Podcast for Homeowners Preparing to Renovate
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18: Don’t Start the Design of Your Renovation Until You Solve These 3 Function Issues
Why Your Remodel Feels Overwhelming (Before You’ve Even Picked a Paint Color)
If you’re already feeling overwhelmed and you haven’t even chosen tile yet, this episode is for you.
I see this happen all the time: homeowners jump straight to Pinterest, start pinning finishes, and then hit a wall. Decisions pile up. Doubt creeps in. Suddenly, you’re redoing layouts, second-guessing choices, and wondering why this feels so hard.
It’s not because you’re bad at decisions.
It’s because function wasn’t solved first.
In this episode of Preparing for Your Home Remodel, I walk you through the three functional issues you must address before touching design—so you don’t burn out, backtrack, or redo work later.
The Biggest Remodel Mistake I See Homeowners Make
You know what you like.
But pulling everything together feels overwhelming.
That’s because design decisions don’t exist in a vacuum. Function and design are deeply connected, and when function is ignored early, it forces you to undo work later.
Redoing work leads to:
Decision fatigue
Burnout
Feeling behind before construction even starts
My goal is simple: save you time, energy, and overwhelm by solving the right problems first.
The 3 Functional Issues to Solve Before Design
Before paint colors.
Before countertops.
Before tile or fixtures.
These three things should always come first.
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#1 Storage:
Where Does Everything Live?
Most homes don’t have enough storage. Period.
And when storage isn’t intentional:
Things get shoved into random places
Closets become black holes
Daily life feels cluttered and chaotic
I worked with a young family renovating their forever home. Storage was the priority. My favorite solution?
We turned an awkward under-the-stairs closet into a functional nook with hooks and accessible storage, and converted the leftover space into pantry storage they desperately needed.
Not glamorous—but life-changing.
Ask yourself:
Where do I feel cramped or cluttered?
Where is space being wasted?
Does everything actually have a “home”?
Good storage makes your home feel calmer instantly.
#2 Layout:
Just Because It’s Cheaper Doesn’t Mean It’s Better
Yes, keeping plumbing and walls in place can save money.
But you’re already investing a significant amount in a remodel—it’s worth exploring whether the layout could work harder for you.
Sometimes the best solution means:
Reworking the footprint
Stealing space from underused areas
Looking at the room without focusing on what’s currently there
One client wanted a better primary suite. We reimagined the layout, relocated bedrooms, and created a space that functioned 10x better—without losing resale value.
Don’t dismiss layout changes too quickly.
Exploring options doesn’t mean committing to them.
What Actually Drives You Crazy?
You’re not renovating just because your home is outdated.
Something isn’t working.
Maybe:
A door blocks a drawer
Cabinets slam shut
Storage doesn’t match how you live
The flow just feels… off
These daily frustrations matter more than finishes.
If you don’t solve them first, they’ll resurface later—and force you to redo plans after you’ve already invested time and energy into design.
Why Function Comes Before the Fun Stuff
I know Pinterest is tempting. I get it.
But here’s the truth: functional decisions impact design decisions.
If you:
Design first
Select finishes
Finalize aesthetics
…and then realize the layout or storage doesn’t work?
You’ll be redoing drawings, rethinking plans, and reliving decisions you already made.
That’s exactly what I’m trying to save you from.
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The Big Takeaway
When you solve function first:
✔ You avoid redoing work
✔ You reduce decision fatigue
✔ Your design comes together faster
✔ Your remodel feels manageable—not overwhelming
Function isn’t boring…
it’s the foundation that makes everything else work.
Ready to Feel Confident Instead of Overwhelmed?
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Preparing for Your Home Remodel to hear:
Real project examples
How function and design affect each other
Why solving these issues early saves you time and stress
👉 Listen to the full episode now and start your remodel with clarity—not chaos.
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