Preparing for Your Home Remodel | Renovations, Home Improvement, Kitchen Design, Bathroom Design, Welcoming Home

30. Why Most Homeowners Overpay Contractors — And How to Avoid It

If you’ve ever thought about hiring contractors for your remodel and immediately felt overwhelmed, you are not alone. I get it — the process can feel confusing, stressful, and honestly a little intimidating. But here’s the truth: most of that overwhelm disappears when you do one critical thing before you even call a contractor.
In this episode, I’m walking you through how preparation changes the entire contractor conversation. I’ll show you what contractors really need from homeowners, how to spot red flags during interviews, and why having clarity upfront doesn’t just save you stress — it protects your budget.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why preparation changes contractor conversations – How thinking ahead sets the tone for a productive relationship and helps contractors give you accurate pricing.
What contractors need from homeowners – The key information and decisions to have ready so your project runs smoothly.
Red flags during interviews – How to spot potential issues early so you don’t get stuck with costly mistakes or surprises.
How clarity impacts pricing – Why being organized and decisive before you hire ensures your estimates are accurate and prevents budget blowouts.
I’m also sharing a peek at the Pocket Designer Subscription, launching in March! One of the amazing perks is direct access to all my Documentation Templates — the exact tools I use to organize remodels and communicate clearly with contractors. If you want to feel confident, prepared, and in control of your project from the very beginning, this is for you.
Next Steps:
Learn more about the Pocket Designer Subscription: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/subscription 
Already in the thick of a remodel and need help? 
Check out Pocket Designer Sessions: 
https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner
Don’t Forget!
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Happy Remodeling! 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

29. Where Remodel Money Is Wasted Most — And How to Avoid It

If you’re worried about wasting money on your remodel before it even starts, this episode is for you.
Most homeowners assume budget blowouts happen because of expensive finishes or “champagne taste.” But in my experience, that’s rarely the real issue. Remodel money is usually wasted much earlier — through vague decisions, rushed choices, and missing details that snowball once construction begins.
In this episode, I break down where remodel money is actually lost and why clear documentation is the single most powerful way to protect your budget and your sanity.
In this episode, I cover:
Why remodel budgets unravel from small, seemingly harmless decisions
The most common money traps:
Last-minute changes
Rushed decisions under pressure
Poor communication with trades
Why all three of those problems usually stem from one missing thing
What I really mean by documentation (and what it’s not)
How documentation:
Reduces mistakes and change orders
Creates clarity for contractors
Prevents scope creep
Lowers stress during construction
Why designing and documenting before demo saves real money
How clear documentation turns guesses and allowances into accurate estimates
The big takeaway:
Most remodel money isn’t wasted on finishes.It’s wasted on unclear decisions and undocumented plans.
When your project is documented, you:
Protect your budget
Reduce overwhelm
Create confidence — for yourself and your contractors
You don’t need to know everything on day one.You just need a system that captures decisions as you go.
What’s coming next:
I’m launching my Pocket Designer Subscription in March — created specifically for homeowners before construction starts. Sign up here to get more information: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/subscription
One of the biggest perks?Access to my documentation templates — the exact tools I use to organize real remodel projects so nothing slips through the cracks.
This subscription is designed to help you:
Get organized without overwhelm
Communicate clearly with trades
Avoid budget-killing surprises
More details coming soon.
If this episode helped you, I’d love it if you’d:
Leave a review so more homeowners can find the show
Share this episode with someone planning a remodel
Next Steps:
Already in the thick of a remodel and need help? 
Check out Pocket Designer Sessions: 
https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner
Don’t Forget!
Learn more about the Pocket Designer Subscription: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/subscription
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Happy Remodeling! 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

28. The Design Mistake That’s Quietly Destroying Your Home Improvement Project

Are you worried your remodel will go over budget because you “like expensive things”?
Have you been told finishes are the reason remodels get so costly?
Are you still making design decisions while thinking about calling a contractor?
Do you feel unsure where your money is actually going in your remodel?
Are you afraid of change orders, budget creep, or surprise costs once demo starts?
 
