As the year winds down, you may be thinking to yourself:

“I know I would like to do our remodel project in the coming year… but where do I even start?”

If that’s you, you’re not alone. At TRS Build, this is one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners who feel overwhelmed at the idea of remodeling their home, and it’s why we’re making this the second topic in our FAQ blog series.

Think of this as your 2026 Remodeling Checklist, a simple, step-by-step way to move from “I’ve been thinking about it” to “We’re really doing this!”

Read more below, or scroll to the bottom to download your PDF quick resource sheet!

Step 1: Clarify Your “Why” 

Before you look at tile samples or start scrolling on Pinterest, get clear on why you want to remodel.

Ask yourself:

• What isn’t working in your home today?
  
  
• What feels too small, too dark, or not functional?
  
  
• What would make everyday life and/or special occasions easier or more enjoyable?

• What improvements could make you proud to have family and friends over to your home?

Some common why's we hear form our clients include:

• We need more space when parents, children, or grandchildren come to visit

• I've been working from home for years and need a more private office space

• I don't enjoy having guests over because my home is outdated and I don't have a nice outdoor area

• We love our neighborhood, but we hate our kitchen

• We want to be able to age in place and need all spaces in our home to be easy to access, navigate, and use

• We want our home to encourage connection with our kids and neighbors

• Our home is too dark, we wanting to change the overall feel to be lighter, brighter, serene or adventurous

Write your reasons down, consider starting a notebook or shared electronic file. Your list could become your north star when making design and budget decisions later.

(Note that for couples thinking of embarking on a remodel together - don’t be surprised if you each have a different "why." No worries! We can work with you to find options that ensure everyone’s needs are met.)

Step 2: Decide on Spaces and Priorities

Next, think about which areas of your home should be addressed first. You don’t have to do everything at once (unless you want to).

Common starting points:

• Kitchen remodel: the heart of the home, and often the space that impacts daily life the most.
  
  
• Primary suite: update your main bedroom + primary bathroom + closet to create a true retreat.
  
  
• Bathrooms: updating dated finishes, improving and/or expanding the layout, getting rid of the rub for a larger walk in shower.
  
  
• Living & dining areas: opening up walls, adding light, improving flow.
  
  
• Home addition: adding square footage for a guest suite, office, playroom, or larger kitchen.
  
  

Decide:

• Must-do for 2026,  what can’t wait?
  
  
• Nice-to-have,  what could be part of a phase 2 in the future?
  
  

Having a phased mindset helps you plan realistically without losing sight of the bigger vision. This is another area where having a firm skilled in home design and construction by your side may be just what you need to help you think through options for what can be done in a future phase, and where you can find economies of scope when doing certain aspects of the project together.

Step 3: Get Comfortable With a Budget Range

You don’t need an exact number right away, but you do need a comfort zone.

Think about:

• How much are you willing to invest in your home in 2026?
  
  
• Would you use using savings, home equity, financing, or other resources?
  
  
• What feels comfortable for you and your family?
  
  

A design–build firm like TRS Build will help you understand how scope, selections, and structural changes influence your budget. When we talk with homeowners, we walk through:

• The spaces you want to remodel
  
  
• Whether you’re keeping the same footprint or changing walls
  
  
• The level of finishes you’re hoping for (good, better, best)
  
  

Throughout our process, our goal is to align your vision, scope, and budget early, and provide the insights and guidance you need to make informed decisions in all of these areas.

Step 4: Think About Timing (Life Timing, Not Just Calendar Dates)

Remodeling isn’t just about construction schedules, it’s about your life timing.

Consider:

• Do you want the project finished before a big event (graduation, new baby, retirement, holidays, long-term guests)?
  
  
• Are there months when construction would be especially stressful (busy sports seasons, major work deadlines)?
  
  
• Are you hoping to be living in the home during construction, or are you willing and able to be away for all or part of it?
  
  

Most remodeling projects involve several phases (Discovery/Design/Permitting), several of which need to be completed before the first hammer swings. Together, these Pre-Construction activities will take several months before the work on the ground takes place.

Getting started early on Discovery and Design means you’re more likely to hit the timing that matters most to you.

Step 5: Gather Inspiration (But Make It Practical)

Yes, this is the fun part: saving photos, pinning ideas, and dreaming a little. You can peruse our project galleries for inspiration for your Kitchen or Bath   Remodel, Whole Home Transformation, Deck, Patio and Outdoor Kitchen,  or new Custom Home or Addition.

As you collect inspiration, note:

• What you like about each image (color palette, layout, cabinetry style, lighting, tile, etc.)
  
  
• How you want the space to feel (cozy, bright, minimal, warm, sophisticated…)
  
  
• Any must-have features (large island with seating, walk-in shower, freestanding tub, built-in storage, mudroom, etc.)

• What is your overall budget -  we work with our clients to help balance inspiration with investment. As you share photos to help us understand what you love, we’ll discuss which elements are budget-friendly and which may require adjustments or alternatives.
  
  

Some people are able to think through all of these on their own, whereas others really need the help of a Designer to help them define their goals. A good Designer will help you translate what you’re drawn to into realistic, buildable plans that fit with your home’s architecture and your budget.

Step 6: Choose the Right Team 

When starting to reach out to professionals about your project, it is helpful if you can provide: 

• Your goals and “must haves”
  
  
• A list of the spaces you want to remodel or expand
  
  
• A budget range and priorities for the project
  
  
• A sense for the timeline you would like to meet
  
  

You don’t need all the answers before you reach out to us, we can help you think through, clarify, and specify any of these items as well.

Ready to Make 2026 the Year You Love Your Home Again?

If you’ve been thinking about remodeling for a while, this might be the sign you’ve been waiting for.

Whether you’re dreaming of:

• A new casita, garage or custom home

• A brighter, more open kitchen

• A whole home refresh

• An addition that finally gives you the space you need

• Or a spa-like primary bath
  
  

We at TRS Build are here to walk you through every step, from that very first “Where do I start?” to the moment you walk into your finished space.

Contact us and choose from a virtual or in-home consultation today, and let us help you envision your dream home for 2026, and then make it a reality!