Modern Vintage


The Emotional Rollercoaster of Remodeling—And How to Ride It Out

carpenter standing on ladder outside

What to Expect During a Remodel

Remodeling isn’t just a construction project—it’s an emotional journey. From the thrill of new ideas to the stress of dust and decisions, understanding what to expect during a remodel is crucial. Every stage brings its own highs and lows. In this guide, we walk you through what to expect during a remodel—step by step—so you can ride the emotional rollercoaster with confidence, clarity, and a trusted team by your side.

1. The Honeymoon Phase

You’re excited, inspired, and ready to start. We begin with a conversation and a no-pressure visit to your home, where we listen, assess, and walk you through the process. Once you’re ready to move forward, our Design & Development Agreement sets the stage for thoughtful planning—so your vision is clear, your budget is grounded, and your project stays on track.


How we support you: We help you take that initial excitement and turn it into a solid plan—one that honors your home and avoids surprises later on.

designer and production manager sitting at a work table
Our experienced design and production team to the rescue! They’ll take it from here and make sure every detail is executed flawlessly.

2. Where Excitement Meets Decisions

Now we are in the design phase. This is where the ideas in your head start coming to life. You’ll begin to see what your future home could look like—and that’s both exciting and emotional. It’s where dreams meet real decisions. Sometimes it’s fun, sometimes it’s hard—but always worth it, knowing what to expect during a remodel.


How we support you: We listen closely, offer honest guidance, and work with you to shape a design that feels like you—beautiful, functional, and grounded in what matters most.

tile on a table laid out
Color, size, shape—every detail matters.
Shopping with your designer to choose finishes that beautifully complement the character of your home.

3. The Decision Overload

As details pile up—tile, hardware, lighting—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We break it down into manageable steps, guide you through selections, and keep the end goal in focus. You’re never alone in the process, knowing what to expect during a remodel can alleviate stress.


How we support you: We organize the chaos, offer clear direction, and help you make confident choices without second-guessing every detail.

two dogs on a temporary porch
A temporary staircase for people and pets while the porch remodel is underway. Safety and function come first—even mid-project.

4. The Messy Middle

The walls come down, and real work begins. It’s loud. It’s dusty. Your space feels more like a job site than a home—and that can be unsettling, even when you’re prepared. Knowing what to expect during a remodel can help in managing expectations.


How we support you: We set up temporary solutions to help you function during construction, keep the job site clean, and work as efficiently as possible. Our crew is respectful of your home and your routines—because remodeling should feel exciting, not chaotic.

in progress home remodeling project with floor protection
An old porch is midway through becoming a connected part of the home.
Want to see the final result?

5. When It Starts to Feel Real

The dust is settling, and now the good stuff starts going in—trim, cabinets, tile, paint. Your vision starts to take shape, and suddenly, you can see it. The finish line is in sight, and the excitement returns as your space transforms before your eyes.

How we support you: We keep you informed and involved as the pieces come together. Our attention to detail and craftsmanship ensures your space looks and feels just how you imagined—only better.

6. The Big Reveal

The moment you’ve been waiting for—walking into your new space for the first time. We go through every detail with you to ensure it meets our standards—and yours. This is when it all becomes real, and you see your home reimagined for the way you live today.

How we support you: We don’t just finish the job—we finish it well. With care, communication, and a final walkthrough to ensure you love every corner.

7. The One-Year Check-In

A year later, we come back to make sure everything still feels right. We’ll make adjustments if needed and answer any lingering questions—because good design should stand the test of time, and so should our relationship with you. Reflecting on what to expect during a remodel helps evaluate the experience.

How we support you: We stay in touch long after the work is done—because our commitment to your home doesn’t end when the tools are packed up.

Tell me about your home!

As I’ve worked on houses, the ones that fascinate me most are the ones with old architecture. I love the lines, and proportions, and details, and seeing how they all work together. And also the challenge that presents, to build something new that seamlessly ties in with the old, that will last a hundred years.

Highlights