Embarking on a home renovation can be as exciting as it is daunting. Whether you're updating a single room or taking on a whole-home transformation, every renovation project comes with its own unique challenges and opportunities. For homeowners in Des Moines, Iowa, and beyond, making smart remodeling decisions is essential for maximizing both enjoyment and resale value.
At Megan Mitchum + CO, we’ve helped countless homeowners navigate the renovation process to create stunning, functional spaces that align with their lifestyle and goals. Here are seven essential tips to help ensure your home remodel is a successful one.
1. Define Your Goals and Set a Realistic Budget
Before swinging a single hammer or meeting with a contractor, it's crucial to outline the goals for your renovation. Are you looking to improve your home’s resale value, create more usable space, or simply update outdated aesthetics? Clear objectives will guide every other decision.
Once your goals are established, setting a realistic budget is key. Consider all potential costs, including materials, labor, permits, and a contingency fund for unexpected issues. A good rule of thumb is to add at least 10–20% to your projected budget to cover surprises. The more detailed your plan and financial outline, the smoother the journey ahead.
Once your goals are established, setting a realistic budget is key. Consider all potential costs, including materials, labor, permits, and a contingency fund for unexpected issues. A good rule of thumb is to add at least 10–20% to your projected budget to cover surprises. The more detailed your plan and financial outline, the smoother the journey ahead.
2. Prioritize High-ROI Projects First
Not all renovations yield the same return on investment. If part of your remodeling motivation includes increasing your home’s value, focus on high-ROI updates. Kitchens and bathrooms typically offer the best return, followed by upgrades like new windows, hardwood floors, and energy-efficient systems.
Curb appeal also matters, so don’t overlook exterior improvements like landscaping, new siding, or an updated front door. At Megan Mitchum + CO, we help our clients identify which improvements will have the most impact in the Des Moines market. Investing wisely means you’ll enjoy your space now and reap rewards later when it’s time to sell.
Curb appeal also matters, so don’t overlook exterior improvements like landscaping, new siding, or an updated front door. At Megan Mitchum + CO, we help our clients identify which improvements will have the most impact in the Des Moines market. Investing wisely means you’ll enjoy your space now and reap rewards later when it’s time to sell.
3. Choose the Right Professionals for the Job
One of the most important factors in a successful renovation is the team you hire. Whether you need an architect, general contractor, or specialized tradespeople, take the time to thoroughly vet each professional. Ask for referrals, review portfolios, and check licensing and insurance.
Communication is just as important as craftsmanship, so choose a team that understands your vision and is responsive to your needs. When you work with Megan Mitchum + CO, we can recommend trusted local contractors and designers in the Des Moines area who consistently deliver top-tier results.
Communication is just as important as craftsmanship, so choose a team that understands your vision and is responsive to your needs. When you work with Megan Mitchum + CO, we can recommend trusted local contractors and designers in the Des Moines area who consistently deliver top-tier results.
4. Obtain Necessary Permits and Understand Local Regulations
It’s tempting to skip permitting to save time or money, but doing so can lead to significant setbacks—especially when it’s time to sell. Permits ensure that your renovation meets local safety standards and building codes. Projects like electrical work, structural changes, or plumbing alterations often require approval from your city or county.
Navigating the permitting process can be confusing, so consider working with professionals well-versed in Des Moines-area regulations. Ensuring your renovation is up to code protects your investment and adds legitimacy to your home’s updated features.
Navigating the permitting process can be confusing, so consider working with professionals well-versed in Des Moines-area regulations. Ensuring your renovation is up to code protects your investment and adds legitimacy to your home’s updated features.
5. Make Design Choices That Stand the Test of Time
Trends come and go, but classic design choices tend to hold their appeal and value longer. While it’s fun to include bold paint colors or statement fixtures, balance those elements with timeless materials like hardwood, subway tile, and neutral tones. Think about how your space will function in the future and avoid design decisions that might limit appeal to future buyers.
Timeless doesn't have to mean boring—it simply means making style choices that complement your home’s architecture and lifestyle while maintaining versatility. At Megan Mitchum + CO, we help clients find the sweet spot between current trends and enduring design.
Timeless doesn't have to mean boring—it simply means making style choices that complement your home’s architecture and lifestyle while maintaining versatility. At Megan Mitchum + CO, we help clients find the sweet spot between current trends and enduring design.
6. Don’t Underestimate the Timeline
Renovation timelines often stretch beyond the original estimate. Delays can occur due to weather, supply chain issues, permit backlogs, or unforeseen construction challenges. Build extra time into your schedule from the start, and stay flexible as your project progresses.
Communicate regularly with your contractor to understand what’s happening on site and adjust your plans as needed. Patience and adaptability will save you stress in the long run. A carefully managed timeline helps ensure quality workmanship and a better final result.
Communicate regularly with your contractor to understand what’s happening on site and adjust your plans as needed. Patience and adaptability will save you stress in the long run. A carefully managed timeline helps ensure quality workmanship and a better final result.
7. Plan for the Disruption and Protect Your Belongings
Living through a renovation—especially a major one—can disrupt your routine and add stress to daily life. If you’re renovating your kitchen, consider setting up a temporary meal prep station elsewhere in the house. If the renovation is extensive, it might be wise to relocate for part of the project.
Also, protect your furniture, flooring, and valuables from dust, debris, and accidental damage. Proper planning can reduce the chaos and help keep your home environment manageable throughout the process. The goal is to make it through the renovation without sacrificing your peace of mind.
Also, protect your furniture, flooring, and valuables from dust, debris, and accidental damage. Proper planning can reduce the chaos and help keep your home environment manageable throughout the process. The goal is to make it through the renovation without sacrificing your peace of mind.
Ready to Start Your Des Moines Home Remodel Journey?
Renovating your home is a significant investment—both financially and emotionally. But with clear goals, a strategic plan, and the right team by your side, it can be a truly rewarding experience. Whether you're preparing to sell or simply creating your dream space, the team at Megan Mitchum + CO is here to help.
With deep knowledge of the Des Moines real estate market and trusted connections to local renovation professionals, we offer the guidance you need to make informed decisions every step of the way.
Let’s turn your remodeling vision into reality. Contact us today to get started.
With deep knowledge of the Des Moines real estate market and trusted connections to local renovation professionals, we offer the guidance you need to make informed decisions every step of the way.
Let’s turn your remodeling vision into reality. Contact us today to get started.
