If you’ve never gone through a home renovation before, here’s something you should know.

It’s not like the TV shows. Around here, whether you're in Dover, Portsmouth, Kittery, or anywhere along the Seacoast, things don’t always go as planned. Materials get delayed. Crews work in real conditions. And winter makes everything more interesting.

That doesn’t mean it has to be a nightmare. When you hire a contractor who tells you the truth and keeps you in the loop, you’ll know what to expect and how to get ready. That’s what this article is for. Real-world advice for homeowners in Southern New Hampshire and Coastal Maine who are thinking about remodeling.

I’ve seen it all, both in the Navy and on job sites. The one thing I know for sure is this. If you’re prepared, you’ll be just fine. Let’s go over the basics.

1. Timelines Matter, but Delays Happen

When we give you a timeline, we mean it. But there are things no one can control.

• Materials might take longer to show up

• Subcontractors might get backed up

• The weather might turn rough

• You might change your mind on something mid-project

So when we say your kitchen will take six to eight weeks, that’s based on everything going smooth. But it might go longer. Good contractors plan for a little wiggle room. We’d rather be honest than blow smoke.

Pro Tip: Ask your contractor for a realistic timeline. Make sure they check in with you weekly.

2. Winter Is a Good Time for Inside Work

A lot of folks think remodeling only happens in the summer. That’s not true. Winter is actually a great time for indoor projects like:

• Kitchens

• Bathrooms

• Basements

• Insulation upgrades

You might even save money. Scheduling is easier and material costs can be lower. Now, if you’re doing something outside, snow or frozen ground could slow things down. But for interior work, winter is a solid time to get going.

Pro Tip: If you want a spring project, book it during the winter. By March, good contractors are already booked out.

3. Set a Budget, Then Add a Little Extra

You should have a clear idea of how much you want to spend before we even show up. Then add 10 to 20 percent for anything unexpected. That’s not a scare tactic. It’s just what happens when we open up walls in older homes.

You might run into old wiring, rot, bad plumbing, or odd framing. We’ll always talk through the options with you and explain the costs. But it’s smart to have a little cushion set aside from the beginning.

Pro Tip: Be upfront about your budget. A good contractor will help you stay on track, not try to upsell you.

4. Communication Keeps the Job on Track

Here’s where things often go off the rails. Poor communication. You hire someone, then they disappear for days, and you don’t know what’s going on. Meanwhile, your house is torn apart.

That’s not how we do things. You’ll have one main point of contact and regular updates. If anything changes, you’ll hear it from us right away. Not two weeks later when it’s too late to do anything about it.

Pro Tip: Ask how your contractor plans to keep you in the loop. If they don’t have a clear answer, that’s a red flag.

5. Renovations Disrupt Your Life. Just Be Ready.

Let’s be honest. Living through a remodel isn’t easy. There’s dust, noise, and strangers walking through your home. You might not have access to your kitchen or bathroom for a while. Pets get stressed. You might too.

But if you go in with the right mindset, it’s all manageable. We give our clients a checklist before we start. What to pack up. How to keep pets safe. When you might want to stay somewhere else for a couple days. Your home is still your home. We just need room to work.

Pro Tip: Treat the renovation like a short-term mission. Keep your eye on the finish line.

6. Permits and Inspections Matter

Every town does things a little different. Rye might ask for a permit that Hampton doesn’t. Kittery has its own process. You can’t go by what your neighbor did last year.

We handle all the paperwork and inspections. We follow code, and we don’t cut corners. That protects your investment and keeps your home safe. It also makes life easier if you ever decide to sell.

Pro Tip: Ask who’s pulling the permits. If the contractor tells you it’s your job, find someone else.

7. A Good Contractor Makes All the Difference

This is the big one. A good contractor costs more than a guy with a ladder and a Facebook page. But it’s worth every penny. We’re licensed. We carry insurance. We’ve got real crews, not fly-by-night help. We don’t take your deposit and disappear.

Hiring the wrong person can cost you way more in the long run. A good contractor does it right the first time, keeps you informed, and stands behind the work.

Pro Tip: Always check references, verify insurance, and never pay in full before the work is done.

Final Thoughts: It's Not Easy, but It's Worth It

Renovations take time, money, and patience. That’s just how it goes. But when you hire the right crew and keep your expectations in check, you’ll end up with something you’re proud of.

At Veterans Builders, we run our jobs like we ran our missions in the Navy. We show up prepared, we work with purpose, and we don’t leave until the job is done right.

Thinking about remodeling this year?
Visit VeteransBuilders.com to schedule a free consultation and get on the calendar before spring fills up.