To remodel your home with confidence, define your goals, set a realistic budget with a 10 to 20 percent contingency, check permit requirements, hire a licensed and insured contractor, get a detailed written contract, choose materials early, and plan for disruption and delays. Following these steps in order helps first-time homeowners avoid the most common and costly mistakes.
Your first remodel is exciting and a little intimidating. You’re making big decisions with real money, and nobody hands you a manual. The good news is that most remodeling problems come from skipped steps, not bad luck.
At Daniel J. Olson Construction in Spokane, WA, we’ve walked many first-time homeowners through this process. Here’s the checklist we wish every homeowner had before the first wall comes down.
Phase 1: Define What You Want and Why
Checklist:
- Write down why you’re remodeling: more space, better function, updated style, higher resale value, or fixing problems
- Separate needs (a leaking roof, outdated wiring) from wants (a double oven, heated floors)
- Collect inspiration photos from Pinterest, magazines, and homes you like
- Decide how long you plan to stay in the home
- Rank your projects by priority if you’re considering several
If you’re planning to sell within a few years, focus on projects buyers value. If you’re staying long term, spend on what improves your daily life.
Phase 2: Inspect Your Home First
Before you design anything, understand what you’re working with.
- Hire a home inspector if you haven’t recently
- Check for hidden issues: water damage, mold, outdated electrical, aging plumbing, foundation cracks
- Ask whether your home was built before 1978, since lead-based paint may be present
- Ask about asbestos in older materials such as flooring, insulation, and ceiling texture
- Note any structural walls you want to move
Homes in older Spokane neighborhoods can hold surprises behind the walls. Finding them early is far cheaper than discovering them mid-demolition.
Phase 3: Build a Realistic Budget
Checklist:
- Decide what you can afford and how you’ll pay (savings, home equity loan, HELOC, renovation loan)
- Get a general idea of costs for your project type from several local sources
- Add a contingency fund of 10 to 20 percent for surprises
- Include costs people forget: permits, design fees, temporary housing, dumpster rental, cleanup, and furniture
- Track every expense in one spreadsheet
Costs vary widely by scope, materials, and the condition of your home, so beware of any number you see online without context. A written, itemized estimate from a local contractor is far more reliable.
Phase 4: Check Permits and Local Rules
Most structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work requires permits. Rules differ by city and county.
- Contact your local building department to ask what your project requires (City of Spokane, Spokane County, or your city’s office)
- Find out whether your home sits in an HOA with its own approval process
- Ask who pulls the permits. Your contractor usually handles this, but confirm it in writing
- Understand inspection stages and who schedules them
- Never skip permits to save time. Unpermitted work can cause trouble with insurance, resale, and safety
Phase 5: Hire the Right Contractor
This is the decision that shapes everything else.
Checklist:
- Get at least three written bids for comparison
- Verify the contractor’s Washington State contractor registration through the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)
- Confirm liability insurance and bonding
- Ask for references and recent project photos
- Read online reviews, looking for patterns
- Ask who will actually be on site day to day
- Ask about subcontractors and how they’re managed
- Avoid contractors who demand large cash deposits or pressure you to sign immediately
In Washington, contractors must be registered with L&I, and you can look up a contractor’s status, bond, and any violations on the L&I website before you sign.
Phase 6: Get Everything in Writing
A solid contract protects both you and the contractor.
- Detailed scope of work
- Itemized pricing and payment schedule
- Start date and estimated completion date
- Materials and brands to be used, or allowances for items you’ll select
- Process for change orders, so added work is priced and approved in writing
- Warranty terms
- Cleanup and debris removal
- Cancellation rights
Payments should be tied to progress, not made entirely upfront. If something in the contract is unclear, ask questions before you sign.
Phase 7: Plan Design and Select Materials Early
Delays often come from late decisions and backordered products.
