A luxury home renovation is about far more than beautiful finishes. It’s about creating a home that reflects the way you live while navigating a complex process with confidence. From selecting the right design team and establishing a realistic timeline to understanding what happens during construction, knowing what to expect can make the entire experience more enjoyable and significantly less hard on your marriage, family and wallet!
At Skelly Build, we believe an exceptional remodeling experience begins long before demolition starts. Thoughtful planning, transparent communication, and careful craftsmanship are the foundation of every project we undertake. In this guide, we answer some of the frequent questions homeowners ask most often to help you understand and feel comfortable with each step of your remodeling journey.
How long does a home remodel take?
Every home renovation is unique, but most Skelly Build remodeling projects take between 6 and 12 months from the start of construction to completion. Smaller renovations may be completed sooner, while larger, more complex projects may require additional time.
Your project’s timeline depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of the renovation, permitting, material lead times, design decisions, and any unforeseen conditions that may be uncovered during construction.
One of the biggest factors in keeping a project on schedule is thorough planning. Our preconstruction process allows us to establish realistic timelines, finalize selections, and coordinate every detail before construction begins—helping your project move as efficiently as possible.
What are the steps of a home renovation?
A successful renovation starts with thoughtful planning. Our proven process is designed to provide clarity, transparency, and confidence from your first consultation through the final walkthrough.
Initial Consultation
We begin by meeting with you in your home to understand your goals, discuss your vision, and evaluate the existing space.
Design Development
Every Skelly Build renovation begins with professionally prepared plans. We require our clients to work with either an architect or an interior designer before construction begins. If you haven’t selected a design professional, we’re happy to introduce you to trusted architects and designers we’ve worked with successfully.
Preconstruction & Estimating
Once the design is complete, we prepare a detailed fixed-price proposal based on the finished plans and specifications. Together, we’ll review the scope, answer questions, and ensure every detail has been considered before construction begins.
Contracts & Permits
After the contract is signed, we coordinate permitting and prepare the project for construction.
Material Selections
While permits are being processed, you’ll finalize cabinetry, flooring, plumbing fixtures, lighting, appliances, tile, and finish selections so everything is ready before demolition begins.
Construction
Once permits are approved, construction begins. Our team coordinates every aspect of the project while managing schedules, inspections, deliveries, and our trusted craftsmen and trade professionals.
Final Walkthrough
When construction is complete, we’ll walk the home with you to ensure every detail meets our standards—and yours—before celebrating your newly renovated space.
Can I live in my home during a remodel?
While it’s possible to remain in your home during certain renovations, most Skelly Build projects are completed with the home unoccupied.
We recommend moving out whenever possible because it creates a safer, cleaner, and more efficient environment for both your family and our construction team. An unoccupied home also allows our craftsmen and trade professionals to work without interruption, often helping the project progress more efficiently.
If you decide to remain in your home during construction, you should expect:
- Daily construction activity and noise during working hours.
- Dust throughout the home, even with protective containment measures.
- Temporary interruptions to water, electricity, or other utilities.
- Limited access to portions of your home.
- Construction crews arriving and working throughout the day.
Every renovation is different, and we’ll discuss occupancy during the planning process to help determine the best approach for your project and your family’s needs.
When should I start planning my renovation?
The best time to begin planning is sooner than you think.
We recommend starting the planning process 6 to 12 months before you’d like construction to begin. High-quality renovations require time for design, budgeting, estimating, permitting, material selections, and scheduling.
Beginning early allows you to make thoughtful decisions, work through the design process without unnecessary pressure, and reserve a place on our construction schedule.
Careful planning is one of the most important investments you can make in the success of your project.
How do I prepare my home for a remodel?
Preparing your home before construction begins helps create a smoother experience from day one.
Before demolition, we recommend:
- Removing furniture, artwork, valuables, and fragile items from work areas.
- Packing belongings in rooms that will be renovated.
- Arranging temporary living accommodations if you’ll be moving out during construction.
- Making plans for children and pets around active construction.
- Relocating any everyday items you’ll need while work is underway.
Prior to construction, we’ll walk you through the process, discuss expectations, and make sure you know exactly how to prepare for the weeks ahead.
What should I expect during construction?
Construction is an exciting stage of the renovation process, and our goal is to make it as organized and transparent as possible.
Throughout your project, you can expect:
- Regular communication from your dedicated project team.
- Access to schedules, progress photos, documents, and messaging through Buildertrend, our client communication portal.
- A clean and organized job site.
- Coordination of inspections, deliveries, and our trusted craftsmen and trade professionals.
- Advance notice of planned utility interruptions or project milestones.
Because every home has its own history, renovations occasionally uncover hidden conditions behind walls, beneath floors, or within existing systems. If that happens, we’ll communicate openly, explain your options, and work with you to determine the best solution before moving forward.
Our commitment is to provide exceptional craftsmanship while making the remodeling experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Should I hire an architect or a designer?
Yes. Every renovation project at Skelly Build requires professionally prepared plans before construction begins. We require our clients to work with either an architect or an interior designer, depending on the scope of the project.
An architect is typically needed when your project includes:
- Structural modifications.
- Room additions.
- Significant floor plan changes.
- Custom home design.
- Engineering coordination.
An interior designer is often the right fit for projects focused on:
- Kitchen and bathroom renovations.
- Cabinetry and built-ins.
- Space planning.
- Interior finishes and materials.
- Lighting, plumbing fixtures, and design details.
Many of our larger renovations benefit from the collaboration of both professionals, combining thoughtful architecture with carefully curated interior design.
If you haven’t selected a design professional yet, we’re happy to recommend experienced architects and designers whose work aligns with your vision and the level of craftsmanship we strive to deliver.
Have any more questions? Our team of preconstruction professionals would be happy to talk with you.
Ready to start your renovation? Contact us today to get started!
