THE REMODEL STUDIO
The plan that turns ‘Where do I even start my remodel?’ into ‘I’ve got this!’
A fast-start kitchen remodel system that finally bridges the gap between pretty inspiration and real construction plans—refined over 25 years working with homeowners.
It’s the step most homeowners skip — and the reason your first meetings actually move your remodel forward.
Most remodels blow past the budget,
often by 15–20% or more.
Over the last 25+ years, I’ve personally managed kitchen remodels ranging from $50K cosmetic updates to six-figure overhauls — most finishing right on budget.
When they did go over, the total overage was only 2–5% above the agreed flat-fee price — and only for true unforeseen issues (like hidden HVAC in a wall) or upgrades the homeowner chose mid-project.
In construction, that kind of consistency is rare. And it all starts with planning.
When you walk into those meetings prepared to work as part of the team, decisions get made faster, open loops get closed, and your project moves forward without wasting weeks.
Here's how you can too.
Keep reading.
What You’ll Walk Away With
(built from 25+ years guiding hundreds of homeowners)
-
A clear, intentional project file — what you love, what you can’t stand, must-haves, and layout needs—ready to hand to any contractor or designer so planning starts on the right foot.
-
A reality-checked budget range that supports your goals and sidesteps the “allowance trap.”
-
A layout and flow plan built for how you actually live — not just for pretty photos.
-
Checklists and templates that lock in your budget, protect your timeline, and keep your vision intact — before project development even starts.
HERE IS WHY THAT PLAN (REALLY) MATTERS
Scrolling random kitchen every night in research mode is becoming exhausting, right?!
Yes, it is!
Imagine next year...
-
You designed your kitchen around how you actually live—so every cabinet, appliance, and layout choice made your daily routine easier (not harder).
-
Every contractor and designer meeting felt productive — because you came in prepared and clear.
-
You finalized your must-haves before getting quotes—so you avoided mid-project changes that cost thousands in surprises and delays.
-
Everyone on your team—contractors, designers, even your partner—was fully aligned from the start, with no crossed wires or backtracking.
-
You had total clarity on which upgrades were worth it, and which could wait—so your budget stayed intact and every dollar worked for you.
-
Your eating at home more and your happier. It's true--95% of homeowners who remodeled their kitchen report feeling happier at home—and 77% say they now cook and dine at home more frequently, according to the 2025 NAR/ NARI Impact Report.
You’ve been told remodeling is as simple as getting a few estimates from contractors and picking out finishes.
But without a plan, it’s like expecting your layout, budget, timeline, and trade schedule to magically fall into place.
Spoiler: they don’t.
Here’s what really happens — and why
72% of remodels go over budget.
Problem #1 You start calling contractors, and they ask for specs you don’t have. Cue the awkward silence.
Problem #2 You start picking finishes, but your layout’s not locked in.
Problem #3 You start getting quotes… and realize you’re $25K–$35K over what you thought. (I’ve seen this happen more times than I can count — and every time, it could have been prevented with better preconstruction planning.)
You’re still held back by...
A dozen saved folders of dreamy kitchens.
Half-finished quotes you can’t compare, every contractor says something different.
And a creeping sense that you’re missing something big—but can’t put your finger on what.
You don't know what decisions your supposed to be making yet.
You’re ping-ponging between inspiration and indecision, hoping your contractor will somehow “figure it out.”
This isn’t about taste.
It’s about structure.
And this is the plan that gives you both.
The way you are starting right now?
It’s not how real remodel decisions actually happen.
That’s a strategy flaw.
It’s expensive.
Here’s what really goes down:
The minute construction starts, you realize you forgot something.
Or changed your mind.
Or didn’t fully understand the scope.
Cue the change orders!
More time. More money. More, “wait—can we redo that?”
That’s not a remodel.
That’s a money pit you regret.
And what’s standing between you and the kitchen you’ve been dreaming about?
Hundreds of micro-decisions — and no plan to guide them.
The 5-Day Playbook cuts through the noise and gets you moving.
Truth Bomb Incoming!
What’s standing between you and the incredible kitchen remodel you’ve been wanting to start?
Hundreds of micro-decisions you didn’t even know you had to make —
and no plan to guide them.
The 5-Day Playbook cuts through the noise—and gets you moving.
Wait a sec...What's this playbook, exactly??
It's your before-anything-happens plan.
The one you use before:
→ Inviting designers or contractors over to “take a look”
→ Getting swallowed by the tile showroom.
→ Dropping a deposit on a design you’re not 100% sold on.
