Emotional Preparation Before Your Next Remodel in West Michigan
The kids are back in school, weekly routines are settling in again, we’re finally used to writing 2026 on our checks, and tax preparation season is underway. This is the time of year when most of us start dreaming about winter thawing into spring—longer days, fresh air, and new beginnings.
It’s also the season when homeowners across West Michigan begin dreaming about that basement finishing project, master bathroom remodel, or kitchen renovation. If 2026 is your year for a remodel in Grand Rapids, Holland, or Byron Center, you’re probably deep into Instagram reels and Pinterest boards, collecting design inspiration and getting excited about what’s possible.
But right about now, another question creeps in: Who should I hire?
Here’s some straight talk up front—if you wait until spring to start getting estimates, you may find the best remodeling contractors already booked out for the summer. Planning early isn’t just smart; it’s essential.
If you’re still in the dreaming phase, here are a few ways to get ahead of the curve.
The Early Bird Catches the Contractor
Start getting bids early—earlier than you think you need to.
Even as a relatively new business owner, my calendar fills up fast. This is true across the board for quality remodeling contractors in Grand Rapids, Holland, and Byron Center. If you assume you have plenty of time, you may find yourself pushing your project into late fall, winter, or even 2027.
Now is the time to:
Reach out to contractors
Schedule walkthroughs
Start comparing estimates
I always recommend homeowners get at least three estimates before choosing a contractor. That process takes time, and waiting too long can limit your options. If 2026 is your year to remodel, start the process now.
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Many homeowners in West Michigan prefer to hire contractors they already know—or someone a family member has used before. That’s not a bad thing. Personal referrals are often reliable and feel safe.
However, don’t let familiarity limit your options.
Different contractors bring different perspectives, design ideas, pricing structures, and communication styles. You may find that a contractor outside your immediate network is actually a better fit for your project and your personality.
Of course, no one likes to waste time—yours or theirs. Only schedule estimates with contractors you’re genuinely open to hiring. But be willing to explore reputable builders and remodelers you may not have heard of yet, especially in competitive markets like Grand Rapids and Holland.
Emotionally Prepare Yourself for the Remodeling Process
Remodeling is exciting—but it’s also challenging.
Every project comes with highs and lows: You get to watch you vision come to life at every stage, your outdated and unused space becoming a space of beauty and enjoyment. However, you also get dust, delays, and many decisions!
Feeling overwhelmed at times is normal. And here’s something many homeowners forget—your contractor is experiencing those same pressures, just from the other side.
A good contractor doesn’t eliminate challenges, but they manage them well. Clear communication, realistic timelines, and transparency when delays occur make all the difference.
One important reminder: don’t put so much pressure on finishing that trades are rushed. Quality work takes time. A professional contractor will give you a timeline and clearly communicate when adjustments are necessary—and why.
If you want to enjoy the process as much as possible, choose a contractor who prioritizes communication as much as craftsmanship.
Final Thoughts: Plan Early, Choose Wisely, and Stay Grounded
If you’re planning a 2026 remodel in Grand Rapids, Holland, or Byron Center, now is the time to act.
Start getting estimates early so you can secure your preferred contractor
Don’t limit yourself to only the “safe” options—explore reputable professionals outside your immediate circle
Prepare yourself emotionally for the realities of remodeling, both the highs and the lows
When you plan ahead and choose a contractor who communicates clearly and walks with you through the process, your remodel doesn’t just transform your home—it becomes a far better experience overall.
