Topic:
Older Home Renovation
Major renovations involve far more than materials and floor plans—they require judgment, timing, and the right partners.
As we look ahead in 2026, homeowners approaching renovation decisions face increased construction costs, tighter timelines, and the need to adapt complex lifestyles to the design and construction process. Successful renovation projects rely on preparation and experienced guidance.
In this Q&A, we address the most common (and consequential) questions homeowners ask when planning a renovation. We offer insights grounded in decades of hands-on experience guiding complex residential design projects.
1. Is it better to remodel before moving into a new home—or after?
Whenever possible, completing major renovations before move-in remains the most comfortable and efficient approach. Construction introduces dust, noise, and daily disruption—conditions that are far easier to manage in an unoccupied home.
That said, many 2026 homeowners are choosing phased renovations due to timing, inventory constraints, or financial considerations. In these cases, working with a team experienced in occupied homes becomes essential.
There is an advantage to living on site through the renovation process. The homeowner has the opportunity to interact regularly with the team and see the progress each day. This provides an opportunity to become comfortable with the decisions made during the design period.
2. Are there any downsides to remodeling before moving in?
The primary drawback is financial overlap—carrying two residences, whether through mortgages or short-term rentals. For many homeowners, this reality shapes a more strategic approach.
A common solution is prioritizing early phases—demolition, flooring, and dust-intensive work—before move-in, then completing more contained construction once the home is occupied.
3. How should we prepare our home before renovation begins?
Preparation continues to be one of the most overlooked factors in renovation success. Ahead of construction, homeowners should:
- Secure or remove breakable and high-value items
- Decide whether furniture will be fully removed or shifted in phases
- Clarify expectations around protection, access, and daily routines
As projects become more complex in 2026, clear preparation decisions allow work to proceed efficiently and reduce avoidable stress.
4. What are the most important questions to ask when interviewing renovation partners?
Three questions consistently separate well-run projects from frustrating ones:
- Can you provide references for projects similar in scale and complexity to mine?
- Can I visit completed work in person?
- How do you manage quality, timing, and staffing simultaneously?
Reputation matters—but execution matters more.
5. Is our project better suited to a full-service design-build firm or a specialty kitchen & bath company?
As homes age and systems become more interconnected, integrated design-build teams offer clear advantages. Housing design, architecture, procurement, and construction provided by one company improves coordination and accountability.
For projects involving older homes, structural changes, or multiple systems, this integration reduces risk and increases predictability.
6. How much should we invest relative to our home’s value?
A long-standing guideline remains relevant in 2026: investing up to 25% of a home’s value is generally sound for homeowners planning to stay five years or more.
While markets fluctuate, well-executed renovations—particularly kitchens and primary living spaces—continue to support long-term value and marketability.
7. How do families manage meals during a kitchen renovation?
Temporary kitchens remain a practical solution (see example below). By deconstructing the kitchen and moving it into an adjacent space outside the construction area, families can maintain daily routines while construction progresses. The temporary kitchen is composed of all the components of the old kitchen (appliances, countertops, sink, faucet, cabinets).
Advance planning ensures these temporary setups function safely and comfortably.
The following image is a temporary kitchen in an area of the home not being remodeled.
8. How do we avoid investing in a design that exceeds our budget?
The most reliable safeguard is early, realistic pricing tied directly to schematic design. Once drawings exist, costs should be clearly defined—allowing homeowners to adjust scope before significant design fees accumulate.
In 2026, transparency between design intent and cost remains non-negotiable. Working with a design-build firm is the best assurance of budget accuracy.
9. Should we choose a kitchen island or a wraparound peninsula?
Across decades of projects, islands continue to outperform peninsulas. They improve circulation, support multiple users, and allow kitchens to function more naturally during everyday use.
Many homeowners who inherit peninsulas from previous homeowners eventually remove them—often wishing they had done so sooner.
10. How can we ensure we hire the right remodeling firm?
Beyond portfolios and pricing, renovations succeed when personalities align. Homeowners benefit from meeting not just sales representatives, but also designers, project managers, and leadership.
Renovation is a collaborative process—comfort, trust, and communication matter.
11. Can we improve our home’s functionality without adding square footage?
In many cases, yes. Reconfiguring circulation, relocating doors or windows, and making selective structural adjustments can dramatically improve how a home performs—without expanding its footprint.
These solutions require architectural and interior design planning combined with construction expertise working together from the outset.
Planning Ahead for a Home Renovation in 2026
As renovation planning becomes more complex, the most successful projects begin with informed questions and experienced partners. Thoughtful preparation, realistic expectations, and integrated expertise remain the foundation of renovations that endure—both functionally and architecturally.
Are you interested to learn more about the benefits of a home renovation, then please consider downloading the free eBook titled "The Essential Elements of Renovating an Older Home." If you are interested in renovations for your home and are curious about how to maximize the space you have to work with, contact Gilday today!
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