What to Expect During a Major Home Renovation (and How to Prepare)

July 2nd, 2025

Taking on a major home renovation is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re unsure of what to expect. Whether you’re expanding your space, remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, or transforming your entire layout, the process involves more than just choosing paint colors and finishes.

At Munz Construction, we’ve guided Bucks County homeowners through hundreds of large-scale renovations, focusing on transparency, quality, and peace of mind. If you’re planning a project, here’s a practical breakdown of what to expect and how to set yourself up for a smooth renovation experience.

1. The Planning Stage: Design, Scope, and Budget

What to Expect:

Before any demolition begins, your project will go through a design and planning phase. This includes finalizing your vision, selecting materials, and determining the necessary permits and approvals.

How to Prepare:

Collect inspirational photos and define your priorities
Be upfront about your budget range
Ask questions about timelines, cost breakdowns, and what’s included in your contract

Pro Tip: A reliable design-build firm like Munz Construction will handle zoning requirements and secure permits on your behalf, allowing you to focus on the big picture.

2. Pre-Construction: Logistics and Scheduling

What to Expect:

Once plans are approved, materials are ordered, and your start date is scheduled. You’ll meet with your project manager and receive a clear outline of what’s ahead.

How to Prepare:

Clear out the renovation area
Plan for temporary living adjustments (especially for kitchen or bathroom remodels)
Talk with your contractor about communication expectations

We keep our clients in the loop every step of the way, so you’re never left wondering what comes next.

3. Construction Begins: Noise, Dust, and Progress

What to Expect:

This is the most active part of the renovation. Expect workers on-site daily, tools and equipment in use, and areas of your home becoming temporarily inaccessible.

How to Prepare:

Protect valuables and sensitive items from dust
Set up alternate spaces for cooking, bathing, or working (if needed)
Keep pets and young children away from work zones

Munz Construction takes care to minimize disruption with clean job sites and clear timelines.

4. Mid-Project Changes or Delays

What to Expect:

While we aim to stay exactly on schedule, weather delays, backordered materials, or hidden issues behind walls can occasionally affect progress.

How to Prepare:

Build in a small-time buffer in case of delays
Stay flexible and in regular contact with your project manager
Be prepared to make quick decisions if adjustments are needed

Transparent communication helps avoid surprises and keeps your renovation on track.

5. Final Walkthrough and Punch List

What to Expect:

Once construction wraps up, your project manager will walk you through the finished space and address any final adjustments or touch-ups. This ensures every detail meets your expectations.

How to Prepare:

Review your project checklist
Ask questions about maintenance and warranties
Celebrate your brand-new space!

Working with the Right Team Makes All the Difference

A significant home renovation doesn’t have to be stressful when you have the right partner. At Munz Construction, we’ve spent over 40 years helping Bucks County families improve their homes with care, professionalism, and craftsmanship that lasts.

Whether you’re planning a home addition, bathroom remodel, or complete interior renovation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Serving homeowners in Richboro, Newtown, Doylestown, Yardley, and surrounding areas.

Ready to Start Planning?

Let’s discuss your renovation goals and explore how we can help bring your vision to life.

👉 Schedule your consultation at MunzConstruction.com

📞 Or call us at 215-953-8833

Can I live in my home during the renovation?

Often, yes—but it depends on the type of project. For kitchen or bathroom remodels, you may need temporary setups.

How much does a full home renovation cost?

Costs vary based on square footage, materials, and complexity. A design consultation is the best way to get an accurate quote.

L. C.

14:13 11 Sep 18

Munz Construction has done a number of large projects for us at our home over the past 18 yrs. They have always done a great job. Their workers are good and very courteous. We have always felt very comfortable with them in our house, especially Phil and Jason. Steve and Pete are easy to work with and are responsive to questions/issues. Bryan is very helpful when you need to make selections for your projects. The company stands behind their work and provides quality in a timely fashion, which can't be said for a lot of other companies these days. We would definitely recommend them!

tina leck

17:46 17 Aug 18

Munz Construction did an amazing job with our basement remodel. The entire team was so pleasant to work with. Everyone that has come to our home since the remodel has been thoroughly impressed with the design. It really was a great experience to work with everyone at Munz. I’d like to also add that my husband tends to be an “overspender” and I am the complete opposite... so from the very start of our project , the design team made sure we were both comfortable with all of our selections. They always showed numerous options and price points for different things. So in the end, my husband and I were both so happy with everything. Thanks Munz, we’ll definitely use you again.