In five focused days, you’ll map out what matters most — on paper — before anyone starts tossing quotes, opinions, or “trust me” advice your way.
And it’s not just about feeling organized.
In my own remodels, using this process meant coming in at budget — with any overage never more than 2–5% above the agreed flat-fee price, and only for true unforeseen issues or upgrades the client chose.
Most homeowners aren’t that lucky — 72% of projects go over budget, often by far more than 5%.
Example: On a $117K Olathe Kansas kitchen, the final cost came in just 2% higher — $2,340 — because we uncovered hidden HVAC issues inside a wall and the homeowner decided to add a few electrical upgrades to other rooms while the electrician was onsite.
The Playbook cuts your risk in half before the project even starts — and puts you in the driver’s seat from day one.
Like what you see? Keep reading… you’re about to see how it all comes together.
Kick off in five days.
Ahead by six months.
This dream? This space? This version of your life you keep picturing?
You’ve been the one holding the vision —
researching, budgeting, overthinking every detail of this remodel.
Now it’s time to actually enjoy the process.
Dare I say it? This gets to be fun!!!
⬇ "Okay, I’m in! Show me what's inside, already!!!"⬇
Or not...Why listen to anything I have to say?
You could keep doing what you’re doing…
→ Scrolling kitchen inspo at midnight
→ Texting contractors hoping they’ll “come take a look”
→ Comparing quotes for layouts that don’t even match
→ Changing your mind for the 47th time on cabinet colors
→ Wasting hours chasing clarity you never actually get
I mean—sure.
Or… you could follow a plan from someone who’s:
✅ Worked in residential remodeling for 25+ years — not just on one personal kitchen, but on dozens of full-scale remodels at volume, kitchens, baths, and whole homes.
✅ Personally managed dozens of six-figure kitchen remodels — from the first design conversation to the final install.
✅ Consistently delivered projects at or under the agreed flat-fee price — with any overages capped at 5% and only for true unforeseen issues (think hidden HVAC in a wall) or upgrades clients chose mid-project.
✅ Helped homeowners stop second-guessing themselves by giving them a clear plan and real-world numbers before they spent a dime.
✅ Seen every mistake in the book — and built processes to prevent them before they cost clients time, money, or sanity.
It’s the shortcut I wish every homeowner had before they called me, or sent me a DM saying..."I need help!"
Trust me—you want to start here.
The answer to that quiet
question you keep thinking about...
"CAN A REMODEL REALLY GO THIS SMOOTHLY?!"
Yes — smoother than most homeowners ever experience!
When your plan is locked in before tools hit the jobsite, budgets stay in check, decisions get made once, and you sidestep the mid-project chaos that derails 72% of remodels.
Your kitchen project can be calm, clear, and on track — but only if you stop guessing and start leading. That’s exactly what the Playbook is built for.
The essential first step a homeowner tackles on their own — before hiring a contractor or designer, and before project development begins.
THE FIVE DAY RENOVATION PLAYBOOK
Walk In Ready to Get Things Done
The 5-Day Renovation Playbook gives you the exact prep contractors and designers wish every homeowner did — measurements, must-haves, deal-breakers, budget clarity, and a quick showroom preview.
So when you sit down for that first meeting, you’re not spending weeks “catching up.”
You’re already making decisions, mapping timelines, and moving forward.
Plan like a designer. Think like a contractor.
Here's what's inside the playbook...
(Start right now — be ready for your first pro meeting in just 5 days.)
Day One: Function
Before work begins, we’ll turn your vision into a plan—spotting the problem areas, keeping the wins, and refining the layout for how you live.
→ Kitchen Workflow Map — spot the traffic jams and dead zones you don’t even notice anymore
→ Pain-Point Checklist — make sure daily frustrations get left out of the plan
→ Hard-NO + Must-Have List — keep your priorities clear when the options start multiplying
→ Love it or Leave it Template — so you stop second-guessing every idea and move forward with confidence
At the end of this lesson you will...
…have a kitchen flow map and pain-point hit list so clear you can hand it to a designer or contractor and they’ll know exactly what needs to change.
You’ll make function and organization decisions once — confidently — and cut out the back-and-forth that wastes weeks and thousands of dollars.
Day Two: Real Budgets
Grab your coffee — we’re talking numbers!!
By the end of today, you’ll know exactly what’s doable with your budget, where the danger zones are, and how to stop contractors from slipping in those “allowances” that explode later.
