Preparing for Your Home Remodel | Renovations, Home Improvement, Kitchen Design, Bathroom Design, Welcoming Home

Jen Orr | Interior Designer, Project Manager, Remodel Specialist
  • 5.0 (37)
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

*** Top 5% Globally Ranked Podcast*** Your Go-To Podcast for Homeowners Who Want to Renovate Without Overwhelm! Hey Homeowners, do you want to update your home to reflect you and function better for your family? Are you stuck between wanting the home of your dreams and fearing cost, complexity and the chaos of getting it? Do you know what you like but the thought of pulling it all together and the what if’s of renovating leave you feeling overwhelmed?  I am so excited you're here! I am on  a mission to help homeowners such as yourself FINALLY have that functional, beautiful home that fits your lifestyle, and reflects your personality. Without the stress and without the regret! Hey, I'm Jen, with years of experience in the industry as designer, project manager, and remodel specialist. I have seen it all and I am here to help you skip the overwhelm with Functional Home Renovations, that save you money.  I get it, you want your home to be beautiful but more importantly functional! You have been making do with a home that is less than ideal and quite frankly frustrates you every single day - the poor layout, the outdated look, and most importantly the lack of storage.  I’ve been there - the binge watching of HGTV and the death scroll of Pinterest, pinning yet another Kitchen layout or storage idea, but where do you even begin?  I have learned that when done right, remodels don’t have to be overwhelming and stressful. I help homeowners like you transform their outdated homes into timeless, functional, and welcoming spaces you’ll love for decades — without the stress, overwhelm, or regret.” If you are ready to finally have a home with a functional layout that flows naturally for you and your family, a “do it once, do it right” remodel that stays on time and on budget - then this podcast is for you! You’ll get practical tools to plan smart, stay on budget, and love your home again. Pause that home improvement show because your dream home is closer than you think. Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ e-mail me | Jen@studiored.homes

  1. 1D AGO

    31. My Indecision Is Costing Me Money — Stop Decision Fatigue

    If you’re feeling exhausted just thinking about remodeling, this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m talking about the mental load of remodeling — the invisible weight homeowners carry long before construction ever starts. It’s not the demo or the dust that wears you down first. It’s the constant thinking, deciding, second-guessing, and carrying everything in your head. Here’s what I break down: The decisions homeowners carry  Why “just thinking about the remodel” is so mentally draining How poor or missing documentation increases overwhelm Where homeowners tend to over-function and take on too much responsibility I also share practical tools you can use right now to prevent burnout before your project even begins: How to get decisions out of your head and onto paper Why documentation reduces decision fatigue and mistakes How to stop revisiting the same choices over and over Where you can hand things off without losing control If you’re early in the planning phase and already feeling tired, nothing is wrong with you — your remodel just isn’t organized yet. And if you want help setting this up the right way, I’m launching the Pocket Designer Subscription in March. One of the biggest perks is access to all of my documentation templates so you can get your project organized, reduce overwhelm, and protect your energy before construction starts. This episode will help you understand why remodels are so exhausting — and how to avoid burnout  Next Steps: Learn more about the Pocket Designer Subscription: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/subscription  Already in the thick of a remodel and need help?  Check out Pocket Designer Sessions:  https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner Don’t Forget! Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders Join the FREE Community on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list  Happy Remodeling!  Get in Touch: E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/