- Finalize layout and design before work begins
- Choose major materials: cabinets, countertops, flooring, tile, windows, fixtures, appliances
- Check lead times, since some items take weeks or months to arrive
- Order long-lead items early
- Keep samples and spec sheets in one folder
- Consider Spokane’s climate when choosing windows, insulation, and exterior materials, since we deal with cold winters and hot, dry summers
Phase 8: Prepare Your Household
Remodeling is disruptive, even when it goes smoothly.
- Decide where you’ll live, cook, and bathe during the project
- Set up a temporary kitchen if the kitchen is being remodeled (microwave, hot plate, mini fridge)
- Protect or move belongings and furniture
- Plan for dust, noise, and workers coming and going
- Arrange for pets and children’s safety
- Agree on daily work hours and access rules
- Choose one point of contact for communication
Phase 9: During Construction
- Walk the site regularly and ask questions
- Take photos at each stage, especially before walls are closed
- Keep a log of decisions and changes
- Approve all changes in writing
- Be available to make quick decisions
- Expect some delays. Weather, inspections, and supply issues happen
- Hold weekly check-ins with your contractor
Phase 10: Final Walkthrough and Closeout
- Walk through the whole project with your contractor
- Create a punch list of unfinished or incorrect items
- Confirm all permits have passed final inspection
- Collect warranties, manuals, and product information
- Get lien waivers or releases as appropriate
- Make final payment only after the punch list is complete and you are satisfied
- Save all documents for future resale or insurance needs
Which Projects Should First-Timers Start With?
If you’re unsure where to begin, these are common starting points:
- Kitchen updates: Often the most used and most valued room
- Bathroom remodel: Smaller footprint, but plumbing adds complexity
- Flooring: A fresh look that transforms a space
- Energy upgrades: Insulation, windows, and heating can reduce long-term costs
- Basement or attic finishing: Adds living space, though moisture and code requirements matter
- Exterior and curb appeal: Siding, roofing, and entryways
A small, well-run first project builds confidence for bigger ones later.
Common First-Time Remodeling Mistakes
- Underestimating the budget and skipping a contingency
- Choosing the lowest bid without comparing scope
- Starting before design is finished
- Skipping permits
- Making verbal agreements that aren’t documented
- Ignoring hidden problems inside walls, floors, and ceilings
- Not planning for life during construction
- Changing your mind midstream, which can drive up costs and delay completion
Remodeling in Spokane: Local Considerations
Spokane homes range from historic properties on the South Hill to newer builds in the Valley and North Side, and each comes with its own quirks. Older homes may need electrical or plumbing updates. Winter weather can affect exterior schedules. Many neighborhoods have their own character that is worth respecting in your design. A local contractor who knows the area’s codes, climate, and housing stock can save you time and surprises.
Work With a Local Spokane Contractor
Daniel J. Olson Construction helps homeowners in Spokane, WA plan and complete remodeling projects with clear communication and careful craftsmanship. If you’re feeling unsure where to start, we’re happy to talk through your goals and give you honest guidance.
Ready to plan your remodel? Contact Daniel J. Olson Construction in Spokane, WA to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first when remodeling a house?
Start by defining your goals and priorities, then inspect your home for hidden issues, set a realistic budget, and check permit requirements before you hire a contractor.
How much should I budget for a home remodel?
It depends on the project’s size, materials, and your home’s condition. Get itemized written bids from licensed contractors, and add a 10 to 20 percent contingency for surprises.
Do I need a permit to remodel my house?
Often yes, especially for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Check with your local building department, and confirm with your contractor who will pull the permits.
How do I find a trustworthy contractor in Washington?
Verify registration with the Washington Department of Labor & Industries, confirm insurance and bonding, check references and reviews, and compare at least three written bids.
How long does a remodel take?
Timelines vary widely. A bathroom might take a few weeks, while a whole-home remodel can take months. Ask your contractor for a written schedule and expect some flexibility.
Should I live in my home during a remodel?
It’s possible for smaller projects, but kitchens, bathrooms, and large remodels can be disruptive. Plan for temporary arrangements or consider staying elsewhere during the messiest phases.