
Custom Built
Home renovations are stressful enough on their own, but when you throw in the challenges of everyday life, it can feel downright overwhelming. That’s where your host, Katie GO, comes in. She’s here to guide you through the renovation process and inspire you to take control, creating not just the home but the life of your wildest dreams.
Custom Built
Don’t Hire a Contractor Without Doing This First
In this episode of Custom Built, we’re tackling one of the most overlooked—but absolutely essential—parts of any home renovation: pre-construction planning. If you skip this step, you’re almost guaranteed to blow your budget, stretch out your timeline, and pile on unnecessary stress. But when you do it right, it’s the secret to a smoother, more successful project.
I’ll walk you through what pre-construction really means, from preliminary design and budgeting to permits, surveys, and working with contractors and designers. We’ll cover why having clarity up front helps you avoid costly change orders, how to get familiar with setbacks and city rules before you even break ground, and how a little preparation can save you thousands in the long run. You’ll also hear tips on what you can do yourself—like gathering inspiration, outlining your comfort level with spending, and even contacting your town hall—to make the process easier for everyone involved.
If you want to reduce the headaches that come with renovations, this episode is packed with practical steps that will save you money, time, and stress while helping your project stay on track.
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