What Interior Designers Wish You Knew Before Tackling a Renovation

Interview Contractors Extensively

Texan interior designer Sarah Stacey of Sarah Stacey Interior Design most enjoys working on new construction projects or large remodels, where furniture is included in the scope of work. But, before beginning a renovation, she highly recommends interviewing contractors extensively.

“Make sure to compare quotes from apples to apples,” Stacey says. “There is usually a reason one is much cheaper than some others—go into your remodel with a good idea of what materials you'd like to use and make sure the price is included. To this day, I still have to make sure everything I've selected has been accounted for even with very detailed drawings."

She even suggests that homeowners request to meet with their contractors to go over drawings and plans at each stage, that way, everyone has a very clear understanding of the process. 

Planning and Timing Are Key

L.A.-based designer Joyce Pickens has a passion for renovating historic homes and has learned many lessons along the way when it comes to a seamless design and construction process.

For one of her recent projects, Plymouth, the designer was hired to revamp a home that once had loud tile from the previous owner, she recalls. “It was so fun to rip it out and install something that was more in line with the style and history of the home," Pickens notes.

When it comes to projects, big or small, planning and timing are key. “Please call your designer way ahead of time,” she says. “Proper time to plan and create an amazing set of drawings is crucial to avoiding a lot of headaches during renovation,” she says.

And when it comes to vetting contractors, she agrees with Stacey. “If you’re using a designer, they always have a great set of suppliers that are pre-vetted and a preferred team they work with," she explains. "Trust them and their people—it will make for a much more seamless process than using a friend of a friend's 'guy.'"

Be Unafraid to Speak Up

Hermosa Beach designer Kate Lester has done her fair share of renovation projects. Her biggest tips: move out during a renovation, select everything, print the spec sheets, measure, and finally, don’t be afraid to get creative and disagree with tradespeople. 

“I can’t tell you how many times I have had to explain to my clients that they just cannot live in a single bedroom with one bathroom, three kids, a dog, and no kitchen, while they take the rest of your house to studs,” she says.

Take it from her: do yourself a favor and allow room in your budget for alternative and comfortable lodging during a large-scale remodel.

Another tip is to advocate for your own unique or unusual design ideas. “Pretty much 50 percent of my job is explaining my unique idea to a tile installer or cabinetmaker,” she says. “Come prepared with inspiration images, ask questions, and explain the unique details you are most excited about. Then, work together to make them happen—and don’t back down.”