THE REMODEL STUDIO
Here's the problem:
You're asking contractors for numbers before you've decided what you actually want built or materials are selected.
So every quote is very different. Every conversation leaves you more confused. You feel small, like you're not really in charge of your own remodel — because you're not. You're reacting instead of leading.
But it's not too late to flip this around.
Keep reading...
So what do most people do? They try one of these approaches... and wonder why nothing works:
➡️ Call a contractor for a quote…
Without a plan, it's just a guesstimate. No final decisions = no firm price. Numbers shift the second you make a selection
➡️ Start shopping for cabinets, countertops, and tile
But how do you know if they fit your budget, layout, or lead times? Falling in love with finishes before knowing the costs is how projects blow up.
➡️ Trust your neighbor's remodel story
"My friend's kitchen cost $70K" — except their scope, choices AND ENTIRE HOME are nothing like yours. Comparing apples to oranges makes for bad planning.
➡️ Scroll Pinterest and Instagram for 14.5 months
Inspo is great. But your contractor can't build "coastal grandma meets modern farmhouse." They need dimensions, materials, and decisions. Pretty pictures ≠ a plan.
One hour from now, you'll have your first remodel decision locked in...
Months have passed. You're still stuck. That ends here.
The Playbook breaks your remodel into bite-sized decision sprints — so you stop overthinking and start moving forward with confidence.
✅ Video walkthroughs + downloadable guides
✅ No more "I'll figure it out later"
✅ Contractor-ready clarity
Planning vs Build Timeline
Most homeowners spend 9.6 months planning their kitchen remodel.
You won't have to.
Get organized before you call a contractor — it'll cut the back-and-forth, sharpen your vision, and speed up the path to build day.
That's nearly 15 months total — and most of it is just spinning your wheels. 🤔
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Don’t blame the contractor.
The chaos started the second you
skipped the plan.
After 25 years running kitchens from $50K facelifts to full six-figure overhauls, I can tell you: the difference between chaos and calm is always the same thing—prep.
When homeowners walk into contractor meetings with a clear scope, defined priorities, and decisions already made—everything changes.
✨ Choices get made in minutes, not months
✨ Timelines stay on track — no "we'll circle back"
✨ “Soon” turns into done.
Imagine if…
Every contractor and designer meeting felt productive — not like you were winging it.
You'd finalized your must-haves before quotes went out — so no one was guessing.
🚩 No more "we'll figure it out later" — or $250 change orders because you didn't decide on cabinet hardware in time.
Everyone on your team—contractors, designers, even your partner—was fully aligned.
No crossed wires. No backtracking.
You'd know exactly which upgrades were worth it and which ones could wait without derailing your vision.
That's not fantasy. It's what five days of prep creates.
(Yes, full access. Right now. No waiting!)
25 years in residential renovations
300+ Remodels & Projects Completed
Licensed GC who's managed budgets from $20K to $250K+
You’ll be the homeowner every contractor wants to work with.
You'll show up with a clear, organized plan that makes pros say, "Finally—someone who's ready."
Your budget is locked in and reality-checked—no guessing, no scope creep.
Your checklists keep your timeline and vision intact—before tools hit the jobsite.
As a General Contractor, I charged $250
just to write a change order.
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Unexpected Impact $1560
Start Smart with The Remodel Playbook $44
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This will save you more money than any upgrade you cut from your wishlist.
THE RENOVATION PLAYBOOK
Show up confident, organized, and ready—like this is your 56th remodel, not your first.
The Playbook gives you the exact prep contractors and designers wish every homeowner did—measurements, must-haves, deal-breakers, and budget clarity.
So when you sit down for that first meeting, you're not catching up—you're leading.
Decisions happen faster. Timelines stay intact. Your remodel moves forward with confidence.
You'll walk into your first contractor meeting a pro.
Your
Kitchen Remodel
Prep System:
Know your priorities. Ask the right questions. Lead with confidence.
Sprint One:
Design a Kitchen That
Actually Works for You
Figure out what's broken, what's working, and what needs to change—before you talk to a single contractor.
Action Steps:
→ Kitchen Workflow Map – Spot the traffic jams and dead zones you don't even notice anymore.
→ Pain-Point Checklist – Make sure daily frustrations don't make it into your new design.
→ Hard-No + Must-Have List – Keep your priorities clear when options start multiplying.
→ Decision Filter Template – Stop second-guessing every idea and move forward with confidence.
