Embarking on a home renovation is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether modernizing a kitchen, reimagining your living room, or overhauling your entire home, success comes down to strategic planning, thoughtful design, and smart decision-making.
With guidance from seasoned Scarborough real estate professionals like The Scoville Foley Team, you can remodel with confidence, enhancing not only your lifestyle but your home’s value as well.
Below, we’ve compiled essential tips to help ensure your home remodel goes smoothly from start to finish.
1. Define Your Why and Set Clear Goals
Before hammer meets nail, take time to identify the purpose of your remodel. Are you upgrading for personal enjoyment, increasing resale value, or preparing for a new family dynamic?
Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
For example:
- “Create a more open-concept kitchen to host family dinners by Thanksgiving.”
- “Upgrade bathrooms to appeal to potential buyers and increase home value.”
Clarity upfront helps guide every decision, from budget allocation to design choices.
2. Partner with the Right Experts
DIY can only take you so far. Working with the right professionals ensures efficiency, quality, and compliance. If you're in Southern Maine, The Scoville Foley Team brings invaluable market knowledge and renovation insight, especially if your remodel is geared toward selling or investing.
They can:
- Recommend trusted local contractors and designers
- Advise on upgrades that yield the highest return
- Help navigate permits and local regulations
Pro Tip: Hire professionals early. Their input can help shape the project scope, timeline, and budget from the start.
3. Create a Realistic Budget (and Add a Cushion)
Costs add up quickly during renovations. Building a detailed budget protects you from mid-project surprises.
Include:
- Labor and materials
- Permit fees
- Designer fees
- Temporary housing or storage (if needed)
- Contingency fund (ideally 10 to 20 percent)
Budgeting also means understanding where to splurge and where to save. High-impact areas like kitchens and bathrooms may justify premium finishes, while cosmetic updates in secondary rooms can be more modest.
4. Prioritize Projects That Add Long-Term Value
Not all renovations are equal when it comes to return on investment. With insight from The Scoville Foley Team, you can focus on improvements that boost both enjoyment and property value.
Popular choices include:
- Kitchen remodels. A modern, functional kitchen is a major selling point.
- Bathroom updates. Replacing old fixtures and adding new tile goes a long way.
- Energy efficiency. Upgrading windows, insulation, or HVAC reduces long-term costs.
- Open floor plans. Today’s buyers love open, connected living spaces.
Keep your market in mind. The Scoville Foley Team can provide hyperlocal insights for what buyers seek in Scarborough and the surrounding areas.
5. Stay Organized with a Renovation Timeline
A clear timeline helps keep your remodel on track and minimizes stress. Discuss milestones with your contractor, such as:
- Design finalization
- Permit approvals
- Demolition start
- Electrical and plumbing updates
- Inspections
- Finish work and cleanup
Factor in lead times for materials (especially custom items) and build in flexibility for the unexpected.
Bonus Tip: Use project management apps or a simple spreadsheet to track progress, budget, and deadlines.
6. Get Inspired, But Stay True to Your Style
Pinterest, Instagram, and design shows offer endless inspiration, but not every trend fits every home. Choose a style that complements your home’s architecture and your lifestyle.
If you’re remodeling to sell, neutral palettes, timeless finishes, and clean lines appeal to a wider audience. For personal renovations, blend trends with elements that reflect your personality.
Consider working with a local designer or staging professional. The Scoville Foley Team can refer experienced partners who know the Scarborough aesthetic.
7. Communicate Openly and Frequently
Open lines of communication between you, your contractor, and any other professionals involved are key to avoiding delays or misunderstandings.
- Have regular check-ins
- Confirm decisions in writing
- Don’t be afraid to speak up if something feels off
Transparency creates a more positive working relationship and a smoother remodel overall.
8. Prepare for Disruption
Even the best-planned renovation can be disruptive. Prepare mentally and logistically, especially if you plan to live in your home during construction.
- Seal off work zones to limit dust
- Set up a temporary kitchen or bathroom if those areas are being redone
- Arrange child or pet care as needed
And remember, it’s temporary. Stay focused on the outcome and lean on your team for support.
9. Don’t Cut Corners on Permits or Safety
Permits might feel like red tape, but they protect your investment and ensure everything is up to code. Working with licensed professionals and pulling proper permits also matters if you plan to sell. Home inspectors will flag unpermitted work.
The Scoville Foley Team can help ensure your remodel won’t become a future liability during resale.
10. Celebrate the Transformation
Once the dust settles, take time to appreciate your hard work. Whether you're staying in your home or preparing to list it, your newly remodeled space deserves a toast.
Consider before-and-after photos to document the journey, or showcase your space in a listing with professional photography arranged through The Scoville Foley Team if you're ready to sell.
Final Thoughts
A successful home remodel blends creativity with strategy. With clear goals, the right partners, and a solid plan, your renovation can be an incredibly rewarding experience. In Southern Maine, The Scoville Foley Team is an exceptional resource offering local expertise, real estate insight, and trusted connections to help guide your remodeling journey.
Whether you're dreaming, designing, or ready to demo, reach out to The Scoville Foley Team for personalized advice tailored to your home and goals.
