
Welcome to the Sitka School of Renovation!
Renovating your home is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming without the right guidance. This course is designed to take you from planning to execution with confidence. Whether you're tackling a full-scale remodel or a smaller renovation, you'll learn the essential steps to stay on budget, make informed decisions, and achieve a high-quality result. By following this structured approach, you’ll avoid common mistakes, streamline the process, and turn your vision into reality.
Course Introduction
Renovating your home can be overwhelming, but with the right plan, budget, materials, and team, you can achieve a seamless transformation. This course provides a step-by-step guide to help homeowners navigate the renovation process confidently and efficiently.
Make sure to download & print your course document.
*PRINT/DOWNLOAD YOUR ATTACHED DOCUMENT
Please note in the video:
Minute 13:35, on your graph paper, use two squares for 6 inches to 12 inches, depending on the scale of your drawing (not one inch like I stated). Check the link provided for creating your floor plan on graph paper.
Minute 24:30, by plug, I mean electrical outlet (please excuse my French!)
Main Problem Solved:
Poor planning leads to costly changes, delays, and functionality issues.
Goal of This Module:
Define your renovation goals, optimize your layout within your existing home, identify structural risks early, and create a detailed blueprint to avoid mid-project changes.
Common Mistakes Addressed:
❌ Starting without a clear plan, leading to constant revisions and wasted money.
❌ Overlooking how your home functions, making changes that don’t improve livability.
❌ Ignoring hidden structural issues, resulting in unexpected expenses later.
❌ Skipping blueprint creation, leading to disorganized execution and costly revisions.
Final Outcome:
By completing these worksheets and guides, you will have a detailed renovation roadmap that ensures:
✅ A smooth process with fewer surprises.
✅ Cost control by avoiding unnecessary mid-project changes.
✅ A design that aligns with your vision, structure, and functionality needs.
✅ A well-drafted blueprint that provides clear guidance for implementation.
Next Step: Moving to Module 2
With a clear plan and blueprint in place, you’re ready to start selecting materials and preparing for execution in Module 2: Budget like a boss.
*PRINT/DOWNLOAD YOUR ATTACHED DOCUMENT
Please note in the video:
If you find the provided Excel sheet too complex, don't hesitate to just use simple writing paper to write your costs and keep track of everything. Use the same title and order provided in this sheet. The goal is to keep track of your budget and to update it during your renovation.
Main Problem Solved:
Running out of money due to poor financial planning.
Goal of This Module:
Create a realistic and flexible budget that includes all necessary costs, a contingency buffer, and smart financing strategies.
Common Mistakes Addressed:
❌ Underestimating costs, leading to budget overruns and financial stress.
❌ Ignoring hidden expenses (permits, inspections, structural repairs).
❌ Overinvesting in upgrades while neglecting essential repairs.
❌ Not preparing for price fluctuations or unexpected delays.
Final Outcome:
By completing these worksheets and guides, you will have a financially sound renovation plan that ensures:
✅ A realistic budget with all expenses accounted for.
✅ The ability to handle unexpected costs without stress.
✅ Smart financing strategies to keep you in control and debt-free.
Next Step: Moving to Module 3
With a solid financial plan, you’re ready to start selecting materials and hiring the right professionals in Module 3: Save big – smart material sourcing & procurement.
*PRINT/DOWNLOAD YOUR ATTACHED DOCUMENT
Main Problem Solved:
Overspending or delaying the project due to poor material sourcing.
Goal of This Module:
Develop a cost-effective material procurement plan to secure quality materials on time and within budget.
Common Mistakes Addressed:
❌ Overpaying for materials due to last-minute or retail-priced purchases.
❌ Choosing low-quality materials, leading to frequent repairs.
❌ Failing to plan ahead, causing supply chain delays and missed deadlines.
❌ Ignoring cost-saving options like bulk buying and alternative sourcing methods.
Final Outcome:
By completing these worksheets and guides, you will have a cost-effective material strategy that ensures:
✅ Maximized savings through smart sourcing and negotiation.
✅ No delays due to missing or late-arriving materials.
✅ High-quality materials that enhance durability and reduce long-term costs.
Next Step: Moving to Module 4
With a strong material procurement plan, you’re ready to move into Module 4: Build the foundation —Hire smart, permits & DIY decisions
*PRINT/DOWNLOAD YOUR ATTACHED DOCUMENT
Main Problem Solved:
Hiring the wrong people, skipping permits, and making DIY mistakes.
