Top 5 Things to Consider When Renovating a Home

A Smarter, Smoother, and More Successful Approach to Remodeling

Renovating your home can be one of the most rewarding investments you’ll ever make — but without the right plan, it can quickly become stressful and expensive.

At FR Young Homes, we believe that great renovations start long before demo day. Whether you’re refreshing a kitchen or rebuilding an entire home, here are the five most important things to consider before you start.

1. Define the “Why” Behind Your Renovation

Before you pick out tile or paint colors, get clear on your purpose. Are you renovating to sell? To gain space? To make your home work better for how you actually live?

Understanding your why shapes everything that follows — from your budget to your design decisions.

Pro Tip:Write down your top three goals for the renovation. Use them as a filter for every choice you make. If it doesn’t serve those goals, skip it.

2. Set a Realistic Budget (and Add a Cushion)

Budgets make or break projects — and most homeowners underestimate costs by 15–25%.Between materials, labor, and unforeseen repairs, surprises happen.

FRYH Insight:Always include a contingency fund of at least 10–15% for flexibility. It’s not a sign of bad planning — it’s smart planning.

Also, make sure your contractor provides a detailed scope and transparent estimate. “Ballpark” numbers are red flags.

3. Choose the Right Contractor — Not the Cheapest One

The lowest bid might feel tempting, but in renovation, you almost always get what you pay for. Quality contractors bring organization, accountability, and peace of mind — not just tools.

When comparing bids, look for:

• Clear timelines and milestones

• Line-item pricing

• References and past work

• Communication style that fits yours

Remember: You’re not just hiring for construction; you’re hiring for partnership.

4. Plan for Life During the Renovation

Even a small remodel can disrupt your daily routine — noise, dust, and downtime are all part of the process.

Ask early:

• Will you need to move out or live through construction?

• What areas of your home will be off-limits?

• How long will utilities be impacted?

FRYH Tip:We help clients build realistic timelines and “livability plans,” so they know exactly what to expect day-to-day. It’s the best way to keep your sanity (and your schedule) intact.

5. Don’t Skip Project Management

A renovation isn’t just about craftsmanship — it’s about coordination.Without strong project management, deadlines slip, costs grow, and communication breaks down.

Choose a contractor with:

• Clear scheduling systems

• Weekly updates

• Organized change order tracking

• A single point of contact for all communication

That structure is what separates a stressful renovation from a seamless one.

Renovating your home should feel exciting — not overwhelming.When you plan with purpose, budget realistically, hire the right team, and stay organized, your renovation becomes more than just a project — it becomes a transformation.

At FR Young Homes, we combine design expertise with process-driven project management to make sure every renovation runs smoothly, looks beautiful, and adds lasting value.