6 Must-Know Remodel Lessons

Get your remodel right the first time, with this insight from an architect who's been there too many times to count.


Over almost four decades of marriage, my wife and I have renovated, in whole or in part, five of our own houses. We have just purchased a home in a golf community so will, again, embark on a renovation project, our sixth. In addition to these home renovations for myself, I've helped scores of homeowners renovate, remodel and expand their homes as project architect.

Through all of these projects, I've learned many tips, tricks and general rules about how to do more with less, stay on track and keep my sanity throughout. Here are some of them.

Article by: Bud Dietrich, AIA