So, you’re thinking about remodeling your home—maybe the kitchen feels outdated, the bathroom could use a refresh, or you’re just ready for a big change. First off, congrats! Remodeling is an exciting step. But if you’re like most homeowners, you’ve probably already hit your first big question:
“Should we remodel the entire house at once, or just tackle one room at a time?”
It’s a great question—and one we hear a lot.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some folks want to rip off the Band-Aid and do everything in one go so they can move back into a fully updated space. Others prefer to take their time, starting with the areas that need the most love (usually the kitchen or bathroom) and spreading out the rest as budget and life allow.
We’ve worked with both types of homeowners, and each approach has its own pros, cons, and timing considerations. It really comes down to your goals, your budget, and how much disruption you’re willing to live with.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the benefits of remodeling your whole home at once versus doing it in phases. We’ll also share some real-world tips to help you figure out which option is the better fit for your home—and your day-to-day life.
Let’s dive in.
Option 1: Full Home Remodel
When This Makes Sense.
If you’re making certain changes like opening walls, changing the layout or refreshing every room to a singular new look, pulling it off at once can be beneficial. This is particularly true if:
- You recently purchased a property and want to make it yours before moving in.
- You want a design overhaul.
- The condition of the house is outdated, and it needs attention.
- You are okay with relocating and living elsewhere during the renovations.
What’s attractive to homeowners:
- Everything Matches: No remodels means you can maintain the existing look of your house. Paint colors, floors and other materials do not clash.
- Less Life Disruption Over the Years: Instead of living through construction miles over several years, you do it once and it’s over.
- More Cost Effective: A better price is offered by contractors when multiple layouts are combined. You will also save from paying multiple permits, delivery charges, and project coordination.
- Consolidated timelines: Contrary to popular belief, doing everything at once can be more time efficient than stretching it out.
Naturally, a complete remodel requires a larger investment, including temporarily relocating to a different accommodation, but for most homeowners seems to be the most practical option.
Option 2: Room by Room Option
What’s the best for this scenario?
According to Firm Remodeling LLC, If you intend to remain in the house during the renovations, or would rather spread your expenses over time, choosing a single room to work on might be the most feasible. This strategy suits best when:
- Some rooms are much more urgent than rest and require immediate attention.
- You have a floor that’s under budget or is subject to change.
- You prefer or need to stay within the property while work is underway.
Why this helps a multitude of families:
- You Remain in Control: Having phases to follow enables you shorter target timelines, enable you to take breaks with changing plans, and have small but significant design choices along the way.
- More Financially Flexible: Enhancing affordability also makes the entire remodeling experience less financially stressful.
- Coping Strategies: By portioning an area to be remodeled at a time, you can still reside in the house without feeling the impact of living in a work zone.
- Lower Stress of Burnout: Large projects can be quite daunting. Completing one room at a time keeps the process enjoyable while also making it easier to manage.
- What is the downside? More disruptions for a longer time. Depending on how dispersed the projects are, the overall cost may increase a little.
Final Thoughts from Our Team
Reiterating from what has been discussed, a home remodeling still goes down to personal preference given its intricacies. While most homeowners would prefer everything done at the same time so as to resume their normal lives without worrying about construction and work being done on the house, others opt to change out one room at a time as the budget and the calendar allows.
Whatever works best for you and your family in terms of decisions is ideal.
In any case, we advise that as many steps along the journey as possible be taken with a clear plan, measurable goals, achievement timelines and an understanding of the intended results say a week, month or years down the line. This goes as far as undertaking an entire house renovation or taking on smaller projects like bathroom remodel, it all starts with a chat.
Here’s what we’d offer as guidance for you:
- Walk through your home. Which parts seem most unused or most bothersome? Which areas seem the busiest? In your daily routine, which is the most bothersome to you?
- Lighten the load of your thinking. What new levels of functionality will be added to the kitchen? Is the bathroom stuck somewhere in the 90s? What do you need to be able to comfortably live in your own house?
- Consider your budget and time. Are you ready to go ‘all in’, or does a phased approach feel more comfortable?
No matter what stage of the journey you’re on, our team is here to help you every step of the way. We’ll help you assess the situation with an unbiased view of your choices and without overbearing pressure.
Communication has been simplified. I would be more than happy to speak if you only wish to discuss your ideas or start to compile ideas. What do we need to do to change how you use your house? From a single room to an extensive makeover.
We always recommend starting with a clear plan, realistic expectations, and a solid understanding of your goals—both short-term and long-term. Whether you’re dreaming of a total home makeover or just want to finally update that one outdated space, it all starts with a conversation.
