The Dos and Don’ts of Renovating Your Home

You finally decide to tear down that dated wall between your kitchen and living room. The idea is simple: more space, better light, a fresh start. But by week two, the contractor’s behind schedule, you’re living out of a microwave, and your budget is already cracking.

Renovating can absolutely be worth it, but only when handled with foresight, structure, and a little insider knowledge. These are the dos and don’ts of renovating your home.

Do: Plan With Purpose

Before you swing a hammer or request a quote, spend time outlining the project’s full scope. That includes not just the design but also structural needs, material specifications, and how you will use each space once the work is done. Be clear about your must-haves versus nice-to-haves to avoid decision paralysis mid-project.

Financially, establish a total project budget with at least 20 percent reserved for unforeseen costs. Whether it’s water damage under the flooring or the need to reroute ductwork, surprises are common. A detailed plan backed by a realistic budget helps your contractor give a more accurate bid and reduces the risk of scope creep.

Don’t: Ignore What’s Behind the Walls

Aesthetic upgrades are tempting, but ignoring the state of your infrastructure can lead to expensive rework later. If your home is more than 30 years old, you’ll want to account for the condition of plumbing, wiring, and framing before finalizing renovation plans. Problems in these areas won’t always be visible during initial walk-throughs.

Ask your contractor to inspect behind walls, under floors, and above ceilings, especially in basements. This is your best opportunity to identify issues such as outdated wiring, rotted subflooring, or asbestos-containing materials. Building this discovery process into the early phase prevents project halts and inflated costs once demolition begins.

Do: Phase the Work if Needed

Tackling an entire home renovation at once isn’t always necessary—or wise. When budget or time is a constraint, consider phasing your renovation over multiple stages. Start with the rooms that significantly impact your daily life or resale value, and then move on to less critical areas.

Phasing can also make it easier to live in the home during the construction process. For example, completing a basement conversion before starting on upstairs bedrooms gives you temporary space to retreat to.

Additionally, if you’re managing a home renovation in Louisville, Kentucky, working in stages can also help you navigate local weather conditions and seasonal labor availability more efficiently.

Don’t: Assume Your Home Is up to Standard

Even well-maintained homes can fall short of current building codes. Whether it’s staircase rail heights, electrical panel amperage, or egress requirements for basement bedrooms, code updates happen more often than most homeowners realize. Renovation projects frequently trigger inspections that reveal these gaps.

Code compliance issues can delay permits, increase labor costs, and necessitate structural changes that you didn’t plan. To minimize disruption, a contractor should conduct a code audit during the planning stage. This is particularly important if your last major renovation was more than 10 years ago or if the property was built before 1980.

Do: Understand Policy Limits Before You Build

It’s easy to assume that your homeowner’s insurance will automatically adjust to reflect a new addition or upgraded basement, but this isn’t always the case. Many standard policies don’t cover renovations in progress, and coverage limits may fall short of the newly added square footage or finishes.

Before you start demolition, contact your insurance provider. Ask whether you’ll need a builder’s risk policy during the construction phase and whether your existing coverage reflects the post-renovation value. A mid-range project—like finishing a 500-square-foot basement—can push you beyond your current policy limits. Clarifying these details ahead of time avoids coverage gaps in the event of theft, damage, or accidents on-site.

Don’t: Choose Materials Based Only on Looks

Aesthetic decisions matter, but choosing materials based solely on appearance can lead to costly regrets. That sleek laminate might scratch easily in a high-traffic flex room, and softwood paneling could dent or warp in a humid basement. It’s important to weigh maintenance, durability, and long-term performance, not just color or finish.

Evaluate how each space is used and by whom. If you have children or pets, consider flooring and countertop materials that are scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Outdoor renovations require materials that can handle temperature swings and moisture.

Selecting with lifestyle in mind prevents early wear and saves on repairs within the first few years.

Do: Plan for How You’ll Live During the Reno

Renovation doesn’t pause your everyday responsibilities. If your garage is being converted into a livable space, where will you store tools, bikes, or seasonal gear in the meantime? If you’re finishing a basement that doubles as a home office, how will you handle work calls with construction noise in the background? These are the types of logistics that require just as much forethought as the renovation itself.

Create a realistic day-to-day plan before work begins. Move belongings out of affected areas ahead of time and consider rearranging living spaces to maintain function during the project.

For larger projects, such as ADUs or multi-room overhauls, discuss timelines and potential disruptions with your contractor. A smoother living experience during construction helps minimize stress and decision fatigue throughout the project.

Don’t: Overbuild for Your Neighborhood

It’s tempting to turn your current home into your forever home with top-of-the-line upgrades, but every neighborhood has a value ceiling. Over-improving beyond that limit can make it harder to recoup your investment later. A $200,000 renovation in a $250,000 neighborhood might not yield the return you expect, no matter how flawless the execution is.

Before finalizing your renovation plans, consider recent sale prices of similarly sized homes in your area. Be especially cautious when adding square footage or luxury features like imported fixtures. Aim for improvements that align with the upper end of your neighborhood’s market without exceeding it.

Do: Improve Function, Not Just Style

Style evolves every few years, but functionality lasts. The best renovations are those that improve how you live now while also anticipating future needs. That could mean widening doorways, installing non-slip flooring, or choosing cabinetry that allows for easier reach and better storage.

Think about how your household might change in the next five to 10 years. If you’re planning to age in place, a zero-threshold shower could be more useful than an oversized tub. If you expect aging parents or grown children to live with you down the line, an ADU or finished basement may become more than just a luxury.

Prioritizing adaptable design ensures your investment pays off long after the dust settles.

Don’t: Pick the Wrong Contractor

Knowing the dos and don’ts of renovating your home can help you avoid costly missteps, but nothing matters more than choosing the right contractor. At Distinctive Design Remodeling, we bring years of experience, clear communication, and expert craftsmanship to every project we take on.

From custom garages and basement finishes to ADUs and flex spaces, we specialize in high-quality renovations tailored to your needs. Serving homeowners throughout Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky, our team is known for delivering exceptional results—on time, on budget, and with your complete satisfaction in mind.

If you’re ready to renovate, there’s no need to shop around. With Distinctive Design Remodeling, you’re already in the right place.