Design Vogue

This story is a part of our Old House New Issue, where we explore why people are no longer moving in 2024, and how to renovate your current home to make it work for you. To learn more about where to start on home renos, which projects to prioritize, and how to love the home you have, check out our full issue here.

If you're wondering just how to begin prioritizing home projects or kick off renovations when you're on a budget, don't fret. We spoke with a range of architecture and design professionals who weigh in with useful tips regarding what to keep top of mind when it comes to hiring a team, starting on upgrades, and more.

This way, you won't make mistakes in the process and design a home that you'll be happy to live in—and grow in—for many years to come.

Work With a Licensed Professional

When going about a home renovation, the first step to take—one that will ensure you're going to address your needs and concerns throughout the process—is to work with a licensed professional, says Cathleen Gruver, the founder of Gruver Cooley Interiors.

"It may be one of your bigger costs associated with the project, but you will know that your renovation will be done well and to code so there are no safety concerns," she says.

Additionally, it turns out that investing in a pro can actually help you to save some of your hard-earned cash in the long run.

"These professionals also usually come with information on where to spend versus splurge and what is a quality material or fixture," Gruver explains. "They have trade relationships which can be helpful if you ever have issues down the line."

Meeting with a pro can also be helpful in order to better determine how long your project will take to complete and how much you can expect to spend on the entire renovation.

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Determine Your Priorities

Everyone's renovation priorities will be different, and you will want to identify yours from the get-go to ensure that you are updating your home to reflect your most immediate needs. Sydney Katz, the founder of SDK Architecture, explains to figure out whether your renovation is geared toward increasing value for a future sale or you're renovating for your own function and enjoyment.

Katz notes that in instances where adding value is one's top priority, it's wise to increase bedroom and bathroom counts within the home specifically. If you live in an older house, adding an en-suite bath to a primary bedroom will increase value and bring a big lifestyle upgrade, Katz says.

Group Projects Together

While making a list of priorities is important, you will also want to figure out if there are any projects that you can check off of your list simultaneously. While it may seem stressful to think about more than one upgrade at a time, it pays off—literally. Combining a few projects at once will end up saving you money in the long run, Katz explains.

"Each project has a mobilization cost, so the more you can do at once means fewer separate projects and fewer mobilizations," she says.

Choose Quality, Long Lasting Materials

Investing a little more in your materials up front will pay dividends in the long run, says Michael Winn, the founder of Winn Design + Build.

"While it might be tempting to opt for cheaper alternatives, they can cost more in the long run due to repairs or replacements," he says. "Discuss options with your builder to find materials that fit both your budget and standards."

With that, Winn also advises focusing on the long term during a renovation as it pertains to how you plan to live in your home down the line. If you're going to spend the time and money to upgrade your space, you may as well ensure that it can accommodate possible lifestyle changes down the road.

Winn explains how your renovation will meet your needs now and in the future. Leaning towards an adaptable design can accommodate changing lifestyles and save you money on future modifications.

This may mean making updates that will better allow you to age in place or adding rooms for in-laws or grandchildren depending on your stage of life when kicking off your renovation.