    20 min

  2. FEB 9

    30. Why Most Homeowners Overpay Contractors — And How to Avoid It

    If you’ve ever thought about hiring contractors for your remodel and immediately felt overwhelmed, you are not alone. I get it — the process can feel confusing, stressful, and honestly a little intimidating. But here’s the truth: most of that overwhelm disappears when you do one critical thing before you even call a contractor. In this episode, I’m walking you through how preparation changes the entire contractor conversation. I’ll show you what contractors really need from homeowners, how to spot red flags during interviews, and why having clarity upfront doesn’t just save you stress — it protects your budget. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why preparation changes contractor conversations – How thinking ahead sets the tone for a productive relationship and helps contractors give you accurate pricing. What contractors need from homeowners – The key information and decisions to have ready so your project runs smoothly. Red flags during interviews – How to spot potential issues early so you don’t get stuck with costly mistakes or surprises. How clarity impacts pricing – Why being organized and decisive before you hire ensures your estimates are accurate and prevents budget blowouts. I’m also sharing a peek at the Pocket Designer Subscription, launching in March! One of the amazing perks is direct access to all my Documentation Templates — the exact tools I use to organize remodels and communicate clearly with contractors. If you want to feel confident, prepared, and in control of your project from the very beginning, this is for you. Next Steps: Learn more about the Pocket Designer Subscription: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/subscription  Already in the thick of a remodel and need help?  Check out Pocket Designer Sessions:  https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner Don’t Forget! Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders Join the FREE Community on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list  Happy Remodeling!  Get in Touch: E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/

    19 min

  3. FEB 2

    29. Where Remodel Money Is Wasted Most — And How to Avoid It

    If you’re worried about wasting money on your remodel before it even starts, this episode is for you. Most homeowners assume budget blowouts happen because of expensive finishes or “champagne taste.” But in my experience, that’s rarely the real issue. Remodel money is usually wasted much earlier — through vague decisions, rushed choices, and missing details that snowball once construction begins. In this episode, I break down where remodel money is actually lost and why clear documentation is the single most powerful way to protect your budget and your sanity. In this episode, I cover: Why remodel budgets unravel from small, seemingly harmless decisions The most common money traps: Last-minute changes Rushed decisions under pressure Poor communication with trades Why all three of those problems usually stem from one missing thing What I really mean by documentation (and what it’s not) How documentation: Reduces mistakes and change orders Creates clarity for contractors Prevents scope creep Lowers stress during construction Why designing and documenting before demo saves real money How clear documentation turns guesses and allowances into accurate estimates The big takeaway: Most remodel money isn’t wasted on finishes. It’s wasted on unclear decisions and undocumented plans. When your project is documented, you: Protect your budget Reduce overwhelm Create confidence — for yourself and your contractors You don’t need to know everything on day one. You just need a system that captures decisions as you go. What’s coming next: I’m launching my Pocket Designer Subscription in March — created specifically for homeowners before construction starts. Sign up here to get more information: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/subscription One of the biggest perks? Access to my documentation templates — the exact tools I use to organize real remodel projects so nothing slips through the cracks. This subscription is designed to help you: Get organized without overwhelm Communicate clearly with trades Avoid budget-killing surprises More details coming soon. If this episode helped you, I’d love it if you’d: Leave a review so more homeowners can find the show Share this episode with someone planning a remodel Next Steps: Already in the thick of a remodel and need help?  Check out Pocket Designer Sessions:  https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner Don’t Forget! Learn more about the Pocket Designer Subscription: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/subscription Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders Join the FREE Community on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list  Happy Remodeling!  Get in Touch: E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/

