
Schematic Design: Early sketches and concepts that explore different layout and style options. This is where you begin to see your ideas on paper, providing a rough framework for the rest of the design process.
Design Development: Refining the chosen design, selecting materials, finishes, and fixtures. At this stage, the design becomes more detailed, focusing on specific elements that will impact the look and feel of your space.
Consult with Specialists: You may need to bring in additional professionals like interior designers, landscape architects, or lighting experts to ensure every detail aligns with your vision. Their expertise helps in selecting the right materials and finishes.
Preliminary Cost Estimate: It’s highly recommended to bring a contractor into the process at this stage in a consulting role. The contractor can review the schematic designs and provide a preliminary cost estimate based on your proposed design and material selections. This allows you to align your design with your budget early on and avoid costly surprises later in the project.
Collaborate with Government Officials: During the design process, it’s essential to maintain communication with government planning and building officials. The architect or designer should engage these officials early on to ensure that the design complies with local zoning laws, building codes, and safety regulations. This proactive collaboration helps identify potential red flags, such as height restrictions or setback violations, early in the process, allowing for design adjustments before finalizing plans.
Key Players
Architect/Designer: Leads the design process, collaborating with the homeowner to create a functional and beautiful space. They coordinate with other specialists and ensure that the design aligns with your goals and vision.
Interior Designers/Other Specialists: Offer expertise on materials, colors, textures, lighting, fixtures, etc. These professionals help elevate the design by focusing on the finer details that contribute to the overall aesthetic and functionality.
Contractor (Consultant Role): Provides preliminary cost estimates based on the early design and material choices. In this capacity, the contractor helps ensure the design can be built within your budget and identifies potential challenges before they become costly issues.
Government Planning and Building Officials: Play a critical role during the design phase by reviewing the initial plans and advising on compliance with local safety, zoning, and building regulations. Their early involvement prevents costly redesigns and delays during later phases of the project.
Phase 4: Technical Drawings and Docs
Many homeowners overlook the importance of detailed construction documents, but these are the foundation of a successful remodel. These technical drawings are far more than simple blueprints; they are the most critical tool for guiding your contractor in executing your vision with precision. Beyond ensuring a smoother construction process, these documents also serve as a vital mechanism for legal protections, reducing misunderstandings and providing a clear reference point if disputes arise during the project.
Key Steps
Prepare Detailed Drawings: The construction documents will include architectural plans, elevations, sections, and detailed diagrams of key areas, such as kitchen layouts, electrical plans, plumbing routes, and more. Every aspect of the remodel is outlined clearly, down to material specifications and measurements. These drawings ensure that all parties—from contractors to subcontractors—are working from the same precise plan, minimizing misinterpretations and errors during construction.
Coordinate with Specialists: It’s not just the architect or designer who contributes to these documents. You’ll need input from various specialists, such as structural engineers, mechanical engineers, and possibly even interior designers. These professionals provide crucial details for areas like structural integrity, mechanical systems (like HVAC), and even complex finishes that require precise instructions for installation. Coordinating with specialists ensures that the technical documents are comprehensive and account for every aspect of the project.
Collaborate with Government Officials: At this stage, the architect, designer, and specialty consultants must continue to interface with local government planning and building officials. This collaboration ensures that all technical elements of the design meet the government's safety, zoning, and building code requirements. These officials review and approve the construction documents to ensure that the project complies with minimum safety and welfare standards. Maintaining this ongoing communication with officials helps prevent any substantial delays or major redesigns during the permitting phase.
Ensure Legal Protection: These documents also act as a contractually binding reference point. By incorporating the technical drawings into your agreement with the contractor, you create a clear scope of work. This means if any part of the construction deviates from the agreed plan, you have legal recourse to require corrections at no additional cost. Without these precise documents, the project may rely heavily on verbal agreements or vague descriptions, leaving you vulnerable to misunderstandings, delays, or cost overruns.
Key Players
Architect/Designer: The architect or designer is responsible for producing the detailed construction documents. They work closely with the homeowner to ensure that the design is accurately captured and reflects both the aesthetic and functional goals of the remodel.
Specialty Consultants: Structural engineers, mechanical consultants, or other professionals will contribute specific sections of the technical documents, ensuring that elements like structural support, electrical layouts, and mechanical systems are correctly integrated into the overall design.
Government Planning and Building Officials: Continue to review and approve the technical drawings to ensure compliance with local building codes, zoning laws, and safety standards.
Phase 5: Permitting and Approvals
Before breaking ground, you must obtain the necessary permits from local authorities. While it may seem like a bureaucratic hurdle, securing the proper permits is critical to protecting your investment. It ensures that your project complies with local safety codes, zoning regulations, and building standards. Failing to get proper permits can result in fines, delays, and even the need to undo completed work, so this step is essential for a smooth remodel.
