AT HOME with Kerri-Lee

AT HOME with Kerri-Lee

By Kerri-Lee Mayland

Summer has officially unpacked her bags and made herself at home. With her warm, sunlit days comes that familiar itch to finally tackle that project you’ve been dreaming about all winter. Maybe it’s a kitchen refresh, a bathroom overhaul or even a backyard transformation worthy of a magazine cover. This is the season when ideas bloom, Pinterest boards overload and you start asking friends for contractor recommendations over iced coffee. 

But before you dive in headfirst with sledgehammers swinging and paint swatches flying, we need to get strategic. A dream remodel can quickly turn into a budget-blowing, tear-inducing disaster if the right team isn’t in place from the very start. So, let’s talk about what to include in your renovation checklist to make sure your summer project ends with happy sighs—not horror stories.

1. Build Your Dream Team Thoughtfully

Start by thinking of your project as a mini production; you’re the director, and you need a cast and crew that can bring your vision to life. This often includes:

• a general contractor (your go-to for permits, schedules and overseeing trades);
• an interior designer to help refine your vision, source finishes and keep the style cohesive; and
• specialty pros (electricians, plumbers and/or landscapers, depending on the scope) who are crucial to the safety and success of the final result.

Ask friends and neighbors for referrals. Don’t be afraid to interview multiple people for each role. Take it from me, a longtime journalist, the interviews are key. Think of it like dating—you want the best fit, not just the first swipe right.

2. Vet Like a Pro

• Check licenses and insurance. Make sure your contractor is licensed in your state and carries both liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
• Ask for a portfolio or project photos. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it shows consistency and professionalism.
• Read reviews and call references. Ask past clients about timeliness, budget accuracy and how issues were handled.
• Trust your gut. If something feels off in your initial meeting—like they’re dodging questions or rushing you—listen to that little voice.

3. Get Everything in Writing

The estimate is just the beginning. Your contract should include:

• a detailed scope of work,
• a clear payment schedule (never pay in full upfront),
• start and end dates, and 
• a clause for how unexpected costs or delays will be handled.

Having this clarity upfront helps avoid confusion—and keeps everyone accountable.

4. Budget for Those Inevitable ‘Uh-Oh’ Moments

Even the most well-planned projects can run into surprises. Hidden water damage, back-ordered materials or even zoning hiccups can add time and cost. Build a 15-20% contingency into your budget to cushion the blow. You’ll thank yourself later, I promise.

5. Keep the Lines of Communication Open

This next part is important. Set regular check-ins with your contractor or designer; you all need to stay on the same page. Use a shared document or app (like Trello or Houzz) to track decisions and tasks. Misunderstandings are the root of most renovation woes, and communication is the cure.

What to Do if Things Go Sideways

Ugh! Despite your best efforts, snafus can start to happen. Breathe, and use these tips to navigate rough patch.

• Stay calm and professional. Take a pause before reacting and approach the issue with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Document everything. Keep notes and take photos if something goes wrong. 
• Speak up early. Don’t wait until the end of the project to raise concerns.
• Bring in a mediator if needed. Sometimes, a neutral third party—like a designer or a construction manager—can help smooth over communication between homeowner and contractor. 
• Know when to walk away. If a contractor is consistently unprofessional, failing to show up or not honoring your agreement, consult your contract and seek legal advice if necessary. Don’t let it snowball or you may be left with gaping holes in your home indefinitely.

A Final Thought

The truth is a renovation is more than a project; it’s a personal investment in your space and your daily life. With the right planning, the right people and a little patience, your summer remodel can become the warm-weather success story you’ll be proud to show off to the neighbors at your next backyard BBQ.

And remember—whether it’s choosing the perfect tile or just making sure your contractor consistently returns your calls—it’s all about balance and making sure the dust doesn’t cover up the light at the end of the tunnel. You’ve got this! Now go make some magic!  

Here’s to a fresh and fabulous summer!