    21 min

  4. JAN 26

    28. The Design Mistake That’s Quietly Destroying Your Home Improvement Project

    Are you worried your remodel will go over budget because you “like expensive things”? Have you been told finishes are the reason remodels get so costly? Are you still making design decisions while thinking about calling a contractor? Do you feel unsure where your money is actually going in your remodel? Are you afraid of change orders, budget creep, or surprise costs once demo starts?   In this episode, I break down why most remodel budget blowouts don’t start with finishes—they start much earlier, with unclear or unfinished design decisions. I walk you through: Why design drives cost more than finishes It’s not the tile or faucet that usually blows the budget—it’s layout changes, labor scope, permitting, engineering, and timing that weren’t fully defined before construction. How unclear design leads to inaccurate estimates When contractors don’t have full clarity, estimates become guesses—and that’s where stress, overruns, and frustration begin. Layout changes vs. cosmetic upgrades I explain why moving walls, plumbing, appliances, ceilings, doors, and windows carries major cost implications—and why those decisions must come before picking finishes. Why indecision is expensive Late decisions cause stalled schedules, rework, and change orders. Every “we’ll decide that later” costs more once demo starts. How “while you’re at it” adds up fast Small add-ons feel harmless, but each one affects labor, materials, and the overall scope—especially when they weren’t planned upfront. Why designing before demo protects your budget The design phase is where you’re allowed to explore, change your mind, and test ideas safely—before money is on the line. This episode is about helping you understand where remodel costs actually come from, so you can make informed decisions, set boundaries around your budget, and move forward with confidence instead of fear.   If you’re just getting started on your remodel: Join the Start Your Renovation Workshop I walk you through how to build a clear roadmap, understand which decisions matter first, and avoid expensive mistakes before demo ever begins. 👉 Register at studioredinteriordesign.com/start-your-renovation (Replay available if you’re listening after the live dates.) If you’re already mid-planning or mid-remodel and feeling unsure: Book a Pocket Designer Session: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocket-designer We’ll walk through your project together, clarify decisions, and get you unstuck so overwhelm doesn’t turn into regret. And if this episode helped you: Leave a review so other homeowners can find the show Share this episode with someone planning a remodel I’ll see you next time on Preparing for Your Home Remodel, where we keep breaking down the planning side of renovation so you can move forward without overwhelm.   Don’t Forget! Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders Join the FREE Community on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list  Happy Remodeling!  Get in Touch: E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/

    27 min

  5. JAN 21

    27: Stop Guessing How to Start Your Home Remodel — The 5 Myths Keeping You Stuck

    If you’ve been thinking about starting your home remodel but feel frozen at the starting line, this episode is for you. Have you been telling yourself: “I need to have all my ideas figured out before I start” “I should probably call a contractor first” “Pinterest will help me narrow this down” “Once I start, I’m locked in” “I’ll start when I feel more confident” In this episode, I’m busting the five biggest myths that keep homeowners stuck before they ever get started — and explaining what actually helps you move forward without creating more overwhelm. I talk about why so many smart, capable homeowners feel paralyzed at the beginning of a remodel, and why it’s not because you’re indecisive or “bad at design.” It’s because no one has shown you how to start in a way that reduces stress instead of amplifying it. I walk through why: You don’t need everything figured out before you begin Planning is where clarity actually happens Pinterest is inspiration — not a decision-making tool Calling a contractor too early creates confusion and guesswork You are not locked in when you take the first step Confidence comes after clarity, not before it I also explain why designing before demo is your biggest advantage, and why forward motion — even imperfect motion — is what helps you discover what you actually want. You’re allowed to change your mind. You’re allowed to explore. And if you haven’t even hired a contractor yet, you are very much still in exploratory mode. This episode is reassurance-heavy on purpose, because starting a renovation is emotional. I want you to hear this clearly: You don’t need a perfect plan to begin — you just need a clear first step. If you’re listening and thinking, “I just need someone to walk me through this,” I created something specifically for you. 👉 Join me for the free Start Your Renovation Workshop on the 26th and 27th. I’ll show you: Where to begin What decisions matter now vs. later How to avoid expensive mistakes How to build a clear roadmap for your renovation I’m also giving away my Spec Book template, hosting a live Q&A, and breaking the process down step by step so you can start without the overwhelm. You can sign up at: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner Don’t Forget! Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders Join the FREE Community on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list  Happy Remodeling!  Get in Touch: E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/