Goal of This Module:
Vet contractors, understand permit requirements, and decide which tasks you can safely and effectively handle yourself.
Common Mistakes Addressed:
❌ Hiring unqualified or overpriced contractors, leading to poor workmanship and legal issues.
❌ Skipping permits, risking fines, insurance issues, or having to redo work.
❌ Taking on DIY projects beyond your skill level, leading to costly errors.
❌ Overpaying for professional work that could have been a simple DIY fix.
Final Outcome:
By completing these worksheets and guides, you will have:
✅ Confidence in hiring trustworthy professionals.
✅ Assurance that all legal and permit requirements are met.
✅ A clear understanding of what to DIY and when to call in experts.
✅ Cost savings without compromising quality or safety.
✅ A well-prepared home and household to minimize stress and disruptions.
Next Step: Moving to Module 5
With a solid team and legal compliance in place, you’re ready to move into Module 5: Master the Jobsite - Scheduling, coordination & execution
*PRINT/DOWNLOAD YOUR ATTACHED DOCUMENT
Please note in the video:
Minute 5:30, by container, I mean an enclosed sea can, in which you can store your belongings and lock the doors safely.
Minute 26:30, the structural, electrical, and plumbing inspections usually come right after framing. At the end, only the final inspection remains. Be sure to follow your city schedule to plan your inspections.
Main Problem Solved:
Disorganized jobsite leads to delays, rework, and cost overruns.
Goal of This Module:
Plan, coordinate, and oversee your renovation schedule while ensuring all trades work in the right order with minimal downtime.
Common Mistakes Addressed:
❌ Unstructured schedules, leading to disorganized work and extended timelines.
❌ Trades overlapping or arriving too soon/late, causing rework or downtime.
❌ Unrealistic timelines, forcing rushed, low-quality work.
❌ Lack of proactive planning, leading to last-minute chaos.
Final Outcome:
By completing these worksheets and guides, you will have a tightly managed renovation schedule that ensures:
✅ Minimal delays and disruptions.
✅ Efficient trade coordination with no unnecessary downtime.
✅ High-quality execution with built-in quality control measures.
✅ A smooth project flow from start to finish.
Quality Control & Final Inspection
Perform a detailed walkthrough before sign-off.
Verify that all work meets agreed-upon quality standards.
Address any deficiencies before final payment and move-in.
Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Course
Download all worksheets and start planning your renovation with confidence! Watch the Thank you video for more content!
What’s Next?
Thank you for completing this course. I hope you now feel empowered to take on your renovation with clarity and confidence. If you’re looking for additional support, here’s how I can help:
Get in Touch
If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions, please contact me. Let's create something amazing together!
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Explore our Upcoming Courses
Visit our website and continue your learning with specialized courses on:
Biophilic Design: Transform your home with nature-inspired elements to enhance your well-being.
Declutter Your Home for Good: A Step-by-Step Guide to Lasting Organization.
Sustainable Living Made Simple: Practical Tips for Your Home & Lifestyle.
High-End Custom Renovations
If you're ready to transform your space with expert craftsmanship and high-quality design, my team specializes in luxury renovations. Who knows, maybe we can come to you and create your dream home together! Let’s bring your vision to life with precision and excellence.
Thank you, again, and happy renovating.
Annie
Are you planning a home renovation and feeling overwhelmed by budgets, timelines, or the fear of hiring the wrong trades? You’re not alone — and you're in the right place.
Save Big on Your Next Renovation is a practical, step-by-step course designed to help homeowners like you take full control of your renovation project — from idea to execution. Created by a professional contractor and designer with over 20 years of experience, this course will give you the exact system I’ve used to guide hundreds of clients through successful, stress-free renovations.
In just five clear steps, you’ll learn how to plan your project with confidence, create a smart and flexible budget, save money on materials, hire the right professionals, and oversee your renovation like a pro. You’ll also gain access to printable planning tools, checklists, and insider strategies to help you avoid the most common (and expensive) renovation mistakes.
Whether you’re doing it all yourself, hiring out, or a mix of both, this course gives you the clarity and structure you need to stay on track — and save big.
More than just a course, this is your path out of confusion, second-guessing, and renovation stress. Say goodbye to overwhelm, and step into your project empowered, informed, and fully in control.
This is the course every homeowner should take before picking up a hammer or calling a contractor.
Let’s build smart — together.