→ Budget Snapshot: Reface vs. Replace — so you see what your money really buys
→ Cost Range Reality Check — research national + local remodel costs so your numbers aren’t a shot in the dark
→ Surprise Cushion — add a 15–20% contingency so the inevitable hiccup doesn’t derail your plan
→ Funding Game Plan — decide now: savings, loan, or a mix, and start calls so it’s ready before bids arrive
.jpg)
At the end of this lesson you will...
…know what this project really costs — no wishful thinking, no “we’ll figure it out later.” You’ll have a realistic budget range, a 20% cushion for the curveballs, and zero illusions about what’s ahead. That’s how you dodge the sticker shock and start making money moves like a boss.
Day Three: Measurements
No design degree required. Today, you’ll learn how to do a simple sketch of your kitchen with basic dimensions—just enough to hand off to a cabinet company, countertop fabricator, or designer so they can give you an initial estimate without guessing.
➝ Step-by-Step Sketching Instructions
➝ What to Measure (and What Doesn’t Matter Yet)
➝ Ceiling Heights, Wall Lengths, Door & Window Placement
➝ Countertop and Backsplash Measurements
At the end of this lesson you will...
…have a complete snapshot of your kitchen’s current layout. You’ll see exactly where things are—and where they can’t go—so your next layout isn’t a Pinterest dream. It’s a functional, accurate plan.
Before you start making decisions, you’ll figure out your role and your renovation strategy. Whether you’re DIYing or hiring it all out, you’ll learn how to speak the lingo, understand wait times, and prep smarter—not later.
➝ First Call Guide (What to Ask Pros)
➝ Contractor/Designer Role Planner
➝ Management Fees
➝Solo Contractors VS Teams
At the end of this lesson you will...
…know who you need, when to bring them in, and what to ask them. No more fumbling through phone calls. You’ll step into every conversation with clarity and control—and a game plan that makes pros take you seriously.
.jpg)
Day Four: Management
Walk into the showroom knowing what to say yes to. Grab your inspo folder—let’s get off the screen and experience the
details in person. A kitchen is the most touched room in the home--you open
drawers, wipe countertops, grab a cabinet knob. That cannot be done digitally.
→ How to prepare for a walkthrough
→ My number one rule you must not ever forget when visiting a showroom
→ Regroup, reorganize your design lists
→ Organize final details in your design brief and prepare for next steps
At the end of this lesson you will...
.jpg)
Day Five: Experience
It’s field-trip day. You’ll walk real showrooms—countertops, tile boutiques, plumbing galleries—so you can touch finishes, spot quality differences, and see lead-time labels for yourself. No buying yet—just informed scouting. By the end of Day 5, you’ll know exactly which materials deserve a quote and which brands to skip, saving you weeks of back-and-forth later.
"We sat down, created a daily schedule to put in the work and a week later---it was SUCH a relief. I felt 100% more in control."
"We were stuck for months. This got us moving. The Playbook helped us map out our kitchen routines (hello, traffic jam at the fridge!) and actually see what needed to change. Once we had our priorities set, everything felt clearer."
— Lana R., Denver, CO
Plan Smarter. Remodel Better.
The trusted kitchen planning system for organized homeowners.
“If I had this Playbook at the start of my remodel, I would’ve saved months of confusion on how to start the project. It gives clarity (I didn’t even realize I was missing) on budget, management and even what I want in my new kitchen.”
- Homeowner Jana B, Midlothian VA
Plan Smarter. Remodel Better.
Plus bonus guides, checklists and templates crafted to support both your design vision
and construction execution, guaranteeing a seamless remodel experience!!
+ Kitchen Mapping
Most people design their dream kitchen without ever stepping foot into their real one. This mapping guide helps you track actual routines and find out what your space really needs before wasting a dime.
Value $27 / INCLUDED!
+ Budget Snapshot
Most people have no idea what a remodel actually costs—until it’s too late. This side-by-side snapshot gives you real-world budget ranges for both refacing and full replacements, so you can plan smarter, avoid sticker shock, and stop guessing what’s possible.
Value $27 / INCLUDED!
+ Essential Measurements
You don’t need to memorize every measurement—but you do need to understand them. This guide gives you the must-know dimensions that separate smart layouts from daily frustration, so you can stop designing in a vacuum and start making decisions that work.
Value $37 / INCLUDED!
+ First Call Guide
Stop inviting the wrong contractors or designers into your home. This guide gives you the exact questions to ask on that first call—so you don’t waste time (or money) on someone who can’t deliver what you need.
Value $27 / INCLUDED!
+ What I Love...
Turns out, the key to your dream kitchen isn’t just fixing what’s broken—it’s doubling down on what you already love. This guide helps you spot the wins worth preserving (and the real reason you love that Pinterest photo).
