Last updated on December 24th, 2025 at 04:50 am

A whole-home remodel is equal parts a dream project and months of complete chaos. Where do you even start? Who should you hire? Will it cost you so much that you’ll end up owing money to everyone and their dog? It’s easy to get drowned in the minutiae, but with a little planning and research, your dream home could be a reality.

Budgeting: Start Counting

First things first: figure out how much you can realistically spend. Next, grab your calculator to count the cost of materials, labor, permits gutter installation, and design fees (if you’re hiring an architect or designer). Seemingly little things, like hardware, paint, lighting, and electronics, will quickly add up to a hefty sum.

Immediately set a 10–20% contingency for tackling any surprises. As experience shows, things rarely go perfectly in the dynamic world of remodeling, so be prepared for unexpected issues, like structural fixes or last-minute changes. Organizing it all can be a pain, so use a spreadsheet or budgeting apps like Remodelum Renovation Expense Tracker, HomeZada, or Coohom Budgeting Tool.

Scheduling: Plan Ahead

Be ready from the get-go that your remodel is unlikely to go exactly as planned. To counter the remodelling chaos, map out a rough timeline of each phase:

• Demolition (1–2 weeks): A kickoff stage that includes clearing out old material, removing fixtures, and prepping the space for future construction work.
• Structural Work (2–4 weeks): Everything from framing and plumbing to electrical and foundational updates.
• Material Delivery (1–3 weeks): Ordering and receiving cabinets, tiles, and flooring will take some time, depending on their availability.
• Finishing Touches (3–5 weeks): Drywall, painting, trim, flooring, and fixture installation — still a substantial chunk of work, but thankfully, the end is in sight.

Contractor: Pick the Right Team

To find a skilled crew, start by asking recommendations from your friends or family members, and then verify licenses and look for portfolios online. Here are the top tips on finding the best contractors near me:

• Get Multiple Quotes. To assess the pricing and terms of different firms, get at least three quotes.
• Aggregators Are Your Friends. Instead of googling and scrolling through hundreds of offers, use aggregators like https://www.myhomequote.com/ to quickly get the best offers in your area.
• Read Reviews. Check real customers’ experiences on independent sites like Home Advisor, Yelp, or Angi.
• Check Credentials. Check them once again. In addition to proof of licenses and insurance, do some internet sleuthing through online databases.
• Ask About Warranties. Both materials and workmanship come with separate warranties. Your contractor should provide you with a warranty explicitly in the firm’s name (not just the manufacturer’s). Read the fine print, looking for any exclusions.

A whole-home remodel is like embarking on a months-long journey — sometimes it’s frustrating, other times utterly satisfying. However, with careful budgeting, realistic scheduling, and the right experienced crew, you’ll keep the frustration part to a minimum.