Sheryl Duffy

19:23 17 Sep 18

I did a major renovation of a 40 year old house. While touching virtually every room, the most significant changes included creating a new custom kitchen by combining the existing kitchen with a small dining room, creating a new master bedroom and converting a small bedroom into a large new master bathroom. I had contacted several well known home renovation companies who either did not seem to be interested in the large project or did not seem to offer the “full service” and support I needed. Steve and Bryan spent all the time I needed to make me comfortable making all the design decisions – not an easy task since I am design challenged! Any issues that came up, as would be expected in a project this size, were addressed. In addition, everyone made living in the house during construction as comfortable as possible. I would also like to say that the attention to detail and the finishing work done by their people was remarkable. The final results are fantastic! Needless to say I would use them again for any project and would highly recommend Munz Construction.

DJ Mischak

17:49 17 Sep 18

Chris and his crew were amazing! They added an addition that "touched" every room in the house. His workers were kind, courteous, and respectful AND they got the job done in a timely manner with WONDERFUL results. We love our new addition. We have the BEST house on the block!!!!

Hunter Labovitz

20:39 19 Sep 18

We were gutting and remodeling an old house that needed major work but that we didn’t want to tear down. Given the time and cost involved, we were very deliberate with our choice of contractor. We are very glad we chose Munz Construction as dealing with all of their employees was a pleasure from Day One (and the project took about a year so we had lots of contact). They always suggested ways to cut costs, had good suggestions to modify the blueprints to our advantage and never pushed unnecessary ideas. The design team was especially helpful as their three-dimensional computer models really gave us good insight into the final product and allowed us to make pre-construction tweaks of which we otherwise would not have thought. Munz was also very good about fixing things without complaint. As we approach one year in our new house, we are very happy and also receive lots of compliments on the design and preservation of the house.

Stacey Holloran

13:58 18 Oct 18

We are very pleased with Munz Construction. We had the front of our house framed for new windows, new siding, stucco removal, new gutters, lighting etc. They helped with design ideas upfront and the house looks amazing. Erich and his team were very pleasant, professional and detail oriented. We would definitely use them again for any additional work in the future.

Cynthia Powell

20:28 23 Oct 18

Everyone at Munz that we had the pleasure of working with were wonderful. From the beginning of our project, until the end everyone worked so hard. We had a new room, bathroom, and a beautiful porch put on our house. We are extremely happy. I would highly recommend this company.

Giannina Macaluso

21:14 22 Oct 18

Munz Construction installed my new windows. They were extremely professional and did a great job.The crew arrived timely, covered my floors and were sure keep all areas clean throughout the installation.After the job was completed the crew cleaned and actually left my home cleaner than they found it! Munz Construction is hugely recommeded and will be installing my new kitchen, powder room and hall bath!Nice to see a professional company!!!!

Catherine Melly

15:09 30 Aug 18

Had great experience with Pete, our site manager, as well as Jason (construction), Jack (electrician ), Dave (painter), and all of the other subcontractors. Very clean, professional, pleasant. I found the initial process of general design less than ideal. Having little experience with this process, I didn't feel as informed as I could have been. I expected there may be options in layout and design, but that was not the case. In fact, the original design presented to us didn't really show a layout at all, merely a word document of what would be done. I was slightly taken aback when, e.g., there was no option for any kind of linen storage in the bathroom as the design completely removed a large closet that we had in order to make room for a stall shower. It was assumed we would want a whirlpool tub, and we weren't really asked about that option. These kinds of things made me a little uncomfortable with going forward. To us, it was a very expensive job, and yet I felt like it was not considered an important one when we sat with the designer. We felt much more comfortable when Pete met with us to go over the job expectations. There were very few glitches along the way, and Pete handled each of these very professionally. The work as completed is very good, and we are very happy with the end result.

Peter Gilles

21:19 17 Oct 18

Munz Construction is a one-of-a-kind experience when it comes to renovations and construction. The family-run local business will handle every aspect of your project from helping see your initial ideas through to budgeting, permitting, and construction. You will be delighted by the friendly, knowledgeable staff whether you're visiting the showroom or have construction crews conscientiously working for you to create your masterpiece. Munz Construction has the capabilities to handle any size renovation or construction project. If you enjoy working with the best then try Munz!