At the end of Sprint 1, you'll have:
A Kitchen Flow Map and Pain-Point Hit List so clear you can hand them to any designer or contractor—and they'll instantly know what needs to change.
No more back-and-forth. No more "let me think about it." You'll make your function decisions once, confidently, and save weeks of wasted time (and thousands of dollars).
Sprint Two: Build a Budget
That Won't Blow Up on You
Let's talk numbers—the real ones, not the fantasy ones.
By the end of this sprint, you'll know what's actually doable, where the budget traps are, and how to stop contractors from sneaking in "allowances" that explode later.
Action Steps:
→ Budget Snapshots (Reface vs. Replace) – See what your money really buys before you commit.
→ Cost-Range Reality Check Get real numbers so you're not guessing.
→ Surprise Cushion Calculator Add a 15–20% buffer so hiccups don't derail your plan.
→ Funding Game Plan Decide now—savings, loan, or mix—so money's ready before bids arrive.
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At the end of Sprint 2, you’ll:
A realistic budget range, a 20% buffer for curveballs, and zero illusions about what this actually costs.
No wishful thinking. No "we'll figure it out later." Just a real number you can work with—so you dodge sticker shock and make money moves like a boss.
Sprint 3: Sketch Your Space
(Get initial quotes fast)
No design degree required. Just a simple sketch with the measurements pros actually need to give you accurate quotes—not guesses.
Action Steps:
→ Step-by-Step Sketch Guide – Capture the essentials without overthinking it.
→ Measurement Cheat Sheet – Know what to measure now (and what can wait).
→ Ceiling + Wall Notes – Track heights, windows, and door swings that affect your layout.
→ Countertop + Backsplash Grid – Record surface dimensions so material estimates are actually accurate.
At the end of Sprint 3, you'll have:
A clean, usable sketch that real pros can quote from—no more "I'll need to come measure first" delays.
You'll stop guessing at measurements and start getting accurate numbers that actually match your space.
Before decisions start flying, you’ll define your role and build a clear renovation strategy.
Whether you’re DIYing or hiring it all out, you’ll get the cheat sheets that help you speak the language, plan timelines, and prep smarter—not later
Action Steps:
→ First-Call Guide – exactly what to ask pros on that first conversation.
→ Role Planner – clarify who does what (you, contractor, designer).
→ Fee Snapshot – understand management costs before they surprise you.
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Sprint Four: Management Made Simple
At the end of Sprint 4, you’ll:
…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.
Your kitchen is the most-touched room in your home—drawers, counters, cabinet pulls—and those choices can't be made from a screen.
It's time to get off Pinterest and into the showroom, where you'll touch the materials, spot quality differences, and know exactly what to say yes to.
Action Steps:
Tools you’ll use:
→ Showroom Walkthrough – What to bring, what to ask, and how to capture the details that matter.
→ The One Rule You Can’t Forget – My #1 principle that keeps you from wasting time (or money).
→ Material Comparison Tracker – Record quality differences, lead times, and prices side-by-side.
→ Final Details Checklist – Narrow your selections and finalize what's worth quoting.
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Sprint 5 – See What You Like
(Before You Hire Anyone)
By the end of Sprint 5, you’ll:
Have walked real showrooms—countertops, tile boutiques, plumbing galleries—and touched the materials yourself.
You'll spot quality differences, note lead times, and know exactly which materials deserve a quote and which brands to skip. No buying yet—just informed scouting that saves you weeks of second-guessing later.
Plus: bonus resources that cover the gaps—like what to do when a quote doesn't make sense, how to track changes, and when to say no.
+ Kitchen Mapping
Track how you actually use your kitchen—so you design for real life, not just Pinterest.
Value $27 / INCLUDED!
+ Budget Snapshot
Real-world budget ranges for refacing vs. replacing—so you can plan without the sticker shock.
Value $27 / INCLUDED!
+ Essential Measurements
The must-know dimensions that separate smart layouts from daily frustration—no memorizing required.
Value $49 / INCLUDED!
+ First Call Guide
The exact questions to ask on the first call—so you don't waste time on the wrong contractor.
Value $27 / INCLUDED!
+ What I Love...
Figure out what's actually working in your kitchen—so you keep the wins and fix what matters.
Value $27 / INCLUDED!
+ Kitchen Pain Points
Turn vague frustration into a clear hit list—so you know exactly what to fix.
Value $17 / INCLUDED!