In this episode, I break down why most remodel budget blowouts don’t start with finishes—they start much earlier, with unclear or unfinished design decisions.
I walk you through:
Why design drives cost more than finishesIt’s not the tile or faucet that usually blows the budget—it’s layout changes, labor scope, permitting, engineering, and timing that weren’t fully defined before construction.
How unclear design leads to inaccurate estimatesWhen contractors don’t have full clarity, estimates become guesses—and that’s where stress, overruns, and frustration begin.
Layout changes vs. cosmetic upgradesI explain why moving walls, plumbing, appliances, ceilings, doors, and windows carries major cost implications—and why those decisions must come before picking finishes.
Why indecision is expensiveLate decisions cause stalled schedules, rework, and change orders. Every “we’ll decide that later” costs more once demo starts.
How “while you’re at it” adds up fastSmall add-ons feel harmless, but each one affects labor, materials, and the overall scope—especially when they weren’t planned upfront.
Why designing before demo protects your budgetThe design phase is where you’re allowed to explore, change your mind, and test ideas safely—before money is on the line.
This episode is about helping you understand where remodel costs actually come from, so you can make informed decisions, set boundaries around your budget, and move forward with confidence instead of fear.
 
If you’re just getting started on your remodel:
Join the Start Your Renovation WorkshopI walk you through how to build a clear roadmap, understand which decisions matter first, and avoid expensive mistakes before demo ever begins.👉 Register at studioredinteriordesign.com/start-your-renovation(Replay available if you’re listening after the live dates.)
If you’re already mid-planning or mid-remodel and feeling unsure:
Book a Pocket Designer Session: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocket-designerWe’ll walk through your project together, clarify decisions, and get you unstuck so overwhelm doesn’t turn into regret.
And if this episode helped you:
Leave a review so other homeowners can find the show
Share this episode with someone planning a remodel
I’ll see you next time on Preparing for Your Home Remodel, where we keep breaking down the planning side of renovation so you can move forward without overwhelm.
 
Don’t Forget!
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Happy Remodeling! 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 
 

27: Stop Guessing How to Start Your Home Remodel — The 5 Myths Keeping You Stuck

If you’ve been thinking about starting your home remodel but feel frozen at the starting line, this episode is for you.
Have you been telling yourself:
“I need to have all my ideas figured out before I start”
“I should probably call a contractor first”
“Pinterest will help me narrow this down”
“Once I start, I’m locked in”
“I’ll start when I feel more confident”
In this episode, I’m busting the five biggest myths that keep homeowners stuck before they ever get started — and explaining what actually helps you move forward without creating more overwhelm.
I talk about why so many smart, capable homeowners feel paralyzed at the beginning of a remodel, and why it’s not because you’re indecisive or “bad at design.” It’s because no one has shown you how to start in a way that reduces stress instead of amplifying it.
I walk through why:
You don’t need everything figured out before you begin
Planning is where clarity actually happens
Pinterest is inspiration — not a decision-making tool
Calling a contractor too early creates confusion and guesswork
You are not locked in when you take the first step
Confidence comes after clarity, not before it
I also explain why designing before demo is your biggest advantage, and why forward motion — even imperfect motion — is what helps you discover what you actually want. You’re allowed to change your mind. You’re allowed to explore. And if you haven’t even hired a contractor yet, you are very much still in exploratory mode.
This episode is reassurance-heavy on purpose, because starting a renovation is emotional. I want you to hear this clearly:You don’t need a perfect plan to begin — you just need a clear first step.
If you’re listening and thinking, “I just need someone to walk me through this,” I created something specifically for you.
👉 Join me for the free Start Your Renovation Workshop on the 26th and 27th.I’ll show you:
Where to begin
What decisions matter now vs. later
How to avoid expensive mistakes
How to build a clear roadmap for your renovation
I’m also giving away my Spec Book template, hosting a live Q&A, and breaking the process down step by step so you can start without the overwhelm.
You can sign up at:https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/start-your-renovation
And if you know someone who’s been talking about remodeling but feels stuck, please send them this episode. Sometimes all it takes is hearing, “You’re not behind — you just needed a better starting point.”
More practical tools coming your way in the next episode.
Next Steps:
Already in the thick of a remodel and need help? 
Check out Pocket Designer Sessions: 
https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner
Don’t Forget!
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Happy Remodeling! 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

