What Homeowners Need to Know Before Starting an Interior Home Remodel

Beginning an interior home remodel is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. Whether you're updating a single room or transforming your entire home, proper planning is the key to a smooth, efficient, and successful renovation. That's why we found it important to inform you on what homeowners need to know before starting an interior home remodel. From budgeting and design choices to hiring the right professionals, homeowners should understand several critical factors before getting started. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for an interior remodel with confidence.

Define Your Goals and Vision for Your Interior Home Remodel

Before calling a contractor or searching for materials, take the time to clarify why you’re remodeling and what you want to achieve. Are you updating outdated finishes? Opening up your floor plan? Increasing storage? Creating a more functional kitchen? Enhancing resale value?

The clearer your vision, the easier it will be for designers and contractors to help you bring that vision to life. Make a list of:

Your “must-have” features
Your “nice-to-have” features
Any styles, colors, or layout preferences
How you want the space to feel and function

Consider gathering inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, and home design websites. Creating a vision board can help you communicate your ideas effectively once you begin meeting with professionals.

Set a Realistic Budget and Expect the Unexpected

Budgeting is one of the most important steps in any interior remodel. Homeowners often underestimate how much a project will cost not out of carelessness, but because ceilings, plumbing, electrical, flooring, and hidden issues can surprise even the most prepared homeowner.

When creating your budget, consider:

Material costs (flooring, paint, tile, cabinets, hardware, lighting)
Labor costs (contractors, electricians, plumbers, installers)
Permits and inspections
Temporary living adjustments (like eating out during a kitchen remodel)
A 10–20% contingency reserve for unexpected issues

Having a buffer helps you avoid stress when surprises arise, such as outdated wiring, water damage, or structural issues that weren’t visible before demolition.

Understand the Timeline That Renovations and Home Interior Remodels Have

Interior remodels rarely happen overnight. Depending on the scope of your project, your timeline could span from a few weeks to several months. Homeowners should understand that the renovation process typically includes:

Consultations and estimates
Design and planning
Permitting and approvals
Material ordering (sometimes with long lead times)
Demolition
Structural, plumbing, or electrical work
Installation (cabinets, flooring, finishes, paint, trim)
Final walkthrough and adjustments

Delays can happen due to material shortages, weather, inspections, or unforeseen repairs. A high-quality contractor will communicate clearly and help you prepare for these realities.

Know What Permits You’ll Need

Many homeowners don’t realize that permits are required for more than just major construction. Even interior remodels often need permits for:

Electrical updates
Plumbing changes
Moving or removing walls
Structural adjustments
HVAC modifications

Skipping permits can cause problems when selling your home, delay your project, or even create safety hazards. Make sure your contractor handles the permitting process and follows local building codes.

Choose the Right Contractor, Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Hiring the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make. A high-quality contractor will ensure your project is completed safely, professionally, and to code.

When interviewing contractors, verify that they are:

Licensed – ensures they meet your state’s standards
Bonded – protects you if the company fails to complete the work
Insured – protects both you and the contractor from damages or injuries

Ask for:

Photos of past projects
References from recent clients
A written contract with clear expectations
A detailed scope of work and timeline
A payment schedule tied to completed milestones

Avoid contractors who ask for unusually large upfront payments or refuse to provide documentation.

Prepare for Disruption

Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, or entire floor, your daily routine will be disrupted. Expect:

Noise
Dust
Limited access to certain parts of your home
Temporary utilities shut-offs
Workers entering and leaving throughout the day

If you’re renovating your kitchen, you might need a temporary food prep area. If you’re remodeling multiple rooms, you may want to relocate furniture or temporarily store belongings to protect them from dust and damage.

Planning for these inconveniences ahead of time makes the process much less stressful.

Select Materials That Fit Both Style and Function

Material choices significantly impact durability, maintenance, and long-term value. When choosing materials, consider:

Traffic levels – do you need durable flooring like LVP or tile?
Moisture exposure – bathrooms and laundry rooms need water-resistant options
Lighting – darker materials may make small spaces feel smaller
Lifestyle – families with kids or pets may prefer low-maintenance surfaces

High-quality materials may cost more upfront but can save money on repairs, replacements, and maintenance down the road.

Communicate Clearly Throughout the Project

Good communication can make a remodel feel smooth and manageable. Discuss communication preferences early—whether email, text, weekly meetings, or a project management app.

You should feel comfortable asking questions such as:

What is happening each week?
Are we still on schedule?
Are any materials delayed?
What should I expect next?

A reliable contractor will keep you informed, provide updates, and address concerns promptly.

Expect a Final Walkthrough and Don’t Skip It

The final walkthrough ensures all work meets your expectations. During this step:

Check finishes
Look for scratches, dents, or incomplete areas
Test electrical, plumbing, and appliances
Review warranties
Confirm permits were closed
Ask for maintenance instructions

A quality contractor wants you to be 100% satisfied before closing out the project.

Starting Your Home Remodel With Performance Construction

Starting an interior home remodel is a big decision, but with thoughtful planning, the right contractor, and clear expectations, it can transform your home and improve your quality of life. Understanding your goals, budget, timeline, and the remodeling process will help you feel confident and prepared. Our team of professional, licensed, and experienced contractors will guide you through each phase, ensuring your project is completed safely, beautifully, and to the highest standards.