"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
This playbook is for you if you want to:
✅ Show up prepared — walk into meetings with clear priorities and a plan that gets things moving fast
✅ Ask smarter questions — no more "whatever you think is best"—get real answers you can act on
✅ Earn instant respect — contractors see you're organized, which means faster callbacks and tighter bids
✅ Stay calm around the numbers — know what fits, what's flexible, and when to say no
✅ Dodge decision fatigue — clarity kills overwhelm so you can move forward without second-guessing
✅ Speak the language — understand the lingo and protect your vision from getting lost in translation
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(That’s exactly what the Playbook delivers—in less than a week.)
"I thought I was too late for this because we had already started tearing things out… but there was still so much value. Even mid-remodel, it helped me stop spiraling and actually feel like I had a grip on the process.
Favorite Part: Budget Snapshot – It helped me catch missed costs, even though I'd already started."
— Jessica H., Austin, TX
"I was going back and forth between contractors with no clue who to pick. The First Call Guide saved me—I asked the right questions and avoided picking too fast or getting talked into stuff I didn't need."
— Jessica Perez, San Antonio, TX
"I walked into my contractor meeting with a full packet—and he actually thanked me."
— Megan Pittman, Raleigh, NC
"I was stuck on what I could afford until I filled out the budget page. Now I know exactly what's realistic—and what can wait."
— Nina DeLeon, Beaufort, SC
"This made me stop and actually get organized. In less than a week, I had a full design brief, knew my must-haves, and even caught a major budget miss—appliances!"
— Rae Caine, Overland Park KS
"One focused week with a little time each dayI finally felt like I wasn't trying to figure this out alone. The nightly online researching is over. Totally worth it!"
— Andrea K., Lenoir City, TN
Still on the fence?
Here's what most people ask:
Q. "Will this actually save me money—or is it just another thing I won't use?" A. This isn't theory—it's one focused week that walks you through the exact decisions that cost people thousands. Nail even ONE with confidence, and it's already paid for itself.
Q. "Am I too far along (or not far enough) for this?" A. Whether you're just daydreaming or already talking to contractors, the Playbook meets you where you are. Think of it as Google Maps for remodels: punch in where you're starting, 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. Can I really pull this off? A. That's exactly who this is for. You don't need construction knowledge—you need a plan. One focused week, and you'll have a design brief that makes you sound like a pro. 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 one focused week, you'll have the basics you need: quick measurements, a reality-checked budget, and a design brief that keeps your vision matched to what can actually be built. The result? A solid brief to hand to designers, vendors, and contractors—plus a broad-range budget number 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 hour per day—45 minutes to 1½ hours, tops. That's a fraction of the time most homeowners burn weekly Googling and second-guessing. Swap late-night scrolling for laser-targeted tasks and you'll 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 this get too technical for me?" A. Nope—we keep it simple. You get plug-and-play templates (budgets, measurement sheets, vendor scripts) and we translate the jargon so you can walk into showrooms and sound like you know what you're talking about. No costly miscommunication. No losing your vision along the way. It's built for homeowners who've never even hired a contractor before.
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'll focus 100% on your remodel and what's keeping you up at night—flagging budget creeps, timeline landmines, and design misalignments before you cut a single check. You'll avoid 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."
Hi, I'm Julie!
25 Years in Residential Renovations
300+ Remodels & Projects Completed
Licensed General Contractor
Female-Owned Design + Construction Firm
Hi, I'm Julie!
In 2006, I bought a house that had been under a slow-motion renovation for over 20 years.
I was you.
Excited about the vision.
Overwhelmed by the details.
Hoping it would all just... work out.
It didn't.
Wishful renovation dreaming clouded my judgment. I made expensive mistakes. I learned the hard way what happens when you skip the planning phase.
And that's when it clicked.
If I wanted to do this right—for myself and for the people I guide—I needed a better way to start.
So I built one.
This Playbook is that system.
Everything I wish I had before I started.
See you inside,
Julie
You’ll walk into your first contractor meeting with a clear, structured outline that shows you know your project.
❌ Not a screenshots.
❌ Not a vague ideas.
❌ Not a "we'll figure it out as we go" approach.
A real plan.
You'll know:
✅ Exactly what you want (and why it works for your life)
✅ What you can afford (without the panic)
✅ How to communicate your vision (so contractors take you seriously)
✅ What questions to ask (so nothing gets missed) during this pre-construction phase
✅ How to avoid the mistakes that blow budgets and timelines
You'll feel confident. Prepared. In control.
And your remodel will actually start the way you hoped it would.