Key Steps
Submit Construction Documents: Your architect/designer or contractor, typically the architect/designer, will prepare the finalized construction documents and submit them to the relevant city or county authorities. This step involves more than just handing over blueprints—it requires ensuring that every detail complies with local codes, from structural integrity to electrical and plumbing systems.
Coordinate with Multiple Agencies: In many cases, obtaining permits isn’t a one-stop shop. Depending on your location and the scope of your project, you may need to coordinate with multiple agencies, such as zoning boards, environmental departments, and homeowner associations (HOAs). Each of these entities has specific concerns, such as preserving neighborhood aesthetics or ensuring environmental compliance.
Obtain Approvals: Once submitted, the plans are reviewed by the appropriate authorities. This review process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of your remodel and the backlog of applications. Your architect/designer or contractor will need to stay in communication with officials to address any questions or concerns that arise during the review, and they may need to make revisions to the plans to meet code requirements.
Schedule Inspections: Even after permits are issued, the approval process doesn’t end. You will likely need to schedule inspections at various stages of construction to ensure that everything is being built according to the approved plans and codes. These inspections safeguard both the homeowner and the contractor, ensuring compliance and preventing issues down the road.
Key Players
Architect/Designer: Typically leads the permitting process, coordinating with local authorities to ensure the construction documents meet all safety, zoning, and building requirements. They are responsible for addressing any feedback from the city or county.
Contractor: May assist with submitting permits and preparing for inspections, especially if they are involved early enough in the process. Their expertise helps ensure that the build aligns with local codes and minimizes the risk of issues during inspections.
Government Planning and Building Officials: Review the submitted plans to ensure the remodel meets local regulations and building codes. They play a key role in issuing permits and conducting inspections throughout the construction process.
Phase 6: Construction Bidding and Contract Negotiations
Now that your project is fully planned and permits are being processed, it’s time to start soliciting bids from contractors. This phase is crucial for determining who will bring your vision to life while keeping the project on time, within budget, and adhering to the technical specifications set in previous phases. Importantly, if you consulted a contractor during earlier stages (such as feasibility or design), you are not obligated to hire them for the actual construction. You have the freedom to solicit bids from other contractors to ensure you find the best fit for your project.
Key Steps
Request Bids: Reach out to multiple contractors to obtain detailed bids. These bids should include estimated costs, project timelines, and an overview of the scope of work. By soliciting bids from several contractors, you ensure competitive pricing and can compare different approaches to executing your project.
Evaluate Proposals: When evaluating bids, don’t just focus on the lowest price. Consider the contractor’s experience with similar projects, their proposed timeline, client reviews, and how well they understand your project’s scope. It's essential to assess whether they can meet the quality standards outlined in your construction documents.
Negotiate Terms: Once you’ve selected a contractor, negotiate the final terms of the contract. This includes clearly defining the budget, payment schedule, timeline, and specific responsibilities. Ensure that the scope of work is explicitly tied to your construction documents to avoid misunderstandings during the build.
Decide on a Contractor: Remember, if you worked with a contractor as a consultant in earlier phases, you are not obligated to hire them for the construction. While they may be familiar with your project, you are free to choose another contractor if you find someone whose bid, timeline, or approach better aligns with your needs.
Key Players
Homeowner: Leads the selection process, evaluating contractor bids and negotiating terms to ensure the project remains within budget and timeline expectations.
Architect/Designer: May assist in evaluating contractor proposals and provide insight into which contractors have the skills and experience to bring the design to life.
Contractors: Provide bids and proposed timelines for the project. These bids should reflect the full scope of the work outlined in the construction documents, offering a clear picture of their capabilities and cost structure.
Phase 7: Primary Construction
Finally, the construction phase begins. This is the moment many homeowners envision when they first think about remodeling, but it’s just one piece of a much larger process. By this point, you’ve laid the groundwork for a smooth build, from thorough planning, design, and technical documentation to securing permits and hiring the right contractor. Now, it’s all about execution, oversight, and keeping the project on track.
Key Steps
Supervise Construction: Even if you’ve hired a contractor to oversee the day-to-day work, it’s important for the homeowner to remain involved. Regular site visits and open communication with the contractor are essential to ensure that the construction aligns with the technical documents and to catch any issues early. In addition to the homeowner and the architect/designer, the homeowner can also employ the services of a homeowner’s representative to provide additional oversight and act as a liaison between the contractor and homeowner, ensuring that every detail is executed properly.
