The start of a new year is the perfect time to get serious about your renovation goals. Whether you’re finally redoing the kitchen, updating your forever home, or considering a full remodel, a clear plan is your biggest asset.
Unlike contractors or design platforms, Structur is your renovation advocate – protecting your time, your budget, and your vision from the very start.
At Structur, we help Auburn, Opelika, and Lake Martin homeowners take the guesswork out of major renovations – bringing clarity, strategy, and trusted guidance from day one.
Here’s your streamlined renovation checklist to kick off 2026 with confidence.
1. Clarify Your Goals
Before you dive into ideas, get clear on what this renovation is really about.
- Are you solving space issues? Planning for aging in place? Boosting resale?
- What’s not working in your current space?
- How do you want your home to support daily life?
When you know your “why,” you’ll make better design, layout, and budget decisions.
2. Know Your Budget (and Build in a Buffer)
Renovation costs in 2026 are still trending high, especially with materials and labor.
- Account for soft costs like design and permits
- Add 10–20% as a contingency buffer
- Be realistic about cost vs. Value – some upgrades are worth it, others aren’t
Not sure what your budget should be? Structur helps you align scope, spend, and sanity from the start.
3. Choose the Right Team Early
The biggest renovation regrets we hear? Hiring the wrong people – or hiring them too late.
- Interview architects, builders, or design-build firms
- Prioritize clear communication and aligned values
- Bring Structur in early to help vet candidates and protect your interests
When your team is aligned early, your project runs smoother.
4. Understand Your Timeline
Most people underestimate how long planning takes.
- Design + permitting can take 2–6+ months
- Contractor lead times may be longer than expected
- Material delays are still common
Starting now sets you up for a construction start in late spring or summer.
5. Plan for Daily Life During Renovation
Renovations disrupt routines. Planning ahead helps reduce stress.
- Will you need to move out temporarily?
- Are you renovating in phases?
- What parts of the home will remain functional?
Structur helps you create a smart phasing strategy that fits your life – not just the builder’s schedule.
6. Focus on Long-Term Value
Trends come and go. A smart renovation lasts.
- Invest in layouts that work for your lifestyle
- Incorporate energy efficiency and future-ready design
- Choose materials that balance beauty and durability
We guide homeowners toward choices that feel good now – and still make sense 10 years from now.
7. Don’t Do It Alone
You don’t need to become a construction expert overnight.
Structur gives you a dedicated renovation consultant – someone on your side to:
- Keep your goals front and center
- Flag potential pitfalls before they derail your budget
- Coordinate your team and keep things moving
With the right advocate, your renovation becomes a whole lot less stressful – and a lot more successful.
Ready to Renovate Smarter in 2026?
You bring the vision. We bring the plan, the process, and the peace of mind.
Schedule your free 15-minute consultation now
Let’s make your 2026 renovation the smartest decision of the year.
