Get Your Home Ready for 2026 Renovations
- Hall Builders Inc.
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
If you’re dreaming about a new kitchen, a better floor plan, or a full home refresh in 2026, now is the time to start planning. Large-scale renovations in California come with extra layers of detail—from energy codes and permits to local design guidelines and wildfire or seismic considerations. The good news? When you start early, the entire process becomes more relaxed, more intentional, and far more enjoyable.
At Hall Builders Inc., we specialize in custom remodels and ADUs designed around real California living: indoor–outdoor spaces, efficient layouts, and materials that stand up to our climate. Here’s how to start getting your home ready for a 2026 renovation now.
Step 1: Define Your Why (and Your Must-Haves)
Before you dive into tile samples and inspiration boards, it helps to get clear on why you want to remodel.
Ask yourself:
What’s not working in your home right now?
Do you need more space, better flow, or just an update to tired finishes?
Are you planning to stay in this home long-term, or are you improving it with resale in mind?
From there, build a short list of non-negotiables—the features that will actually change how you live in your home, such as:
A more functional kitchen for cooking and hosting
A true primary suite with a larger bathroom and closet
A reconfigured layout that feels open, bright, and connected
An ADU or converted garage to host family, aging parents, or long-term guests
Having this clarity up front sets the tone for every design, budget, and permitting decision that follows.
Step 2: Start the Budget Conversation Early
Budget is one of the biggest questions homeowners have—and one of the most important reasons to plan ahead. Instead of asking, “What will this cost?” in a vacuum, a better question is: “What level of investment makes sense for this home, in this season of our life?”
For California homeowners, that budget should also factor in things like:
Energy-efficiency upgrades to align with Title 24 requirements (windows, insulation, mechanical systems, lighting).
Water-saving fixtures and landscaping to meet local codes and long-term conservation goals.
Possible structural upgrades if you’re touching older framing, foundations, or want to improve seismic performance.
A few ways to set yourself up for success:
Establish a realistic range: Look at your overall finances, talk with your lender if needed, and land on a comfortable range instead of a single number.
Prioritize where the budget goes: Decide where you want to invest most: cabinetry, layout changes, structural work, or high-end finishes.
Plan for contingencies: Remodels—especially on older California homes—can uncover surprises (plumbing, electrical, framing, or code updates). Building in a contingency cushion helps prevent stress mid-project.
When you share a realistic range with your contractor early, they can guide you toward design and material choices that align with your budget from day one.
Step 3: Get a Head Start on Design (with California Codes in Mind)
Design doesn’t just mean “picking pretty things.” It’s the process of translating your needs into a functional, buildable plan that also meets California’s building codes.
Starting early gives you time to:
Explore different layout options
Fine-tune how each space will be used day-to-day
Coordinate finishes so the home feels cohesive, not pieced together
Make decisions without feeling rushed
In California, thoughtful design also considers:
Natural light and ventilation requirements
Energy-efficient systems and materials (to meet or exceed state standards)
Wildfire and seismic considerations depending on your area (defensible space, roofing, windows, and structural detailing)
At Hall Builders Inc., our design-forward approach means we’re looking at how your home flows, how your family lives, and how each decision interacts with state and local requirements. Starting design work now for a 2026 project gives you breathing room to make confident, informed choices.
Step 4: Plan Ahead for Permits, Inspections & Timelines
One of the biggest reasons to begin planning well before your ideal “start date” is simple: California permitting and review timelines.
For larger remodels and ADUs, you’ll typically need to account for:
Design and planning
Detailed estimating and scope refinement
Submittals to your local building department
Plan review and possible revisions
Scheduling inspections and coordinating trade partners
Depending on your city or county, permits for larger projects and ADUs can take time—especially if your home is in a coastal, hillside, or wildfire-prone area, or if there are added layers like HOA review.
By starting the conversation in late 2025 for a 2026 remodel, you’re giving your builder the ability to:
Reserve a spot on their construction schedule
Strategically line up licensed trade partners
Order long lead-time materials in advance
Reduce delays once construction actually begins
The result? A smoother, more predictable experience once work starts on your home.
Step 5: Decide Which Renovations to Tackle First
If you’re planning a larger remodel in 2026, you may already know your “problem areas.” Common high-impact spaces for California homes include:
Kitchens – The heart of the home and a key space for both lifestyle and resale.
Bathrooms – Updating layouts, tile, and fixtures can dramatically modernize and improve efficiency.
Primary suites – Creating a restful, functional retreat with better closet and bath design.
ADUs and garage conversions – Taking advantage of California’s ADU-friendly regulations to add flexible living space for family or guests.
You can remodel in phases, but it’s often more cost-effective (and less disruptive) to tackle connected spaces together. Early planning allows you to map out what makes the most sense for your home, your city’s regulations, and your budget.
Step 6: Partner With a California Builder You Trust
A successful 2026 renovation doesn’t start with demolition—it starts with a conversation and a clear process.
When you partner with a licensed California contractor early, you’re not just getting a construction team; you’re getting:
Guidance on what’s realistic for your home, lot, and local codes
Honest feedback on where to invest and where to scale back
A roadmap for design, permitting, inspections, and construction
A team that already understands your goals by the time work begins
At Hall Builders Inc., many of our favorite projects began months before demo day—with walk-throughs, idea sessions, and planning meetings that set our clients up for a smooth remodel from start to finish.
Ready to Talk About a 2026 Remodel?
If you’re even thinking about a renovation in 2026—whether it’s a large-scale remodel, ADU, or a series of strategic updates—now is the perfect time to start the conversation.
We’d be happy to:
Walk through your home and talk through ideas
Help you prioritize your wish list
Discuss a realistic budget range
Outline a timeline that fits both your goals and your local permitting process
Let’s start planning a California home that truly works for the way you live.