How to Plan for Your Orange County Home Renovation

Starting a renovation can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming, and when it’s an Orange County home renovation, the stakes can feel even higher. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or embarking on a ground-up remodel, the key to a successful project is thorough proper planning. 

At Terri Brien Interiors, we specialize in high-end residential design that balances effortless luxury with functionality. Our process takes the guesswork out of renovation, working alongside you and your contractors to create a space that is not only beautiful but will elevate your daily lives.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning your home renovation and how our team ensures a seamless, thoughtful experience from start to finish.

Define Your Vision and Goals – Creating a Scope of Work

Before diving into any renovation project, it’s essential to take a step back and define what you want to achieve. Determine the areas of the home you plan to remodel, the specific changes you wish to make and the overall goals. Consider your daily routines in each space you’re planning to renovate. How do you currently use the space? What works, what doesn’t, and what could make your routines more effortless and enjoyable? 

Make a list of these elements for each room or area. Whether you’re reimagining a kitchen layout, optimizing your bathroom for more functionality, or looking to modernize a dated home, having a clear understanding of your needs and desires will help guide the design and planning process. The more detailed and thoughtful you are in this stage, the smoother the entire renovation will be.

Don’t worry if you’re unsure of what to do with all this information, your designer will take all of this information and incorporate it into a cohesive design plan.

Set a Realistic investment level

An essential part of planning any Orange County home renovation is setting a realistic investment level. Start by creating a spreadsheet, listing each space you plan to remodel. Do your research on the costs of the elements that will be needed for your project. Keep in mind the size and extent of the remodel will heavily influence the actual cost—there is no one-size-fits-all for remodels, but this will give you a general idea.

Consider the types of materials you want to use and adjust accordingly (I wouldn’t adjust any lower than the averages you see online; in fact, I would adjust up). Orange County, and the rest of  Southern California, has been experiencing labor shortages, which have driven up the cost of labor significantly, so be prepared for bids that come in higher than expected. Renovations can come with unexpected costs, so it’s important to leave room for contingencies. Depending on the size of the project, it is recommended to have at least a 10-25% contingency.

While we work closely with contractors to stay within the investment level, there are often elements beyond our control in a construction project, such as material delays or issues that arise once walls are opened. Don’t forget to factor in additional expenses such as permits, waste disposal, storage, and any lodgings that may be necessary during the remodel.

Let’s not forget the furnishing and/or styling of your newly completed spaces, because I guarantee you won’t want to load up your beautifully designed new space with everything that was in there before the remodel. If possible, allocate an additional investment level to furniture and styling— I’d suggest a minimum of 25%.

Finally, going back to the project scope, prioritize your goals so you can prioritize your expenditures. Identify where you are willing to splurge and where you may want to save. Allocate additional funds to items that will make the most significant impact on the overall design or your enjoyment of the space.

At Terri Brien Interiors, we help our clients establish an investment level upfront. We collaborate with contractors and trades early on to ensure that both design and construction elements align with the total projected investment level. We also present options that match your investment level, while keeping your long-term goals in mind.

Hire the Right Team

One of the most critical aspects of your Orange County home renovation is hiring the right team of professionals. A successful renovation requires a collaborative partnership between your interior designer, architect and contractor. All parties should be aligned on the vision, schedule, and goals for the project.

We work closely with your contractor to ensure the design vision is seamlessly executed. Our ground-up and renovation services include design concept development, sourcing, and specification of materials, furnishings, and finishes, along with project oversight. From collaborating on construction timelines and site walks with trades to managing the installation of bespoke pieces, we make sure no detail is overlooked.

Understanding the Project Timeline

Once your vision and team are in place, it’s time to discuss a realistic timeline for your renovation. Factors such as the scale of the project, material availability, and contractor schedules will all impact how long your renovation will take. If you’re planning a construction start from September through the end of the year, it’s important to know that the holidays can significantly affect the schedule. A good contractor will pad the projected schedule to account for potential delays, especially for custom pieces or specialized work.

Prepare for the Renovation

Renovation projects can cause major disruptions to your daily life, so it’s important to plan and account for any indirect costs. Whether you’ll need to temporarily move out or stay in part of the home during the work, you’ll need to consider how dust, noise, and construction will impact your living situation. The home may be without electricity and running water from time to time. You may also find yourself without a functioning kitchen, bathrooms, or laundry room, depending on the scope of the project.
 
We suggest purging your home of any clutter and unnecessary items before the renovation begins. Clear out rooms that will be under construction and consider renting a storage pod or using off-site storage for furniture and décor. In addition to budgeting for the renovation itself, make sure to plan for costs associated with temporary housing, such as a hotel or Airbnb, as well as storage solutions. Factoring these into your planning will ensure your family’s comfort and convenience throughout the renovation process.

Trust the Process

An Orange County home renovation can feel overwhelming at times, especially when changes or challenges arise. But that’s why you hired us! At Terri Brien Interiors, we remove the guesswork of the design and project oversight so that you can focus on what matters most – enjoying the transformation of your home. We handle every detail, from coordinating deliveries to managing contractors, and of course, keeping the design on track. Our job is to make your life easier and your home beautiful.

The Reveal: Bringing the Vision to Life

The final stage of your renovation is the installation and reveal. This is where the magic happens—our carefully selected furnishings, finishes, and decor come together to complete the space. We always encourage clients to leave the site during installation so that we can work without interruptions and provide you with that “wow” moment when you see everything finished.

Our team coordinates movers, art hangers, and any additional tradespeople needed for the finishing touches. Depending on the size of your project, this phase may take several days. But rest assured, we’re just as excited as you are to bring the design to life.

Ready to Plan Your Orange County Home Renovation?

Planning home renovation doesn’t have to be stressful. By hiring a professional Orange County interior design team like Terri Brien Interiors, you’re ensuring a smooth, thoughtful process with expert guidance at every step. From the initial concept to the final reveal, we’re here to make your home renovation experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

If you’re ready to transform your space, we’d love to hear from you. Head over to our contact page and schedule a discovery call. Let’s create something beautiful together.