8 Things Homeowners Don’t Know About Remodeling (But Should)
Introduction
A home remodel can be incredibly exciting and often starts with a list of ideas, but very few know what the process really takes. People often don’t know what they don’t know until they’re deep into a project.
If you’re thinking about remodeling your home in Pasadena or Northeast Los Angeles, here are some of the biggest gaps we see, and how understanding them early can save months of frustration (and thousands of dollars).
Key Takeaways About Remodeling
Start with a plan, not a contractor. A remodel runs smoother when the design and scope are defined before construction begins.
Choose a design-build team for simplicity. Having one team manage design and construction keeps communication clear and the process efficient.
Expect realistic timelines based on real data. Dacotah Studio estimates schedules using results from completed projects, giving clients an accurate picture from the start.
Align your budget and your vision early. Using the Materio platform, Dacotah Studio shows real project data so you understand how design choices affect cost.
Plan for changes along the way. It’s normal for projects to expand once work begins, but a flexible, full-service team keeps it under control.
Permitting takes time and local knowledge. City approvals can be lengthy, but Dacotah Studio manages the process directly with Pasadena and LA departments.
Expect ripple effects when you make changes. Every design decision can influence cost and timing, which is why real-time coordination matters.
The process should feel as good as the result. A successful remodel is built on organization, communication, and trust from the first meeting to the final walkthrough.
Table of Contents
1. Should I start with a contractor?
No, you shouldn’t start with a contractor.
Most homeowners assume the first step in a remodel is hiring a contractor. It seems logical, after all, they’re the ones building it. But the truth is, construction shouldn’t start until there’s a clear design and scope in place.
Without a plan, a contractor can only give you a ballpark estimate. That’s how projects end up over budget or stalled halfway through.
A design-build team brings everything together from the start, so design, pricing, and construction work hand in hand. You’ll have one team managing the process and making sure nothing gets lost in translation between the “what” and the “how.”
2. What is the benefit of using a design build firm?
Design-build isn’t the industry standard, but it should be.
Many homeowners don’t realize how disconnected the traditional model can be. One firm does the design, another does the build, and you’re left in the middle trying to coordinate two, or more, separate teams.
That’s where delays and miscommunication creep in and where working with a design build firm can save you time and money.
In a design-build model, those pieces are connected from day one. Your design, budget, and construction plan evolve together, guided by one team that’s accountable from start to finish.
The result is fewer surprises, fewer handoffs, and a much smoother process.
3. Why do timelines take longer than expected?
There is a lot to anticipate.
It’s natural to want things done quickly, but remodeling takes time. Between planning, permitting, selections, and construction, even a smaller project can take several months. A whole-home remodel often runs closer to nine months or more, depending on the scope and the city’s review process.
At Dacotah Studio, we don’t guess at timelines, we reference real data from past projects that are similar in size and complexity.
That helps us give clients a realistic picture of what to expect before construction starts. We can show how long each phase typically takes, from design through completion, based on projects we’ve already finished.
That level of transparency helps prevent surprises and keeps expectations aligned from day one. A well-planned schedule doesn’t just keep the work on track, it keeps everyone informed and confident throughout the process.
4. Does my budget and wish list need to align?
Yes, your budget and your wish list need to align.
Everyone starts a remodel with ideas. The challenge is matching those ideas with what the investment will realistically cover.
We take a practical approach to budgeting by using real project data through our Materio digital platform.
During early planning, we show clients examples of completed projects with a similar size, scope, and design style. You can see what those homes cost, how long they took, and how different material choices affected the final number.
This visibility helps turn abstract numbers into something tangible. Instead of relying on broad cost-per-square-foot estimates, we build the budget from actual data and real outcomes. That way, everyone starts the project with a clear understanding of where the money goes and how decisions impact the overall investment.
5. What if I decide I need more remodeling done?
Scope creep happens, and that’s ok!
Remodels tend to grow once work begins. Maybe it starts with a kitchen remodel, but once the walls are opened, it’s tempting to address the flooring in the next room or any number of additional requests.
That kind of “scope creep” is common and sometimes even practical. The key is to work with a team that anticipates it and can handle the full project.
As a design build firm, we build flexibility into planning so additions or adjustments can happen in a controlled way, without throwing off the entire schedule or budget.
6. Is permitting for my LA remodel a big deal?
Yes, permitting is more involved than most people think.
Permitting isn’t as simple as just filling out a form. It’s a detailed review process that varies by city. As a design build firm in Pasadena, we know exactly what the permitting requirements are for Pasadena and Northeast Los Angels.
Because we handle design, permitting, and construction in-house, our clients don’t have to navigate that process on their own.
We track submittals, coordinate directly with the city, and keep every update visible through our digital project platform. That being said, it is important to understand, depending on the project, approvals can take weeks or even months.
7. What if I change my mind during the remodel?
That’s ok, but keep in mind every choice has a ripple effect.
A remodel is a chain reaction. Changing one element, such as a wall layout or material, often affects other parts of the project. Shifting plumbing or upgrading materials can influence timelines, costs, and even the construction sequence.
This is a great example of why communication between the design and build teams is so important. When everyone works under one roof, those adjustments are coordinated in real time, keeping your project balanced and on track.
8. What should I expect in the remodeling process?
The process matters as much as the result.
A remodel isn’t just about the finished home, it’s about how you get there. Clear communication, realistic expectations, and visible progress are what make the process feel manageable and even enjoyable.
Our goal at Dacotah Studio is to keep you informed every step of the way so there’s no confusion about what’s happening or why. When the process feels organized, the result feels even better.
Final Thoughts
Remodeling a home, or even just a bathroom or kitchen, is a big undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Knowing what to expect, and what you might not yet know, will help you feel confident about the process.
If you’re planning a remodel or new build in Pasadena or Northeast Los Angeles, our team can walk you through each step, from concept to completion. This will help you make confident decisions and get the most from your investment.
FAQ’s
What’s the difference between a remodel and a renovation?
A renovation updates finishes or materials without changing the layout, while a remodel reconfigures the space itself. Dacotah Studio focuses on full remodels that involve design, structural, and layout changes, not simple cosmetic updates.
When should I bring Dacotah Studio into the process?
As early as possible. Many homeowners start by calling a contractor, but working with a design-build team from the beginning allows design, budgeting, and construction to move together in sync.
What areas does Dacotah Studio serve?
We focus on Pasadena and Northeast Los Angeles, including Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Glassell Park, Atwater Village, South Pasadena, La Cañada, Silver Lake, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Does Dacotah Studio handle permitting?
Yes. Our team manages the entire permitting process with local cities so you don’t have to. We coordinate directly with city departments, track submittals, and update clients through our digital platform.
