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Julie | Renovation Educator

@theremodelstudio

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Helping homeowners plan a better remodel
Design expertise + Construction knowledge
25 yrs on real job sites | Design Build Owner
👇Consults + Tools

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Remodel decisions stack up FAST.  
Even something that seems like one choice usually comes with five more micro decisions.

Want an example? Take a fireclay apron-front sink:
 → It almost always needs cabinet reinforcement due to the weight. Who does that? The countertop installer?
 → Delivery delays can throw off your templating schedule—and this sink, if it’s not available locally, its difficult to ship it fast due to the weight.
 → Apron front sinks MUST be set before templating. Not just delivered. Set. In place. Ready.

(Every sink should be on-site early—but this one’s non-negotiable.) 
This is the kind of thing that quietly derails remodels.
 It’s why I created the Detail Sheets—to cover the timing, specs, and onsite “double checks” no one else is walking you through.

And I will be the first to admit— Even after remodeling for YEARS, I am guilty of forgetting something on a project and having to scramble last minute.

Checklists are my best friend. 📋

These detail sheets drop next week.

I can’t wait for you to have a sense of confidence and clarity when you use them.  Comment “Detail44” and I’ll DM you the early access link.

Something to Consider,
Julie

P.S. If you are new here, I am so glad you found me! Welcome to my world of remodeling. First task—follow me @theremodelstudio so you can find me when you need me! by @theremodelstudio

Asking yourself, “Are we EVER going to start the renovation….”

😊 REPOST to Share

You don’t want to fall into the phase of SLOW kickoff meetings that many unprepared homeowners do.

It’s not you—it’s the prep.

But you can fix that so your kitchen remodel moves with decisions and enters the build phase, fast!

Now—it’s let’s not kid around. I PREACH about taking your time developing your project.
—6-12 weeks is standard.

If we start moving beyond that, I’m an average kitchen remodel, we REALLY start losing momentum.

My 5-day plan is for you to use BEFORE your first Project Development meeting.

Why it works?
-It gives confidence.
-Understand what you want to see (and not see)
-Helps you lead.
-Show up like a pro (even if this is your first Reno!)

The outcome: you walk in prepared, pros take you seriously, and your project moves instead of drifting for four weeks.

Meet the 5-Day Kitchen Playbook—the fast-start system that bridges pretty inspiration and real construction plans, refined over 25 years. It’s the step most homeowners skip—and the reason your first meetings actually move your remodel

Comment “PLAYBOOK” if you want to check it out!

Something to consider,
Julie

P.S. If you want to stop the kitchen research and want DIRECT help on how to piece your kitchen remodel together—let’s do it!

Comment “consult” for my 1:1 help ❤️ by @theremodelstudio

If you are a homeowner and new here—welcome! I’m Julie. 😊And this space? It’s 100% to help teach homeowners like you about remodeling.

Right now we are focused on everything kitchens…

✨For the homeowner dreaming of a kitchen that finally works.
✨For the one who’s tired of second-guessing every decision.
✨For the one who wants beauty and a clear plan to get there.

I’ve spent 25 years in the renovation world —on BOTH the design and construction side.

I’m a former licensed GC from the Midwest, and now I live in South Florida + I am absolutely OBSESSED with guiding homeowners through the wild world of remodeling.

I've worked in hundreds of homes starting in 2000---that's 25 years of lots of lessons learned. I'm sharing them here with you!

What I love most? ❤️ Helping homeowners understand the renovating can be FANTASTIC.

(AND FUN!)
 The plan we are going to build isn’t just about what your kitchen looks like— It’s about how it feels to live there.

I care about the morning light on the countertops,the way the space flows when everyone’s home,and the peace of knowing you made the right choices.

Planning your remodel might feel heavy. I can’t wait to show you it can feel calm, focused, and fully yours.

I believe in thoughtful plans, clear steps—and the magic that happens in between. I hope this page brings you clarity and joy, every time you land here.

✨Stay awhile, binge the kitchen content, scroll around—the resources are here for you

Julie

P.S. First step to starting? Comment SMART and I’ll send you my free 20-minute class to help you begin—calm, clear, and in control.
Yep—I made a guide if you prefer to read it!! by @theremodelstudio

Your expected $82,000 kitchen remodel shouldn’t turn into a $126,744 surprise.

😳 staying on budget shouldn’t mean giving up the kitchen you actually want.

Watch till the end for all 3 ways to protect your kitchen remodel budget without sacrificing great design. 👷🏻‍♀️

And if you want more?
My 82-page Kitchen Remodel Checklists —from 25 years of working in hundreds of renovations, help you ask the right questions and avoid costly surprises.

Real experience, Not AI experience. Because robots aren’t remodeling (yet).

Helping over 2,000 homeowners plan better remodels. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The goal? “I knew what I was paying for, and I got the kitchen I wanted.”

👇 Comment DETAIL44 and I’ll send you the details. by @theremodelstudio

When your workflow, cabinet plan, and scope are locked early, things move faster when putting together the 300 details of your kitchen remodel.

AND---it's way less overwhelming. I can guarantee that. 👷🏻‍♀️

Fewer redraws and revisions making your timeline stretch.
Fewer open loops where no one knows what is decided.
Fewer change orders that cost you $250 just to write it out.
No standing in a half-torn kitchen making decisions under pressure. Tik tok...

Clarity creates momentum.
Planning saves time. ⏰
And having someone on your side changes how this whole thing feels.

My exact design + build framework is now possible--virtually.
And having someone on your side changes the entire experience.
We can develop your layout, cabinet plan, and scope before you talk to contractors… from wherever you are.

