Everything You Want to Know About a Remodel Project But Are Too Afraid to Ask
Whether you’re in the early stages of planning your remodel or simply considering the idea of a remodel for your Nashville home, we know you’ve got questions. The team at Artisan Build Construct has put together a guide just for you.
This guide is designed to remove the mystery, eliminate surprises, and give you an honest look at how a remodel works when done the right way. At Artisan Build Construct, we believe that transparency is the foundation of trust. The more you know up front, the smoother your project will run. So stop your Google searches and ChatGPT prompts, and let us take it from here.

How Long Does a Remodel Really Take?
You’ve heard the horror story of the kitchen remodel that took twice the estimated time or the addition that dragged on months past the scheduled finish date. You may even hear advice to “add 20% to whatever the contractor estimates.” Since remodels shake up your day-to-day life, it’s no surprise the timeline is one of the biggest concerns.
Here’s a candid look at what you can expect:
Preconstruction: 4–10 Weeks
- Design coordination
- Engineering (if needed)
- Product selections
- Budget development
- Permitting
Before starting a construction project in Middle Tennessee, it’s important to understand several local factors that can impact design, cost, and permitting. Many Nashville neighborhoods fall under historic or conservation overlays, which regulate everything from materials to rooflines, while other areas face constraints related to flood zones, drainage hotspots, and strict stormwater requirements. Site conditions can also vary widely—shallow limestone bedrock, karst terrain, and sloped lots can all influence foundation design and excavation costs.
This phase is where most delays happen for remodelers who rush. Our preconstruction team at Artisan Build Construct is experienced in navigating the unique zoning, environmental, and site-specific challenges found throughout Middle Tennessee. Planning well here not only prevents cost overruns later, but it can make all the difference in ensuring you feel confident in the scope of work ahead.
Construction: 6 Weeks to 9 Months
Construction timelines depend heavily on complexity. Kitchens and bathrooms fall on the shorter end, while whole-home reorganizations, structural changes, and additions take longer.
The team at Artisan Build Construct aims to provide realistic schedules and consistent communication. This keeps things predictable and minimizes surprises. Additionally, we utilize Buildertrend, a construction management platform, where you can track the progress of your project in real time.

Will You Be Able to Stay in Your Home During Your Renovation?
This varies from project to project, but generally…
You Can Stay For:
- Cosmetic updates
- One contained bathroom remodel
- Non-structural, single-room projects
You Can’t Stay For:
- Major kitchen remodels
- Whole-home flooring replacements
- Structural changes
- Any project requiring electrical or plumbing shutdowns
Your team should give you a clear, realistic plan so you can prepare housing in advance if needed. Our priority is to keep you safe while disrupting your lifestyle as little as possible!
What Will the Day-to-Day Experience Be Like During A Renovation?
First: Demolition
This phase includes noise, dust mitigation, dumpsters, and lots of activity. A good team controls the work area and protects personal belongings. At Artisan Build Construct, we’ll treat your home and neighborhood like our own—with clear communication, careful containment practices, and a commitment to respecting your routine and space every step of the way.
Next: Trades Rotating in Sequence
- Framers, plumbers, electricians
- City inspections
- Insulation and drywall
- Trim carpentry and cabinetry
- Tile, paint, and finishes
To break things down: framers come in first, followed by plumbers and electricians who complete rough-in work. Next, city inspections take place to ensure everything meets code, and once approved, the project moves on to insulation and drywall. Then comes the fun part—the details that make your house really feel like a home! The project will wrap up with trim carpentry, cabinetry, flooring, and final touches like tile, paint, and hardware.

What About the Budget?
Let’s be real… this is everyone’s biggest fear. The truth is simple: remodel budgets only blow up when scopes are unclear, plans are incomplete, or communication is poor.
To avoid that, we follow a structured preconstruction process that clarifies everything before work begins. When changes happen during construction, they’re documented, priced, and approved before work proceeds.
What Drives the Cost of a Remodel?
Remodel costs are shaped by a combination of market conditions, home age, design choices, and the complexity of the work. Here’s a deeper dive into the elements that will affect your budget:
Scope
The biggest factor is the extent of the work. Moving walls, reconfiguring plumbing, replacing HVAC, upgrading electrical service, and adding structural beams immediately shift a project into a different cost category.
Nashville’s older neighborhoods like East Nashville, Sylvan Park, and 12 South (etc) often have homes with aging systems. Plumbing, electrical, and structural components may not meet current code, and bringing them up to modern standards can significantly affect the budget.
Finish Level
Tile vs. vinyl. Custom cabinetry vs. stock. High-end fixtures vs. builder-grade selections. Clients often underestimate the impact final selections have on the budget.
At Artisan Build Construct, we work closely with clients and interior design partners to put together a finish package that aligns with your vision and budget as closely as possible. We weave this into our estimation process so that there are no major cost surprises at the end.
Unseen Conditions
You know the HGTV moment when the flooring comes up, everyone gasps, and then it flickers to commercials? Turns out there was unexpected termite damage…
While it makes for top-notch TV drama, these unforeseen conditions unfortunately do pop up often in remodels. Once walls and floors are opened, many homes reveal hidden problems that can impact cost. Structural issues, moisture-related damage, and questionable D-I-Y or previous addition work are all common surprises.
Experienced remodelers identify the likelihood of these issues early and build a plan around them. Even if you don’t see them coming, the team at Artisan Build Construct has your back and is prepared to build in contingencies.

Final Thoughts—What Really Makes a Remodel Successful?
Remodels can be transformative. They can increase comfort, function, long-term value and ultimately give you a space that’s more you. When done the right way, you should feel confident and informed at each step.
At Artisan Build Construct, we believe this boils down to these five factors:
- Clear plans and selections before construction
- A capable builder who leads the process
- Realistic expectations
- Consistent communication
- Trust between homeowner and team
When you understand the realities, the remodel becomes less of a mystery and more of a partnership. We hope this guide leaves you feeling empowered, informed, and excited about the possibilities ahead. If you’re thinking about a remodel, let’s talk. We’re here to answer questions, walk your space, and help you map out a plan that feels right for your home.













