8 Essential Renovation Insights From The Brownstone Boys After Working on 26 Homes

For many, buying a house is the biggest and most expensive investment they will ever make. Families and individuals often spend years preparing, commit to decades-long mortgages, and deplete their savings to purchase a home. Yet, the challenges of homeownership don’t end with signing a mountain of paperwork. Owning a home doesn’t always mean it’s immediately livable.

Beyond simple cosmetic updates like painting, refinishing wood, or swapping out fixtures, major structural renovations are often required. These projects might involve designing a dream home, preserving historic elements, or modernizing a fixer-upper. While rewarding, renovations can also be financially and emotionally exhausting.

Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum, also known as The Brownstone Boys, are no strangers to these challenges. As professional renovators who’ve worked on 26 homes over the past six years, they shared their expert insights with Better Homes & Gardens. Here’s their advice:

1. Find the Right Home for Your Needs

When purchasing a home requiring renovations, it’s crucial to define what “right” means for you. Many buyers focus only on the sale price, overlooking the additional costs of renovations. This oversight can lead to financial strain when the actual expenses of remodeling exceed the budget. Always calculate the full cost of purchasing and renovating before committing. A home that fits your budget should also accommodate the cost of turning it into a livable space.

2. Choose the Right General Contractor

A good general contractor can make or break your renovation experience. They oversee construction and bring your design vision to life. Disagreements or miscommunications can lead to delays, stress, and subpar results.

“The general contractor is probably the most important relationship in your project,” says Bordelon. “A bad contractor can complicate every phase and detail.”

To avoid issues, carefully vet potential contractors. Set clear expectations, define your budget, and prioritize communication to minimize misunderstandings.

3. Plan Design Decisions Early

Decisions about materials and finishes should be made sooner than you might think. For instance, if you want a specific faucet in your bathroom, plan for it while your contractor is working on the foundational elements. Making changes later can be costlier and more complicated.

“Many people wait too long to decide on finishes, which forces them into rushed decisions that might not meet their standards,” Bordelon notes.

Thorough planning ensures your contractor can integrate your choices into the renovation from the start.

4. Double-Check Orders

Mistakes with orders can lead to costly delays. The Brownstone Boys recommend verifying all orders multiple times before confirming.

“We’ve seen windows ordered incorrectly, causing a four-month delay,” says Bordelon. “That type of mistake can derail an entire project timeline.”

Double-check measurements and specifications, and have someone else review them to avoid costly errors.

5. Set Aside a Contingency Budget

Renovation costs often exceed initial estimates. Adding a 10%-15% contingency budget can help you manage unexpected expenses without financial stress.

“Having a contingency fund reduces stress when surprises arise,” says Bordelon. “Without it, every unplanned expense becomes a major issue.”

Plan for the unexpected to keep your renovation on track.

6. Beware of Scope Creep

Scope creep occurs when additional tasks or features are added during the project, increasing costs and timelines. For example, upgrading a living room TV setup might lead to adding a custom unit, new lighting, and more. Each addition compounds the expense.

Stay focused on your original plan and resist the temptation to keep adding features.

7. Accept That Your Home Will Always Be a Work in Progress

The Brownstone Boys advise letting go of the idea that your home will ever be 100% complete. Renovations take time, and your tastes and needs will evolve.

“We tell clients that their home will likely only ever be 95% done,” they explain. “There’s always a next project or phase.”

Focus on creating a space that feels like home, knowing it will grow and change with you over time.

8. Live in the Space Before Finalizing Renovation Plans

If possible, live in your home before starting renovations. This allows you to better understand its functionality and identify areas needing improvement.

“Living in the home helps you make more informed decisions,” says Slocum. “You’ll have a clearer sense of how the space works for your lifestyle.”

Closing Thoughts

Renovating a home can be a rewarding journey, helping you fall in love with your space. With careful planning, a strong budget, and the right team, the process becomes far less stressful. Remember, your home should reflect your story and grow with you over time. For more insights, check out The Brownstone Boys’ book, For the Love of Renovating.