✅ Comment "Plan26" if this could help bring your remodel peace of mind. by @theremodelstudio

3 backsplash rules I’d follow before installing a single tile in my kitchen.

You fell in love with a tile sample at the showroom. Beautiful color, beautiful finish. You’re sold.

Then 12 very heavy boxes arrive at your house. On a palette. Right in front of your garage door.

And suddenly you’re looking at tiles that don’t all look quite like that pretty little sample you brought home.

Here’s the thing. That’s not necessarily a problem. But you do need to know what you’re getting before it’s permanently installed on your wall.

I have some pretty strong opinions about this after 25 years in remodeling.

And my biggest piece of advice? If you’re ordering your own tile, PLEASE be home when it’s delivered.

I’m sharing my 3 rules here…. They’re simple, but I’d hate for you to learn them after your backsplash is installed.

Planning a kitchen remodel?

Comment DETAIL44 and to see if the Kitchen Remodel Checklists might help. by @theremodelstudio

I’ve heard some pretty frustrating stories from homeowners lately. 😫

One paid a $10,000 design fee, met a designer once, and was then sent off to showrooms on her own.

💥No design plans. No real guidance.

Another received cabinet drawings but was left to select every finish and material herself.

And some homeowners hire a company advertising “design-build,” only to discover they’re essentially getting general contracting services. No design services at all.

Now, there are some EXCELLENT design-build firms out there. And every company has different deliverables. I understand that.

But if I’m hiring a design-build company, I’m expecting actual design involvement. Not just a list of showrooms to visit.

Homeowners, before you sign, ask who’s handling your design, what deliverables are included, and how much one-on-one guidance you’ll receive.

Don’t assume the words design-build tell you what’s included.

I’m curious. Have you worked with a design-build company? What was your experience? Share below. I’d love to hear both the good and the not-so-good. by @theremodelstudio

I know most of you are going to skip hiring a designer for your remodel. And while I wish every homeowner would work with a professional designer, I understand there are plenty of reasons why that doesn’t always happen.

In fact, in a recent poll, nearly 65% of homeowners following this page said they’re planning to tackle their remodel without professional design help.

That’s a lot of you making some pretty big decisions on your own.

So, if that’s your plan, I want you to watch this reel. I’m sharing three things I really want you to consider before moving forward.

And here’s something else I want you to know: Just because you’re not hiring a designer doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out alone.

That’s exactly why I offer one-on-one Remodel Work Sessions.

With 25 years of design-build experience and hundreds of remodels behind me, I help homeowners review layouts, evaluate contractor bids, work through budgets, identify potential problems, and make more informed decisions before committing.

You don’t have to hire me for your entire project. Sometimes, having an experienced professional review your plans and give you honest feedback is exactly what you need.

Comment “consult” if you’d like to learn more about working together—even just for one hour.

And follow along for more practical remodeling advice. by @theremodelstudio

Homeowners walk into a kitchen showroom thinking you’ve got a solid budget.
Then you hear:
“Cabinets START at around $25K--for custom we start at $45k"

And right there—your plan is already broken.

But you don’t stop.
You adjust.

You start justifying:
“Okay… we’ll scale somewhere else.”
“It’s just one upgrade.”

Is it ever just ONE upgrade?

It’s cabinets.

Then countertops. ($5-20k)
Then hardware. ($100-1500)
Then lighting. ($500 ...to the moon!)

And now you’re stacking $2K–$5K decisions like they don’t count.

That’s how a $100K remodel quietly turns into $136K+
without homeowners even realizing when it happened.

Once you’re in the showroom,
you’re not making smart decisions anymore.

You’re making emotional ones (yikes!)
in a room designed to make everything feel reasonable.

The problem isn’t pricing.
The problem is you walked in without a real cost structure.

So now?
You don’t control the budget.

The environment does.

I want all homeowners to start with a quick solo plan before they start ...its in my Kitchen Remodel Playbook, and it will bring clarity instantly. Comment Playbook44. by @theremodelstudio

Moving plumbing can get expensive. And depending on your new layout, we might be having conversations about electrical and HVAC, too.

Not nearly as exciting as picking countertops. I know.

But THIS is why we take critical measurements and document existing conditions before we start cabinet drawings.

Because a beautiful kitchen design is wonderful. Finding out what it actually costs to build? Even better.

Planning a kitchen remodel? Comment SMART START and I’ll send you my free mini-class on how to get started the right way.

🌴Remodeling in S. FL? @soflokitchens —Keep following to see this amazing kitchen take shape! by @theremodelstudio

Homeowners --are you finding yourself constantly revisiting your renoplans, wondering if you're making the right choices…

→ Will this design still feel classic five years from now, or am I setting myself up for a trendy regret?

→ How much should I really be budgeting for this remodel—before my ‘simple update’ turns into a money pit. My neighbors had a terrible experience, and I can't handle that stress.

→ What about that renovation show where they pulled off so much for so little—am I doing this all wrong?

→ Should I build a new kitchen or plan on a cosmetic makeover? What's the difference and is it worth it?

Think of it as grabbing coffee with a friend who knows EVERYTHING about kitchen remodeling.

A true kitchen geek.

Comment "work session" to learn more!

Cheers to a happy reno,
Julie

P.S Still not sure---post below the topic that is keeping you up till midnight scrolling...

In just 45 minutes, you'll walk away with:

- A clear plan for what to do next
- Solutions to your biggest renovation headaches
- Confidence to make decisions that won't haunt you later
- Money saved from avoiding common expensive mistakes

The worst that happens? You spend 45 minutes getting expert advice and actually walk away having made your money back.

The best? You save thousands and get a kitchen you'll actually love--without major chaos.
by @theremodelstudio