Address Issues Promptly: Expect some bumps along the way—unexpected site conditions, material delays, or small design adjustments may arise. The key to minimizing disruptions is addressing these issues as quickly and efficiently as possible. Prompt communication between the homeowner, contractor, and designer can prevent minor problems from becoming major setbacks.
Monitor Budget and Timeline: Keeping your project on track financially is just as important as overseeing the physical work. Homeowners should regularly review and track ongoing expenses, comparing them to the original budget to avoid unexpected cost overruns. Timely tracking of expenses allows you to catch potential budget issues early, negotiate costs, and make informed decisions about material choices or adjustments. By staying on top of costs, you’ll be able to avoid last-minute surprises and maintain control over your remodeling budget.
Key Players
Contractor: The primary player during the construction phase, the contractor is responsible for executing the work as outlined in the construction documents. They manage the overall project, including overseeing subcontractors, and ensuring that the daily progress aligns with the project’s goals and timeline. The contractor coordinates the various trades and ensures that each team is working according to plan.
Subcontractors: Subcontractors are specialists hired by the contractor to handle specific aspects of the construction, such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, or painting. Each subcontractor is responsible for their trade’s scope of work, and the contractor supervises their efforts to ensure they meet the design and quality standards. Homeowners typically don’t need to communicate directly with subcontractors, as the contractor manages them, but it’s important to know who is working on-site.
Architect/Designer: While their primary role may have concluded with the design phase, many architects and designers remain involved to oversee the construction process, answer questions, and ensure that the work is carried out to their specifications. They may also provide additional guidance if unforeseen issues arise.
Homeowner: Should remain involved through regular site visits and consistent communication with the contractor. The homeowner plays an active role in ensuring that the work meets their expectations, addressing any concerns that arise during the build, and keeping track of expenses and timelines, unless a homeowner’s representative is managing these tasks.
Homeowner’s Representative: A homeowner’s representative can act as an additional layer of oversight during construction, representing the homeowner’s interests and ensuring that the project is executed as planned. One of the key benefits of having a homeowner’s representative is that they take on some of the responsibilities for oversight, expense tracking, and timeline management, alleviating much of the burden from the homeowner. This representative provides regular updates and assists with problem-solving throughout the build.
Phase 8: Construction Closeout and Punch List
As the project nears completion, there will inevitably be small details or issues that need to be resolved before the final handoff. This phase is where all the loose ends are tied up, ensuring that the quality of the work meets your expectations. By this point, the major construction is complete, and your focus will be on the finishing touches. This phase is critical for ensuring that the project is wrapped up properly, and no outstanding issues are left to deal with after the contractor leaves the site.
Key Steps
Create a Punch List: Walk through the project with your contractor, architect, or homeowner’s representative to note any unfinished or unsatisfactory work. This might include minor touch-ups like paint corrections, hardware installation, or any small defects that were missed during the main construction phase. The punch list ensures that all final details are addressed before project completion. A thorough punch list can prevent future frustrations after the contractor has left.
Finalize Payments: Payments should only be made once all items on the punch list have been completed to your satisfaction. Hold back the final payment or retainage until the punch list is resolved. This gives the contractor an incentive to complete any outstanding tasks to the highest standard. It’s also important to ensure that any warranties, manuals, and documentation are handed over during this phase.
Obtain All Necessary Documentation: Ensure that you collect all important documents from the contractor and any specialists involved, including warranties, manuals, maintenance instructions, and compliance certificates. These documents are critical for future maintenance or if issues arise down the road. Make sure everything is organized and easily accessible.
Review Warranty and Maintenance Plans: Go over any warranties or service agreements that the contractor provides, as well as any ongoing maintenance tasks that need to be performed on materials or systems. Understanding these details will help protect your investment and ensure the longevity of your remodel.
Schedule a Post-Completion Follow-Up: It can be beneficial to schedule a follow-up with your contractor a few weeks or months after completion to address any issues that may arise as you start using the new space. This is especially useful for items that aren’t immediately apparent during the initial walkthrough but may become evident over time.
Key Players
Homeowner: Oversees the final walkthrough, ensuring that all aspects of the project meet their expectations. The homeowner should carefully inspect the work to make sure everything is completed to the agreed standard before making the final payment.
Contractor: Completes any outstanding tasks on the punch list. They are responsible for addressing any issues noted during the walkthrough and ensuring that the work is done correctly and to the agreed-upon specifications.
Architect/Designer: May remain involved during the closeout phase, helping the homeowner ensure that the design intent has been fulfilled. Their input can be valuable in evaluating whether any deviations from the original plan need further adjustment.
Homeowner’s Representative: Acts as a liaison between the homeowner and contractor during this final phase. The representative ensures that all items on the punch list are completed to the homeowner’s satisfaction and verifies that the project is fully wrapped up before recommending final payment.