Value $27 / INCLUDED!
+ Kitchen Paint Points
Your remodel problems aren’t ‘a vibe’—they’re fixable flaws. This checklist turns vague frustration into a hit list of what’s not working, so you can stop guessing and start solving.
Value $17 / INCLUDED!
Finally — The Confidence & Clarity Your Remodel’s Been Missing
When you’ve got the right plan in hand,
everything changes. You:
-
Show up ready to work — walking into meetings with clear priorities and a plan that gets things moving fast.
-
Ask the right questions — no more “whatever you think is best,” you get real answers you can act on.
-
Earn instant respect — contractors and designers know you’re organized, which means faster callbacks and tighter bids.
-
Stay calm around the numbers — you know what fits the budget and when to say no.
-
Avoid decision fatigue — clarity kills overwhelm, so you can move forward without second-guessing.
-
Talk the talk — understand the lingo, skip the jargon overload, and keep your vision intact.
.jpg)
VIP OFFER #1
Five-Day Fast Track Session
Want expert eyes on everything you just created?
This is a focused 1:1 call where I review your notes, sketches, layout ideas, and priority list—together.
I’ll walk you through the next steps, help you avoid costly missteps, and make sure your plan is solid before hiring anyone.
The only remodel session that connects your design ideas to real construction strategy.
✔️ Personalized feedback on your Five-Day Playbook
✔️ Get clarity on budget, layout, or selections
✔️ Action plan delivered within 24 hours
Regular price $300 | Special launch price at checkout
VIP OFFER #2
Stop second-guessing every material decision.
Remodel Selects is your shortcut through the noise.
A vetted, categorized, clickable sourcing guide built from two decades of installs, contractor feedback, and design experience.
If you’ve ever thought “I don’t have time to research all this”—this guide is the time-saver.
✔️ Top brands in every category—cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, and more
✔️ Organized into “Good, Better, Best” tiers so you can splurge where it matters and save where it doesn’t
✔️ Every listing is linked—explore specs, price ranges, and discover what’s worth it
✔️ Start learning material lingo fast—without sifting through Google rabbit holes
✔️ Understand what quality really means by seeing what’s out there—and why it costs what it costs
No fluff. No guesswork. Just smart selects.
Regular price $49 | Special launch price at checkout
"I thought I was too late for this because we had already started tearing things out… but there was still so much value. But even mid-remodel, it helped me stop spiraling and actually feel like I had a grip on the process.
Favorite Part: Budget Snapshot - The budget check-in helped me catch missed costs, even though I started."
— Jessica H., Austin, TX
“I was going back and forth between a few contractors and designers and had no clue who to go with. That Field Call Guide helped a ton. Asking those questions ahead of time saved me from picking someone too fast or getting talked into stuff I didn’t need.”
— Jessica, San Antonio, TX
"I walked into my contractor meeting with a full packet—and he actually thanked me."
— Megan P., Raleigh, NC
"I was stuck on what I could afford until I filled out the budget page. Now I know what’s realistic and what has to wait."
— Nina, Beaufort, SC
"The program made me stop and get organized. In less than a week, I had a full design brief, knew my must-haves, and even caught a major budget oversight I forgot to add in--appliances!"
— Rae, Overland Park KS
"Five days is all it took--I finally felt like I wasn’t trying to figure this out alone. Totally worth it!"
— Andrea, Lenoir City, TN
“Okay, sounds great—but is this really for me?”
.jpg)
If you're kitchen planning to remodel in the next 6–12 months
If you're not sure what a realistic budget even looks like
.jpg)
If you want to show up to contractor meetings ready and respected
Not a good fit if...
❌ If you don’t want to be involved in the planning process.
❌ You’re just “browsing ideas” with no clear intention to start remodeling
❌ You’re hoping this will give you a completed layout or design without doing the pre-work
Clarity made simple and it covered a few areas I didn't even consider...
"The Playbook helped me realize I didn’t need a contractor yet—I needed clarity. The ‘Wants vs. Needs’ exercise was a lightbulb moment. It gave me confidence to say, ‘This is what matters to us,’ and not get swayed by what a vendor or Pinterest says. I walked into a showroom knowing what to look for. That alone saved me time, money, and a ton of stress."
-Alicia, California
Budgeting actually made sense for once.
“We were totally overwhelmed by the numbers—we had no clue what a realistic budget looked like. Julie’s Playbook broke it down in a way we could finally understand. Seeing the cost ranges and thinking through function first made everything feel doable. We’re not guessing anymore. We’re making smart choices that work for how we actually live.”
