Before You Renovate: 7 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask an Architect

Jan 16
3 min read

Man and woman discuss building plans outside red-brick row houses. He holds blueprints; background shows steps and greenery.

Renovating your home is exciting but it can also be overwhelming, expensive, and full of unknowns if you don’t start with the right guidance.

Before hiring a contractor, pulling permits, or getting lost in inspiration photos, there’s one critical step many homeowners skip: talking to an architect early in the process.

At LHS Residential Design, we’ve seen firsthand how asking the right questions before renovation saves homeowners time, money, and frustration. If you’re considering a remodel, addition, or full-home renovation, these seven questions will help you clarify your goals and determine whether you’re truly ready to move forward.

1. What Problem Are We Actually Trying to Solve?

Most homeowners start with what they want like: a bigger kitchen, more light, an extra bedroom. But an experienced architect starts with why.

Elderly couple standing in an empty room with hardwood floors, facing a blank wall. The scene is calm and contemplative.

Is your home no longer supporting your lifestyle? Are you working from home more? Planning to stay long-term? Preparing to sell in a few years?

Understanding the real problem allows an architect to design smarter solutions, often ones you haven’t considered, that align with how you actually live.

Why this matters: Renovations driven by aesthetics alone often miss functionality, flow, and long-term value.

2. Is My Home Even a Good Candidate for This Renovation?

White brick townhouse for sale with ivy on adjacent wall. Red sign reads "FOR SALE." Neighboring brown building and wooden fence visible.

Not every house can (or should) do everything a homeowner imagines.

Structural limitations, zoning restrictions, historic guidelines, and lot conditions all influence what’s possible. An architect helps you evaluate feasibility before you invest in plans that can’t be built.

At LHS Residential Design, we assess:

Existing structure and layout
Local zoning and code constraints
Budget-to-scope alignment

Why this matters: Early feasibility saves thousands in redesigns and delays.

3. What Should I Budget, Realistically?

This is one of the most common (and important) questions homeowners avoid asking early enough.

Budget sheets with charts and architectural diagrams on a wooden desk, surrounded by pens and camera lens caps, suggesting a planning session.

Architects don’t just design beautiful spaces, we help clients understand what their goals cost in today’s market and where adjustments may be needed.

A clear budget conversation helps determine:

Scope and phasing options
Where to invest vs. where to simplify
Whether expectations align with reality

Why this matters: Clear budgets lead to smoother projects and better decision-making.

4. Do I Need an Architect, an Interior Designer, or Both?

This is a frequent source of confusion.

Architects focus on structure, space planning, code compliance, and building systems.
Interior designers focus on finishes, materials, furnishings, and how spaces feel and function daily.

At LHS Residential Design, these disciplines work together seamlessly, ensuring that architectural decisions and interior details support one cohesive vision.

Why this matters: Integrated design leads to better results—and fewer compromises later.

5. How Will This Renovation Affect My Daily Life?

Renovating isn’t just about the end result—it’s about how you get there.

Two men walk in a sunlit room with vaulted ceilings, ladders, and woodworking materials. Shelves and tools are visible, evoking a workshop vibe.

A good architect will help you plan for:

Living in your home during construction
Temporary kitchens or bathrooms
Phased renovations vs. full disruptions

Why this matters: Thoughtful planning reduces stress and keeps projects realistic for real life.

6. What Is the Timeline, from Design to Completion?

Homeowners often underestimate how long a renovation truly takes.

A realistic timeline includes:

Design development
Permit approvals
Contractor bidding
Construction itself

Understanding the full process helps homeowners plan appropriately and avoids frustration when things take longer than expected.

Why this matters: Clear timelines build trust and prevent rushed decisions.

7. Is This the Right Time To Renovate and Do I Have The Right Team?

Not every project is ready to begin immediately.

Sometimes the smartest decision is refining goals, adjusting budgets, or waiting until conditions are right. An architect’s role isn’t to push you forward, it’s to guide you honestly.

At LHS Residential Design, we believe the best projects start with clarity, alignment, and trust.

Why this matters: The right timing—and the right team—set the foundation for a successful renovation.

Split image of two kitchens: left features green cabinets and plants by a window; right has orange cabinets, wooden ceiling, and bright lighting.

Thinking About Renovating Your Home?

Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, home addition, or full residential redesign, starting with the right questions makes all the difference.

Lars Schless and LHS Residential Design specialize in thoughtful, residential architecture and interior design that balances beauty, functionality, and long-term value.

👉 If you’re considering a renovation and want expert guidance before taking the next step, an initial consultation can help clarify your scope, budget, and options.