Phase 9: Settling In and Decorating
Your remodel is finally complete, and now it’s time to make the space feel like home. This phase is all about moving back in, arranging your belongings, and personalizing your new environment. Whether you’re moving everything back yourself or hiring professional movers, this stage should be approached with care to ensure the process is smooth and that your new space is treated with respect. Once you’re settled, the fun of decorating and making the space your own begins.
Key Steps
Moving Back In: If you’ve been living off-site during the remodel, now is the time to bring your furniture, belongings, and essentials back into the home. Depending on your budget and time, you can either do this yourself or hire professional movers. If doing it yourself, take care to protect the newly remodeled space, using padding and protection for floors and walls. If you’re hiring movers, make sure they understand how to handle items safely and protect your new finishes.
Unpacking and Organizing: As you move items back into your home, this is an ideal time to assess what you want to keep and what you might want to discard or donate. A remodel is a fresh start, and organizing as you unpack can help you maintain the clean, refreshed look of your new space.
Deep Clean: Although the contractor may have conducted a basic clean after the remodel, a more thorough deep cleaning may be necessary before settling in. Dust and debris from construction can linger, so it’s a good idea to ensure all surfaces, windows, and floors are spotless before placing furniture and décor.
Decorating and Personalizing the Space: Now comes the fun part—adding your personal touch. Whether you’ve purchased new furniture and décor or are reusing existing items, arranging everything in your new space can be exciting. Consider the design choices you’ve made throughout the remodel and use complementary colors, textures, and décor to create harmony in the space.
Assess New Storage Needs: As you settle back in, you may notice new opportunities for efficient storage. Custom cabinetry, new shelving, or additional closet space may offer fresh ways to organize and declutter your belongings. Take advantage of these new storage options to keep your home functional and tidy.
Settling into your remodeled home is more than just moving in—it’s about establishing routines in the new space and enjoying the results of your hard work and investment. Take your time with this phase, and savor the process of making your house feel like home once again.
Phase 10: Enjoying Your New Space
After all the planning, construction, and moving, you’ve reached the final and most rewarding phase—enjoying your newly transformed space. Whether the remodel was focused on enhancing the functionality of your home, increasing its value, or simply refreshing its look, now is the time to truly appreciate the fruits of your labor. Beyond the aesthetic improvements, this phase is about experiencing how your remodeled home enhances your daily life.
Key Steps for Maximizing Enjoyment
Adjust to New Routines: As you settle into your remodeled space, take time to adjust your daily routines. You may find new ways of using your home that you hadn’t considered during the planning phase, and the improved functionality can enhance how you move through and use your space.
Share the Space: One of the joys of a remodel is sharing it with friends and family. Host a gathering or dinner to show off the new space and celebrate the hard work that went into transforming your home. Sharing the experience with loved ones is a great way to mark the completion of the project and enjoy your new space.
Reflect on the Process: Take time to reflect on the journey from concept to completion. Consider what you’ve learned about home improvement, budgeting, and working with professionals. This reflection can also help if you ever embark on future remodels, giving you insights into what worked well and what you might do differently next time.
Maintain and Preserve Your Investment: Finally, make sure to take care of your new space by performing regular maintenance. Follow any guidelines provided by your contractor or the manufacturers of new appliances and materials to ensure that your home remains in great shape for years to come. Proper care and upkeep will protect your investment and keep your home looking and functioning at its best.
Remodeling Is a Marathon. Not a Sprint.
Remodeling your home is an exciting and rewarding process, but as we’ve explored in this guide, the journey is much more complex than simply calling a contractor and getting started. Each phase of a remodel—whether it’s preplanning, feasibility, design, or construction—requires careful attention to detail, thorough planning, and collaboration with a team of professionals. Skipping critical steps or rushing the process can lead to missteps that cost both time and money.
The key takeaway from this guide is simple: before you call a contractor, lay the necessary groundwork. Understand your goals, plan your budget, and ensure that your vision is feasible within the scope of local regulations and your property’s limitations. Once you’ve completed this foundational work, the construction phase will run much more smoothly, reducing stress and increasing the chances of a successful outcome.
By following these 10 essential phases, you can approach your remodel with confidence, knowing that you’ve taken all the necessary steps to avoid common pitfalls and set your project up for success. Whether you're improving your home’s functionality, boosting its value, or simply refreshing its look, you’ll be able to enjoy the results of your remodel for years to come—knowing that every detail was carefully considered along the way.
In the end, a well-executed remodel is not just about the end product but the process that got you there. So take the time, plan carefully, and only bring in the contractor when you’re ready. The results will be well worth the effort.