26: Home Improvement Hack: 5 Budget Moves That End Analysis Paralysis

Episode 26: Home Improvement Hack: 5 Budget Moves That End Analysis Paralysis
Feeling stuck before your remodel even starts?
Are you overwhelmed by too many renovation ideas and not sure where to start?
Have you been talking about remodeling for years but haven’t moved forward?
Do Pinterest and HGTV leave you inspired — and completely frozen?
Are you afraid of choosing the wrong option and blowing your budget?
If so, you’re experiencing analysis paralysis — and in this episode, I explain exactly how to get out of it.
In this episode, I break down why analysis paralysis happens in home improvement projects — and how budget clarity is the fastest way to move forward with confidence.
You’ll learn:
Why too many options without constraints create overwhelm
Why most homeowners underestimate how much remodel decisions actually cost
How small upgrades quietly compound into big budget surprises
Why priorities must come before finishes, layouts, or inspiration boards
I walk you through the five biggest factors that impact your remodel budget, so you can stop guessing and start deciding:
Moving Electrical & PlumbingHigher labor costs + secondary repairs = big budget impact(Worth it when function truly improves — expensive when it doesn’t)
Structural Changes & Load-Bearing WallsEngineers, permits, time, and labor all add up fastEverything is possible — not everything is practical
Custom vs. Standard SelectionsCabinets, millwork, and built-ins range wildly in cost and qualityCustom should be intentional — not assumed
Material Choices & Finish LevelsTile patterns, stone vs. porcelain, specialty finishesOne “small upgrade” multiplied across a space adds up quickly
Scope Creep (The “While We’re At It” Effect)One add-on turns into fiveImpacts labor, schedule, and budget through change ordersClear boundaries = fewer regrets
How to Narrow In and Finally Move Forward
What improves function the most?
What impacts my daily life?
What aligns with my budget right now?
What can wait and go into a Phase Two bucket?
When you answer these questions honestly, the spinning stops — and decisions become clear.
Analysis paralysis doesn’t come from indecision — it comes from too many what-ifs without structure.
Budget awareness turns options into decisions.Priorities give you direction.And clarity doesn’t come before action — it comes from it.
This is the power of designing before demo.
🚀 Ready to Go Deeper? Join Me Live
If you’re just starting your renovation — or already feeling overwhelmed — I’d love for you to join me for my free Start Your Renovation Workshop on January 26–27.
Inside the workshop, we’ll:
Get you organized before overwhelm takes over
Break down where your money actually goes
Help you start your project with confidence
And I’m giving away my Spec Book Template
Day 2 includes live Q&A so you’re not doing this alone
👉 Register here:studioredinteriordesign.com/start-your-renovation
🤍 Need Help Right Now?
If you’re already mid-remodel and feeling overwhelmed, I’m here for you.You can book a Pocket Designer Session and get 1:1 help navigating decisions, budgets, and next steps.
🎧 Listen to Episode 26 now and learn how to stop spinning, get clarity on your budget, and finally move your home improvement project forward — without the overwhelm.
Next Steps:
Already in the thick of a remodel and need help? 
Check out Pocket Designer Sessions: 
https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner
Don’t Forget!
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Happy Remodeling! 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 
 