-Marcus + Jen, Texas
The checklists were everything!
“I’m a list person, and the Playbook totally delivered. From measuring the kitchen to the function lists, everything was laid out step-by-step in a way I could actually understand and follow. No fluff. The ‘Material Vendor Visit’ guide saved me from showroom overwhelm—I knew what to ask and what to skip. I felt confident, and that changed everything. Ready for the entire program to launch”
-Danielle, Georgia
Questions? let's dive in!
Q. “Will this actually save me money—or is it just more ‘kitchen inspo’ I’ll never use?” A. Inspo scrolls are free; mistakes aren’t. The Playbook is a five-day crash course in not losing thousands on the wrong layout, faucet, or worse---flaky designers and contractors. If you comeback on even ONE decision with confidence, it’s paid for itself!
Q. “I’m already knee-deep in Pinterest boards. Am I too far along (or not far enough) for this?” A: Whether you’re just day-dreaming or six quotes deep, the Playbook plugs into any stage. Think of it as Google Maps for remodels: punch in “Start” and it recalculates. Still stuck? Book the 1:1 Work Session and we’ll reroute together—coffee included (virtually).
Q: I’ve never done a remodel before. In fact, I know nothing about construction. Can I really pull this off with The Five Day Playbook? A: Absolutely! The playbook is tailored for everyone—from first-time remodelers to seasoned DIYers. It breaks down the process into easy-to-follow tasks over FIVE days, so you’ll feel confident every step of the way.
Q. “Is this everything I need before ordering cabinets?” A: No—this Playbook is the off-ramp from the research carousel, not the whole highway. In five days you’ll lock in accurate measurements, a reality-checked budget, and a step-by-step plan that keeps your design vision matched to what can actually be built. Result: a broad range budget number, a solid design brief to hand to a designer, vendors and contractors, and weeks trimmed from pre-construction rework. The remaining 4–7 week phase (quotes, tweaks, permits) runs smoother—and stays on budget—because your investments are allocated correctly from day one.
Q. “How much time does this really take? My schedule is already chaos.” A: Plan on one focused sprint per day—45 minutes to 1½ hours, tops. That’s a fraction of the hours most homeowners burn weekly Googling and second-guessing. Swap late-night scrolling for laser-targeted tasks and you’ll often shave weeks off the front-end planning timeline—freeing up brain space and calendar space for the fun stuff.
Q. “I’m not a designer or contractor. Will the Playbook get too technical for me?” A: Plain English only. We translate spec-sheet jargon into everyday language and hand you plug-and-play templates (budgets, measurement sheets, vendor scripts). You’ll walk into showrooms speaking the right lingo—avoiding costly miscommunication and keeping your vision intact all the way to install day. It's designed so homeowners who have never even hired a contractor feel confident.
Q. “What if I get stuck or want a sanity check on my plan?” A: I got you! Book a 1:1 Work Session directly with me. In 60 minutes we focus 100% on your remodel and what is keeping you up at night. Flag budget creeps, timeline landmines, and design misalignments before you cut a single check—saving you from blown budgets and weeks of back-and-forth. It’s the fastest route from “I think this is right” to “I know this is ready.”
25 Years in Residential Renovations
300+ Remodels & Projects Completed
Managed 5 & 6-Figure Budgets
Built & Managed Renovations as a Licensed GC
Hi, I'm Julie!
I created the playbook from experience—and a few hard-earned lessons.
I bought a house that had been under a slow-motion renovation for over 20 years—and still wasn’t finished--a dream, right? Nope.
We jumped in without a real plan, without understanding the scope, the budget, or what it would actually take to bring it to life.
And even though I was already working in construction—managing trades and running projects—I still didn’t start this one the right way.
You fall in love with the potential—the view, the quiet acreage....
This was my driveway. An old, dusty country road. (At the time, I thought: how romantic.)
But wishful renovation dreaming can cloud your judgement, and rushing leads to decisions you can’t take back...It did mine.
I made a lot of mistakes in that remodel—ones I’d never let a client make today.
And that’s when it clicked.
If I wanted to do this right—for myself and for the people I was guiding—I needed a better way to start.
So I built one.
Once I began using this exact system, everything changed.
Projects ran smoother. Budgets held. Clients felt calm and clear.
And I finally found the rhythm between construction and design that no one teaches you—until now.
I finally bridged the gap between construction and design—the way it should work. Lessons learned.
This Playbook is the start of that system.
Because I’ve learned:
this right here is the most important part.
The plan. The clarity. The groundwork.
And it’s where your remodel truly begins.
See you inside.
—Julie
