Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom can feel overwhelming. You might be worried about delays, unexpected costs, or the disruption to your daily routine. But here's the good news: with the right preparation, you can make the process smoother and less stressful.
At JSB Home Solutions, we’ve been helping Central Ohio homeowners transform their spaces for over 46 years. As a trusted, family-owned business, we’ve handled everything from small bathroom refreshes to full kitchen renovations. With our decades of experience, we’ve learned exactly what it takes to prepare for a successful project, and we’re here to share our best tips.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to plan, prepare, and stay organized, ensuring your remodel goes off without a hitch—no matter who you choose to work with.
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Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom is a significant investment, so taking the time to prepare properly will save you both time and stress. By following these key steps, you can ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible and avoid the common pitfalls that many homeowners face. Let’s dive into what you can do to get ready for a successful remodel.
Before any work begins, it’s essential to have a clear plan in place. Knowing what you want to achieve and how much you’re willing to spend will set the foundation for a smooth remodel.
First, think about the scope of your project. Are you aiming for a full gut renovation, or are you simply looking to refresh certain elements? Clarifying your goals will help you make better decisions throughout the process.
Also, set a realistic budget — and be sure to include a 10-15% buffer for unexpected expenses. Kitchen and bathroom remodels are notorious for uncovering hidden issues like plumbing or electrical problems. Research project costs with various contractors to help you set a realistic budget. You can find JSB's kitchen remodel costs and bathroom remodel costs here.
The cost varies widely based on the size of your space, the materials you choose, and the complexity of the project. A mid-range kitchen remodel can run between $20,000 and $50,000, while bathrooms might range from $10,000 to $30,000. Having a budget in mind helps you prioritize where to invest.
Cabinets, countertops, and labor are typically the largest expenses in kitchen remodels. For bathrooms, tiling, plumbing fixtures, and shower upgrades can quickly add to your bathroom remodel cost. Knowing this can help you allocate your budget more effectively.
Not all contractors are created equal. Start by researching local professionals, reading reviews, and checking their credentials. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, schedule consultations to get a feel for their communication style and expertise. A detailed contract that outlines the project scope, timeline, and costs will protect both you and the contractor.
List of Resources to Help You Find the Right Contractor:
Ask for referrals from friends or family, read online reviews, and look through their project galleries. When you talk to a contractor, ask them what pieces of a project they did and what was already present. Don’t hesitate to ask for references from past clients.
You can also download the free Remodeling Company Comparison Guide. This guide gives you questions to ask of any company you interview and space on a worksheet to record their answers. JSB’s answers are already filled out so that you can see what type of information companies should be willing and able to provide.
Here are some elements that are helpful to have on your contracts as you talk to home remodeling companies so that you can compare their quotes apples-to-apples:
One of the biggest sources of delays in a remodel is waiting on design decisions. The more decisions you can make upfront, the smoother your project will go.
Take the time to choose your countertops, cabinetry, flooring, and fixtures before construction begins. This ensures that everything is ordered and ready when needed. Working with a designer can help you visualize the final look, making it easier to commit to your choices.
Ideally, all major decisions should be finalized at least a month before your remodel starts. This gives your contractor time to order materials and avoid delays.
To avoid overspending, set a budget for each category (e.g., cabinets, appliances, tile) and stick to it. Alternatively, work with an experienced design consultant who can point you in the direction of materials that fit within your budget. Either way, if you fall in love with a high-end countertop, you can always save in another area to balance your budget.
Start by clearing out all cabinets, countertops, and shelves. For kitchens, you may want to set up a temporary cooking space in another room with a microwave, toaster oven, and mini-fridge. For bathrooms, consider where you’ll shower or get ready if you’re losing your main bathroom for a while. Additionally, protect adjacent rooms by sealing doorways and covering floors to minimize dust.
Most contractors should seal off the work area and cover your floors. They should also clean up their work area at the end of each day to minimize the chaos and mess.
Remove all items from cabinets and drawers, unplug appliances, and store breakable items in a safe place. Cover furniture in nearby rooms to protect it from dust.
It depends on the size of the project and your tolerance for noise and dust. If you’re remodeling your only bathroom, you may need to arrange temporary accommodations.
Establish a schedule for updates with your contractor. Whether it’s a weekly check-in or a quick call every few days, staying informed will keep you in the loop. Be sure to communicate any changes you want to make as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Questions like, “What’s the next step?” or “Are we on schedule?” can give you a clear picture of where your project stands. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if something doesn’t make sense.
Weekly check-ins are usually sufficient, but if something urgent comes up, don’t hesitate to reach out. Shorter projects like small bathroom or kitchen cabinet refaces, may need a check-in daily because they can be as little as 3 days long.
It’s not uncommon to discover hidden damage behind walls or floors once demolition begins. Building a 10-15% contingency into your budget will give you peace of mind if surprises pop up. Supply chain delays can also impact your timeline. This is another reason it’s so important to make your selections early and stick to them. If you end up ordering new materials mid-project, you run the risk of dramatic timeline delays that are completely out of your control.
Communication is key. Talk to your contractor to understand the cause of the delay for your remodel project and adjust your plans as needed. Being patient and flexible will go a long way.
This is where your contingency budget comes into play. Having that extra cushion allows you to address surprises without stressing over finances.
We understand that the thought of remodeling your kitchen or bathroom can feel daunting. The disruption, the mess, and the potential for unexpected surprises can create a lot of anxiety. But with the right preparation, you can turn what feels like a looming headache into an exciting transformation. Remember, a remodel is more than just a construction project—it’s a chance to create a space that truly reflects your style and meets your needs.
Here’s a quick recap of the steps to ensure a smooth, stress-free remodel:
By following these steps, you’ll be setting yourself up for a successful project that not only improves your home but also enhances your daily life. If you’re ready to take the first step toward your dream kitchen or bathroom, our team at JSB Home Solutions is here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t let the fear of remodeling hold you back—let’s turn that vision into a reality. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started on your stress-free remodeling journey!