25: The #1 Tool Every Home Improvement Project Needs to End Remodel Overwhelm

If you’re in the early planning stages of your kitchen remodel and want to reduce overwhelm before decisions pile up, I’d love for you to join my free Start Your Renovation Workshop. We’ll walk through how to plan your remodel with clarity, confidence, and structure—so you’re not reacting under pressure later.
👉 Register for free: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/start-your-renovation
Inside the Start Your Renovation Workshop, you’ll learn how to:
Plan your renovation the right way
Avoid budget-blowing mistakes early
Get confident before construction begins
I can’t wait to help you approach your remodel differently—and without the overwhelm.
Remodeling doesn’t have to feel chaotic.In this episode of Preparing for Your Home Remodel, I’m sharing the #1 tool every home improvement project needs to end remodel overwhelm before construction even begins.
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, or full home renovation and feel stuck between Pinterest inspiration, decision fatigue, and fear of making expensive mistakes—this episode is for you.
I’m pulling back the curtain on one of my core organizational systems: the specification book. It’s the tool I use as an interior designer and remodel specialist to bring clarity, confidence, and structure to every home improvement project. When your design decisions, materials, and details are organized in one place, it becomes easier to communicate with contractors, reduce stress during construction, and avoid costly re-dos.
In this episode, I cover:
Why remodel overwhelm is a planning problem—not a you problem
How one simple tool creates clarity across your entire renovation
How to organize selections, materials, and finishes for your home improvement project
How to enter your remodel knowing what’s happening next—without second-guessing every decision
If you want a more organized, stress-free home remodel—and a smarter way to approach home improvement—this episode will completely change how you plan your renovation from the start.
🎧 Listen now and learn how to end remodel overwhelm before demo begins.
 
Next Steps:
Already in the thick of a remodel and need help? 
Check out Pocket Designer Sessions: 
https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner
Don’t Forget!
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Happy Remodeling! 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

24: 5 Reasons Your Kitchen Remodel Feels Overwhelming - How to Avoid It

Have you ever wondered why kitchen remodels have such a bad reputation for stress—before you’ve even started?Are you already feeling overwhelmed just thinking about decisions, budgets, and contractors?What if the stress everyone warns you about isn’t inevitable at all?
In this episode, I’m breaking down why kitchen remodels feel overwhelming and what actually causes that stress in the first place. I walk you through the five most common reasons remodels spiral into overwhelm—and more importantly, how you can avoid each one before construction even begins.
I share a real-life client story that highlights how quickly overwhelm shows up when decisions start happening without a plan, and why reacting in the moment creates stress, regret, and budget issues. I also explain why remodeling itself isn’t the problem—it’s how most homeowners approach it.
You’ll learn:
Why starting without a clear plan sets your remodel up for stress
How making decisions during construction erodes confidence
Why expecting a “perfect” project actually increases overwhelm
How wearing too many roles at once leads to burnout
What happens when there’s no system in place to handle problems
If you’ve been telling yourself, “I just want this to go smoothly,” this episode will help you reframe what that actually looks like—and how to make it possible.
If you’re in the early planning stages of your kitchen remodel and want to reduce overwhelm before decisions pile up, I’d love for you to join my free Start Your Renovation Workshop. We’ll walk through how to plan your remodel with clarity, confidence, and structure—so you’re not reacting under pressure later.
👉 Register for free: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/start-your-renovation
Inside the Start Your Renovation Workshop, you’ll learn how to:
Plan your renovation the right way
Avoid budget-blowing mistakes early
Get confident before construction begins
I can’t wait to help you approach your remodel differently—and without the overwhelm.
Next Steps: 
Check out Pocket Designer Sessions: 
https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner
Don’t Forget!
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Happy Remodeling! 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

23: 4 ways to Save Money on Your Renovation - Without Cutting Corners

Worried your renovation budget won’t survive the planning phase?
Feel like hiring a GC is your only option?
Confused about where renovation money actually goes?
Want to save money without cutting corners or sacrificing quality?
Trying to stay in control without losing your sanity?
 
