When Should You Start Planning a Home Renovation?

A home renovation is an opportunity to transform your living space, enhance your daily life, and increase your property’s value. But before you can enjoy the stunning results, a great deal of planning is required. A common question we hear from homeowners in Chicago is, “How early should I start planning my renovation?” The answer often surprises people: it’s almost always earlier than you think.

Proper planning ensures that your vision is realized on time, within budget, and with minimal stress. Rushing the process can lead to costly mistakes, unforeseen delays, and a final product that doesn’t quite match your dream. Investing time in the early stages is not just a recommendation. It’s a necessity.

Our Areté professionals are here to help you understand the timeline involved in Chicago home remodeling. We want you to be able to approach your home’s transformation with confidence and clarity.

Assessing the Scope of Your Renovation

Before any timelines or budgets can be set, you must first define the scope of your renovation. This step is crucial as it influences every subsequent decision. Is this a cosmetic update to a single room, like a bathroom, or a complete overhaul of your kitchen? Are you considering structural changes, such as removing walls or adding an extension?

Start by creating a detailed list of your goals for the project. Think about both aesthetics and functionality. What problems are you trying to solve with this renovation? Perhaps you need a more open living area for entertaining, a more functional kitchen layout for your growing family, or a serene, spa-like master bathroom. Be as specific as possible. Instead of just “new kitchen,” outline your needs: “a new kitchen with a central island, quartz countertops, increased storage, and professional-grade appliances.”

Next, you need to consider the scale of the work involved. Minor cosmetic updates, like painting or changing fixtures, require significantly less planning than major structural work. Projects involving plumbing, electrical, or structural changes will require permits, detailed architectural plans, and a longer construction phase. This can also involve dealing with specific building codes and preservation requirements in many Chicago neighborhoods.

Setting a Realistic Timeline

Once you have a clear idea of the project’s scope, you can begin to map out a timeline. A common mistake is underestimating how long each phase of a renovation takes. For a high-end, custom renovation, a well-paced timeline is recommended for ensuring quality and attention to detail.

Here’s a general guideline for a medium-to-large-scale renovation, such as a full kitchen or master suite remodel:

• Research & Inspiration (1-3 months): This is where you gather ideas. Browse design magazines, create Pinterest boards, and visit showrooms. Define your style and identify the features you want to incorporate into your home. This phase is about dreaming and exploring possibilities.
• Design & Planning (2-4 months): This is the most critical phase. You’ll work with a design-build firm like Areté to create detailed plans, select materials, and finalize every detail of the project. This stage includes architectural drawings, 3D renderings, and securing necessary permits. Rushing this phase is the biggest cause of project delays and budget overruns later on.
• Bidding & Contractor Selection (1 month): If you are not using a design-build firm, you will need time to get bids from multiple contractors.
• Ordering Materials (1-4 months): Custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, and unique tile can have long lead times. These items should be ordered well in advance to avoid holding up construction. Supply chain issues can cause unexpected delays, so ordering early is crucial.
• Construction (3-6+ months): This is when the physical work happens. The duration depends entirely on the project’s complexity. A simple bathroom refresh might take a few weeks, while a full kitchen gut renovation or an addition can take several months.

Based on this timeline, it’s clear that planning for a significant renovation should begin at least 6 to 12 months before you want construction to start. Starting early allows for a thoughtful, unhurried design process and ensures all materials are on-site when needed, leading to a smooth and timely project completion.

Financial Planning and Budgeting

A successful renovation requires a solid financial plan. Your budget will guide your design choices and help you prioritize your wants and needs. It’s important to be realistic about costs, especially for high-end renovations where quality materials and craftsmanship are a priority.

Begin by researching the average cost for projects similar to yours in the Chicago area. This will give you a ballpark figure to start with. When creating your budget, it’s important to account for all potential expenses, not just the obvious ones. Your budget should include:

• Design Fees: Costs for architectural plans, interior design services, and engineering.
• Permits and Fees: City permits can be a significant expense, depending on the project scope.
• Materials and Finishes: This includes everything from flooring and tile to lighting and appliances.
• Labor: The cost for all trade professionals involved in the project.
• Contingency Fund: Always set aside an additional 10-20% of your total budget for unexpected issues. Even with the best planning, unforeseen problems can arise, especially in older Chicago homes. A contingency fund ensures these surprises don’t derail your project.

Working with a design-build firm can provide greater budget clarity from the outset. At Areté, we provide transparent cost assessments and detailed proposals, helping you understand where every dollar is going and eliminating the fear of hidden fees.

Hiring the Right Professionals

The team you hire will have the biggest impact on your renovation experience and the final outcome. For a project that is both stylish and seamlessly integrated into your home, you need a team with proven expertise and a commitment to quality.

There are a few different models for managing a renovation:

• General Contractor: You hire an architect/designer first to create the plans, then bid them out to several general contractors who will manage the construction. This can sometimes be contentious if the design is not aligned with the budget.
• Design-Build Firm: You work with a single entity, like Areté, that handles the entire project from initial design to final construction. This approach streamlines communication and ensures that the design is created with a clear understanding of the construction costs. A design-build model is ideal for homeowners who want a seamless, integrated, and accountable process.

A reliable firm will have a transparent process and a proven track record of completing projects on time and on budget. Read our testimonials from satisfied clients who have seen the value of working with Areté.

Chart Your Course to a Transformed Home

Planning a home renovation is a significant undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We recommend that you allow ample time for each phase, especially the initial design and planning stages. For a major renovation, beginning the process 6 to 12 months in advance is the surest path to success.

This investment of time upfront will pay dividends, resulting in a seamless transformation that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.

If you are considering a renovation for your Chicago home and desire a partner who can provide innovative design solutions and reliable project management, we invite you to connect with us.

Call us at 773.683.3033 or contact us to start the conversation and transform your vision into a stunning reality.