    17 min

  6. JAN 19

    26: Home Improvement Hack: 5 Budget Moves That End Analysis Paralysis

    Episode 26: Home Improvement Hack: 5 Budget Moves That End Analysis Paralysis Feeling stuck before your remodel even starts? Are you overwhelmed by too many renovation ideas and not sure where to start? Have you been talking about remodeling for years but haven’t moved forward? Do Pinterest and HGTV leave you inspired — and completely frozen? Are you afraid of choosing the wrong option and blowing your budget? If so, you’re experiencing analysis paralysis — and in this episode, I explain exactly how to get out of it. In this episode, I break down why analysis paralysis happens in home improvement projects — and how budget clarity is the fastest way to move forward with confidence. You’ll learn: Why too many options without constraints create overwhelm Why most homeowners underestimate how much remodel decisions actually cost How small upgrades quietly compound into big budget surprises Why priorities must come before finishes, layouts, or inspiration boards I walk you through the five biggest factors that impact your remodel budget, so you can stop guessing and start deciding: Moving Electrical & Plumbing Higher labor costs + secondary repairs = big budget impact (Worth it when function truly improves — expensive when it doesn’t) Structural Changes & Load-Bearing Walls Engineers, permits, time, and labor all add up fast Everything is possible — not everything is practical Custom vs. Standard Selections Cabinets, millwork, and built-ins range wildly in cost and quality Custom should be intentional — not assumed Material Choices & Finish Levels Tile patterns, stone vs. porcelain, specialty finishes One “small upgrade” multiplied across a space adds up quickly Scope Creep (The “While We’re At It” Effect) One add-on turns into five Impacts labor, schedule, and budget through change orders Clear boundaries = fewer regrets How to Narrow In and Finally Move Forward What improves function the most? What impacts my daily life? What aligns with my budget right now? What can wait and go into a Phase Two bucket? When you answer these questions honestly, the spinning stops — and decisions become clear. Analysis paralysis doesn’t come from indecision — it comes from too many what-ifs without structure. Budget awareness turns options into decisions. Priorities give you direction. And clarity doesn’t come before action — it comes from it. This is the power of designing before demo. 🚀 Ready to Go Deeper? Join Me Live If you’re just starting your renovation — or already feeling overwhelmed — I’d love for you to join me for my free Start Your Renovation Workshop on January 26–27. Inside the workshop, we’ll: Get you organized before overwhelm takes over Break down where your money actually goes Help you start your project with confidence And I’m giving away my Spec Book Template Day 2 includes live Q&A so you’re not doing this alone 👉 Register here: studioredinteriordesign.com/start-your-renovation 🤍 Need Help Right Now? If you’re already mid-remodel and feeling overwhelmed, I’m here for you. You can book a Pocket Designer Session and get 1:1 help navigating decisions, budgets, and next steps. 🎧 Listen to Episode 26 now and learn how to stop spinning, get clarity on your budget, and finally move your home improvement project forward — without the overwhelm. Next Steps: Already in the thick of a remodel and need help?  Check out Pocket Designer Sessions:  https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner Don’t Forget! Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders Join the FREE Community on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list  Happy Remodeling!  Get in Touch: E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/

    30 min

  7. JAN 14

    25: The #1 Tool Every Home Improvement Project Needs to End Remodel Overwhelm

    If you’re in the early planning stages of your kitchen remodel and want to reduce overwhelm before decisions pile up, I’d love for you to join my free Start Your Renovation Workshop. We’ll walk through how to plan your remodel with clarity, confidence, and structure—so you’re not reacting under pressure later. 👉 Register for free: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/start-your-renovation Inside the Start Your Renovation Workshop, you’ll learn how to: Plan your renovation the right way Avoid budget-blowing mistakes early Get confident before construction begins I can’t wait to help you approach your remodel differently—and without the overwhelm. Remodeling doesn’t have to feel chaotic. In this episode of Preparing for Your Home Remodel, I’m sharing the #1 tool every home improvement project needs to end remodel overwhelm before construction even begins. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, or full home renovation and feel stuck between Pinterest inspiration, decision fatigue, and fear of making expensive mistakes—this episode is for you. I’m pulling back the curtain on one of my core organizational systems: the specification book. It’s the tool I use as an interior designer and remodel specialist to bring clarity, confidence, and structure to every home improvement project. When your design decisions, materials, and details are organized in one place, it becomes easier to communicate with contractors, reduce stress during construction, and avoid costly re-dos. In this episode, I cover: Why remodel overwhelm is a planning problem—not a you problem How one simple tool creates clarity across your entire renovation How to organize selections, materials, and finishes for your home improvement project How to enter your remodel knowing what’s happening next—without second-guessing every decision If you want a more organized, stress-free home remodel—and a smarter way to approach home improvement—this episode will completely change how you plan your renovation from the start. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to end remodel overwhelm before demo begins.   Next Steps: Already in the thick of a remodel and need help?  Check out Pocket Designer Sessions:  https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner Don’t Forget! Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders Join the FREE Community on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list  Happy Remodeling!  Get in Touch: E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/

