One day, you’re sipping coffee in your kitchen. The next, that kitchen is a pile of drywall dust and exposed wiring. Remodeling can feel like controlled chaos, but when done right, it’s also one of the most rewarding investments you’ll make in your home. The trick is learning how to live through a renovation without losing your mind (or your coffee maker). With a little planning, a lot of patience, and the right team, you’ll not only survive your remodel, you’ll love the results.
Sardone | McLain has spent over a decade helping Dallas homeowners remodel with confidence. We know that a renovation requires balancing design, budget, and real-life logistics for families who are living through the process. Our meticulous planning ensures fewer surprises, faster build times, and minimal stress so you can focus on the excitement of creating a home you love. Here’s our best advice to prepare for your home remodel confidently.Without the right plan, remodeling can feel like inviting a tornado into your home, except you’re paying for it, and the tornado crew promises a beautiful kitchen at the end. There will be dust in places you didn’t even know existed, noise levels that make you question your life choices, and at some point, you’ll find yourself making coffee in the bathroom because the kitchen is a war zone. This is normal.
The best way to keep your sanity intact? Know what’s coming. Every remodel happens in these basic stages.
The key is to embrace the chaos and set expectations accordingly. If your contractor gives you an estimated timeline, assume it’ll take a bit longer (not because they’re bad at their job, but because homes love throwing curveballs). If you have a completion date in mind for a big event (like Thanksgiving dinner), schedule it for the following year. And most importantly, give yourself grace. It’s going to get messy, but with the right planning, you’ll be so glad you took the plunge.
A home remodel affects everyone in your orbit. Kids, pets, spouses, in-laws who stop by unannounced. If they’re part of your daily life, they need to know what’s coming.
For younger kids, remodeling can be confusing (and loud). One day, their kitchen is there. The next, it’s a pile of rubble. Help them feel involved by showing them drawings or samples so they can visualize the end result, and let them “help” by picking a paint color or cabinet hardware. Teenagers? They’ll mostly just be annoyed if the WiFi goes out.
Even the strongest relationships are tested by months of dust, decision-making, and displaced furniture.
Ensure you’re on the same page about all the important details.
Construction zones aren’t pet-friendly. The noise alone can be stressful, and open doors or loose nails can be dangerous.
Create a plan for pets ahead of time.
Grandparents? Neighbors? The friend who stops by just to “borrow sugar”? If they visit often, let them know what to expect—especially if their usual entrance is blocked by a giant dumpster.
Remodeling means parts of your home will be off-limits for weeks (or months). You'll need a backup plan if your kitchen, bathroom, or bedrooms are under construction. Living, and dare we say thriving, through a renovation is possible, but only if you prepare.
No stove? No problem (kind of). Plan ahead so you’re not eating takeout for months.
If bedrooms or bathrooms are under construction, things get trickier.
Remodeling is messy. Dust creeps into every corner, splatters happen, and there’s always a risk of something getting bumped, scratched, or broken. Preparing for home remodeling means protecting your space from the outset.
Even with the best planning, living through a renovation will test your patience. Delays happen. Unexpected issues pop up. At some point, you’ll wonder why you ever thought this was a good idea.
A home remodel is a major investment, and the team you hire makes or breaks the experience and your results. Before signing a contract, take the time to ask the hard questions. A good contractor will be transparent about their process, potential challenges, and how they handle unexpected situations.
Here’s what to ask.
What’s your experience with families staying in the home during remodeling?
Not every contractor is equipped to work around a household’s daily life. Look for someone who has experience keeping disruptions to a minimum.
How do you handle scheduling and delays?
Ask how they plan for weather delays, material shortages, or unexpected structural surprises.
What’s your communication process?
Will you get weekly updates? A daily recap? A designated point of contact? You don’t want to be left wondering what’s happening in your own home.
What steps do you take to protect my home?
Construction dust spreads fast. Find out how they contain mess, cover furniture, and keep non-construction areas livable.
How do you manage changes to the project?
Sometimes, mid-project changes are necessary. Ask about their process for handling additional costs, updated timelines, and decision-making.
Can you provide references from past clients?
The best way to know what to expect is to hear from homeowners who have been through the process. A good contractor should have a list of happy clients willing to share their experience.
Sardone | McLain excels at family-friendly remodeling that minimizes disruption while delivering stunning results. If you’re ready to remodel with confidence, let’s talk. Schedule a consultation today, and let’s create a home you love together.