Renovations are expensive — and for many homeowners, saving money is the only way a remodel can happen.
In this episode, I share the #1 way to save money on your renovation, and it’s not choosing the lowest bid or sacrificing quality.
With firsthand experience inside a construction startup, I break down:
Why renovation costs feel shocking
How layered markups quietly inflate your budget
What you’re actually paying for when you hire a GC or design-build team
You’ll learn 4 proven ways to save money on your remodel:
Project manage your own renovation to eliminate hidden fees
Hire subcontractors directly and pay true labor costs
Use strategic DIY (sweat equity) without burning out
Purchase materials yourself for full cost transparency
✨ Key takeaway:
Renovation savings don’t come from cutting corners.They come from clarity, structure, and smart decisions.
This episode is perfect if you’re:
A first-time renovator
Working with a tight or fixed budget
Willing to trade time and organization for real savings
Next Steps: 
👉 Register for free: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/start-your-renovation
Inside the Start Your Renovation Workshop, you’ll learn how to:
Plan your renovation the right way
Avoid budget-blowing mistakes early
Get confident before construction begins
Check out Pocket Designer Sessions: 
https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner
Don’t Forget!
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Happy Remodeling! 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ 

22: 3 Secrets to Letting Go of Perfection and Loving Your Remodel

Are you feeling anxious or stuck before even starting your remodel because you want everything to go perfectly?
If so, you’re not alone. In this episode, I share why the idea of a “perfect” renovation is actually setting yourself up for overwhelm — and how shifting your mindset can help you stay calm, focused, and in control.
I walk you through my own realizations from remodeling projects and teach you the “What Actually Matters” filter, so you can prioritize decisions, reduce stress, and confidently tackle your remodel without chasing perfection.
Plus, I’ll share how to get tools and guidance for your project through my Insiders List and tease my upcoming Start Your Renovation Workshop in January — the perfect way to get practical support before construction even begins.
By the end of this episode, you’ll know:
Why no renovation ever goes perfectly — and why that’s okay
How to reframe expectations to reduce stress and overwhelm
How to filter what really matters in your project to make intentional decisions
The steps you can take now to start your remodel with confidence
If you’re ready to shift your mindset, stop chasing perfection, and start making real progress toward your dream home, this episode is for you!
Next Steps:
Already in the thick of a remodel and need help? 
Check out Pocket Designer Sessions: 
https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner
Don’t Forget!
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Happy Remodeling! 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/

21: 5 Design Decisions That Are Secretly Exhausting You — How to Design Your Remodel Without the Overwhelm

Have you ever started making design selections—like tile or lighting—and suddenly felt completely frozen?Have you wondered why picking a backsplash feels harder than it should?Are you feeling mentally exhausted before construction has even started?
In this episode, I’m talking about decision fatigue during a remodel—why it happens, why it’s so common (especially for busy homeowners), and how to prevent it from draining your energy before your project even begins.
I walk you through five specific design decision traps I see homeowners fall into over and over again—things like endless scrolling, trying to make too many decisions at once, rushing choices under pressure, and chasing “perfect” instead of cohesive. I explain what’s really happening behind the scenes and how to reframe your design process so decisions feel lighter, clearer, and more confident.
This episode is for you if:
You feel overwhelmed by design choices
Pinterest is making things more confusing instead of clearer
You’re second-guessing decisions or feeling stuck
You want your remodel to feel intentional—not exhausting
You’ll walk away with practical ways to reduce overwhelm, set boundaries around decision-making, and design your remodel with more clarity and confidence.
If you want more hands-on tools to help you through these early stages, join my Insiders List. I’ll be sharing resources and opening registration for my free January workshop, Start Your Renovation—where I’ll walk you step-by-step through how to reduce overwhelm before construction even begins.
You can also come hang out with us in the Preparing for Your Home Remodel Facebook group and tell me which design decision is stressing you out right now.
And stay tuned—because in the next episode, we’ll talk about how to reduce overwhelm once construction starts and keep your project moving without burnout.
 
Next Steps:
Already in the thick of a remodel and need help? 
Check out Pocket Designer Sessions: 
https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner
Don’t Forget!
Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders
Join the FREE Community on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel
Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list 
Happy Remodeling! 
Get in Touch:
E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/