How to Prepare for a Home Renovation: A Step-By-Step Guide for New England Homeowners

A home renovation is an exciting opportunity to transform your living space — whether you’re updating a kitchen, finishing a basement, or redesigning your entire home. But proper planning is key to staying on schedule, on budget, and out of stress.

At Somma Builders, we help homeowners across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire prepare for every stage of the renovation process. Here’s how you can get ready:

1. Define Your Goals and Must-Haves

Start by understanding what you want from your renovation. Are you looking to add space? Improve flow? Modernize an outdated look? Write down your goals and rank them by priority — this helps your contractor align with your vision and budget.

2. Set a Realistic Budget (with a Cushion)

Once you know what you want, it’s time to budget. Always include a 10–20% contingency for surprises — older homes in areas like Boston, Cambridge, and Lexington often have hidden issues that only show up when walls come down.

3. Choose the Right General Contractor

Your contractor is your partner in this process. Look for someone reputable, local, and transparent — someone like Somma Builders, with a track record of quality work in towns like Framingham, Woburn, Brookline, and beyond.
Make sure they’re licensed, insured, and communicative throughout the project.

4. Prepare Your Space (and Yourself)

Renovation zones need to be cleared out before work begins. Protect or store away fragile items, electronics, and furniture. If you’re remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, set up backups — like a temporary kitchenette in the garage or a toiletry station in another bathroom.

5. Make a Family Plan

From dust to noise to temporary displacement, renovations affect everyone in your home, including kids and pets. Decide if you’ll stay during the renovation or temporarily relocate, especially during major work like full-house remodels or additions.

6. Expect the Unexpected

Even the best-laid plans hit snags — materials get delayed, weather affects construction, or an extra repair gets added. A good contractor keeps you informed and on track while helping you navigate these bumps along the way.

7. Stay Involved but Trust the Process

Frequent communication with your contractor is essential, but so is giving them space to do what they do best. Check in regularly, ask questions, and request updates — but also trust their experience to guide the work.

Your Dream Home Starts with a Plan

Preparation makes all the difference between a stressful project and a successful one. Let Somma Builders help you navigate your renovation journey with confidence.
From MA to RI to NH, we bring spaces to life — beautifully and efficiently.

👉 Ready to start planning? Contact Somma Builders today.