Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Starting a Renovation Project

And how a designer can help you answer them with confidence

Every renovation starts with excitement, and just as often, a few unknowns. Over the years, I’ve guided clients through kitchen remodels, bathroom updates, and full-home transformations, and I’ve learned that asking the right questions early makes all the difference.

As a designer who partners with clients through every stage of kitchen and bath renovations, I’ve seen what happens when homeowners dive in without a clear plan, or try to manage it all on their own. Before you start swinging a hammer or making big decisions, ask yourself these five questions to set your renovation up for success.

1. What’s not working in this space and why?

In a recent Cary kitchen remodel, my clients loved their layout but felt the space was dark and cluttered. When they originally built the home, they chose to forgo a window on the back wall to make space for the stove, a decision made long before we began working together. While practical at the time, it left the kitchen feeling more enclosed. Since the adjoining sunroom already brought in abundant natural light, my focus became creating visual connection between the two spaces and brightening the kitchen from within.

We painted the dark cabinets a lighter color to instantly open up the room and replaced the largest countertop in the space with a lighter surface, which made the kitchen feel larger and airier than before. Clear glass light fixtures, paired with recessed lighting, ensured the space felt bright and inviting throughout the day.

Every renovation should start here, understanding what feels heavy, inefficient, or disconnected, because those insights guide the most transformative design decisions.

2. What’s my investment and where should I spend it?

One of the first things I help clients clarify is how they want to allocate their renovation budget. Every project involves balancing where to save and where to invest, and those choices can dramatically affect both function and long-term value.

I always encourage clients to invest in the foundation of the design elements that are built in, used daily, and not easily replaced. In kitchens, that often means quality cabinetry, durable countertops, and well-planned lighting. For bathrooms, it’s plumbing fixtures, tile, and waterproofing. These are the pieces that will serve you for years, long after trends change.

In one bathroom renovation, for example, my client was initially tempted to splurge on decorative mirrors and accessories. But by redirecting a portion of that budget toward better tile and custom storage, we created a more timeless and functional result, and the beautiful details came later, once the essentials were done right.

Thoughtful design isn’t about spending more; it’s about spending wisely so your investment truly transforms how you live in your home.

3. How will this renovation affect other parts of the home?

A well-designed renovation doesn’t happen in isolation, every change you make in one space impacts the flow, mood, and visual balance of the rest of your home.Thinking holistically helps you maintain flow and cohesion, which is why I always encourage clients to take a step back before we dive in.

In one Cary project, the kitchen opened directly into the living and sunroom areas. As we brightened the kitchen with lighter cabinetry and countertops, it became clear the adjoining rooms needed subtle updates to feel connected. We carried similar undertones into the paint palette and introduced softer textiles and accent lighting to create a natural transition between spaces.

The result was a unified, airy environment that felt cohesive, not like a brand-new kitchen sitting next to older rooms. Considering how one design decision influences another ensures your home feels like a well-edited story, not a collection of separate chapters.

4. Who’s helping me make these decisions, and can I trust them?

Renovations involve countless decisions, from layouts and materials to timelines and investments, and each choice affects the next. Having the right guidance can make the difference between a smooth, enjoyable process and one that feels overwhelming.

I’ve seen homeowners try to manage everything on their own or rely solely on contractor suggestions, only to find themselves facing unexpected challenges or costly rework later. A designer’s role goes far beyond choosing finishes — it’s about understanding how all the moving parts fit together and ensuring that every decision supports the larger vision for your home.

In one bathroom renovation, for example, a client initially planned to handle selections independently. Once we began collaborating, she realized how much easier it was to have a professional coordinate finishes, review details with the contractor, and anticipate potential issues before installation began. The result was not only beautiful but executed seamlessly.

Whether you’re partnering with a designer, builder, or both, trust and communication are key. When you have someone who truly listens, understands your goals, and manages the details with care, you can focus on the excitement of transformation rather than the stress of decision-making.

5. How do I want this space to feel when it’s finished?

Every successful renovation begins with function but ends with feeling. Before we finalize layouts or select finishes, I always ask clients how they want the space to feel once it’s complete, calm, vibrant, sophisticated, cozy, or a mix of each. That emotional clarity becomes the thread that guides every design decision.

In one spa-inspired bathroom renovation, my client described wanting a space that felt serene, a quiet retreat at the end of each day. That vision shaped every choice, from the soft neutral palette and warm brass fixtures to the layered lighting and subtle pattern in the tile. The end result was more than just beautiful, it reflected exactly how she wanted to experience her home.

When you define how you want to feel in your space, you move beyond simply renovating rooms. You begin creating a home that reflects who you are and supports how you live every day.

Ready to renovate with clarity and confidence?

Ready to renovate with clarity and confidence? Every successful transformation starts with asking the right questions, If you’re planning a renovation and want a process that feels guided, intentional, and personal, my Designer By Your Side service is designed specifically for kitchen and bath projects.

This service is based on a flat fee tied to a block of hours, tailored to the scope of your project. Whether you need expert input on layout and finish selections, or on-site walkthroughs during construction, I provide professional guidance throughout so every decision feels intentional, cohesive, and aligned with your vision.

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Let’s make your renovation feel as smooth and inspired as it should be.

Have A Fabulous Day!!