Planning a Home Renovation? Start Here First
Thinking About a Home Renovation? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Start
If you’ve never taken on a home renovation before, chances are you have a lot of questions—and you should. Aside from purchasing your home, a renovation project might be one of the most significant (and stressful) investments you make. But with a bit of upfront knowledge, you can ease a lot of the pressure and set yourself up for a smoother experience.
Every Project Starts with a Need—or a Dream
Most renovations begin with a spark:
“My parents are moving in; we need another bedroom and living space.”
“I want a bigger kitchen with more light and storage.”
Whatever the reason, identifying your goals is the first step. But then what? Many people immediately start asking around for contractor recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors. That’s a great move—hearing about others’ experiences can help you find reliable professionals. But before a contractor can start swinging a hammer, there’s one critical step many homeowners overlook: design and construction documentation.
Why Construction Documents Matter
Before any contractor can give an accurate quote—or begin work—they need to know exactly what they’re building. That’s where construction documents (CDs) come in. Think of CDs as the instruction manual for your renovation. They include:
Structural details
Code compliance information
Precise layouts and dimensions
Specifications needed for permitting and pricing
CDs are essential not just for building permits but also for clear communication and accurate pricing. Without them, you’re flying blind—and so is your contractor.
Who Creates These Documents?
Construction documents are typically prepared by design professionals—architects or experienced drafters who understand local building codes and zoning regulations. Their job is to translate your ideas into a workable, safe, and code-compliant design. In fact, they often bring creative solutions to the table that improve upon your original vision.
What to Ask Your Contractor
You may start your process by speaking with contractors, which is fine—as long as you
ask the right questions:
Who will create the construction drawings?
Who will obtain the building permits?
Answers will vary:
Some contractors operate as design-build firms, handling everything from drawings to construction in-house.
Others work with third-party designers.
Some may expect you to hire your own architect or designer.
Each approach can work—as long as you’re clear about roles and responsibilities up front.
A Simple Roadmap to Follow
While every renovation is unique, here’s a basic framework many successful projects follow:
Start with a Design Professional
Work with an architect or designer to assess feasibility and develop a solid preliminary design.
Get Initial Contractor Estimates
Share your preliminary plans with contractors for ballpark pricing. This helps you adjust the scope if needed—and start narrowing down who to hire.
Develop Final Construction Documents
Once the design is refined, have your professional prepare the official CDs. Share these with your chosen contractor for a final, detailed quote.
Submit for Building Permits
Ideally, your contractor should handle this step. If they refuse, double-check that they’re properly licensed. You or your designer can technically pull the permits, but the contractor must be listed as the builder. If they’re unwilling to be named on the permit—that’s a red flag.
Final Thought
Renovations can be complex, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the right team, ask the right questions, and make sure you’ve got a solid plan in place before construction begins. With a thoughtful approach, your next project could be one of the most rewarding parts of owning a home.