    26 min

  8. JAN 12

    24: 5 Reasons Your Kitchen Remodel Feels Overwhelming - How to Avoid It

    Have you ever wondered why kitchen remodels have such a bad reputation for stress—before you’ve even started? Are you already feeling overwhelmed just thinking about decisions, budgets, and contractors? What if the stress everyone warns you about isn’t inevitable at all? In this episode, I’m breaking down why kitchen remodels feel overwhelming and what actually causes that stress in the first place. I walk you through the five most common reasons remodels spiral into overwhelm—and more importantly, how you can avoid each one before construction even begins. I share a real-life client story that highlights how quickly overwhelm shows up when decisions start happening without a plan, and why reacting in the moment creates stress, regret, and budget issues. I also explain why remodeling itself isn’t the problem—it’s how most homeowners approach it. You’ll learn: Why starting without a clear plan sets your remodel up for stress How making decisions during construction erodes confidence Why expecting a “perfect” project actually increases overwhelm How wearing too many roles at once leads to burnout What happens when there’s no system in place to handle problems If you’ve been telling yourself, “I just want this to go smoothly,” this episode will help you reframe what that actually looks like—and how to make it possible. If you’re in the early planning stages of your kitchen remodel and want to reduce overwhelm before decisions pile up, I’d love for you to join my free Start Your Renovation Workshop. We’ll walk through how to plan your remodel with clarity, confidence, and structure—so you’re not reacting under pressure later. 👉 Register for free: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/start-your-renovation Inside the Start Your Renovation Workshop, you’ll learn how to: Plan your renovation the right way Avoid budget-blowing mistakes early Get confident before construction begins I can’t wait to help you approach your remodel differently—and without the overwhelm. Next Steps:  Check out Pocket Designer Sessions:  https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/pocketdesigner Don’t Forget! Join the Insiders List for weekly tips: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/insiders Join the FREE Community on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/preparingforyourhomeremodel Get the Remodel Selections Checklist: https://www.studioredinteriordesign.com/list  Happy Remodeling!  Get in Touch: E-mail: Jen@studiored.homes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/

    21 min
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About

*** Top 5% Globally Ranked Podcast*** Your Go-To Podcast for Homeowners Who Want to Renovate Without Overwhelm! Hey Homeowners, do you want to update your home to reflect you and function better for your family? Are you stuck between wanting the home of your dreams and fearing cost, complexity and the chaos of getting it? Do you know what you like but the thought of pulling it all together and the what if’s of renovating leave you feeling overwhelmed?  I am so excited you're here! I am on  a mission to help homeowners such as yourself FINALLY have that functional, beautiful home that fits your lifestyle, and reflects your personality. Without the stress and without the regret! Hey, I'm Jen, with years of experience in the industry as designer, project manager, and remodel specialist. I have seen it all and I am here to help you skip the overwhelm with Functional Home Renovations, that save you money.  I get it, you want your home to be beautiful but more importantly functional! You have been making do with a home that is less than ideal and quite frankly frustrates you every single day - the poor layout, the outdated look, and most importantly the lack of storage.  I’ve been there - the binge watching of HGTV and the death scroll of Pinterest, pinning yet another Kitchen layout or storage idea, but where do you even begin?  I have learned that when done right, remodels don’t have to be overwhelming and stressful. I help homeowners like you transform their outdated homes into timeless, functional, and welcoming spaces you’ll love for decades — without the stress, overwhelm, or regret.” If you are ready to finally have a home with a functional layout that flows naturally for you and your family, a “do it once, do it right” remodel that stays on time and on budget - then this podcast is for you! You’ll get practical tools to plan smart, stay on budget, and love your home again. Pause that home improvement show because your dream home is closer than you think. Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/studioredinteriordesign/ e-mail me | Jen@studiored.homes

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