10 questions to ask before starting a large renovation.
Good renovation planning starts before demo. These questions help owners expose scope, budget, and decision risk early.
- What is the actual scope, not just the wish list?
- What must be done versus what would be nice to do?
- What hidden conditions are likely behind walls, floors, rooflines, or utilities?
- What finishes, fixtures, and selections affect budget?
- What decisions must the owner make before work starts?
- What will disrupt daily life or operations?
- What work requires permits, inspections, or licensed trades?
- What assumptions are buried in the contractor proposal?
- What changes will trigger added cost or time?
- Who controls communication, documentation, and approvals?