How to prepare for your home addition, ADU, or Whole Remodel in Denver

Starting a major home project is exciting. Whether you are planning a second-story addition to make room for your growing family, building an ADU to create rental income or a guest retreat, or reimagining your entire home with a full remodel, you are about to transform the way you live. Once you have finalized a design you love, the next step is moving into the build phase—where your vision takes physical shape.

While construction is an exciting chapter, it does come with a few weeks or months of noise, dust, and activity. The good news is that a little preparation before the first hammer swings can make the process much smoother for you, your family, and your home. Here are our top tips to get ready for your project with Sustainable Design Build.

Choose a Point Person for Your Project

One of the best ways to keep your project on track is to have one primary decision-maker who communicates directly with your project manager. In most households, there are multiple voices offering ideas and opinions—spouses, family members, or co-owners. That input is valuable, but for day-to-day decisions, having too many people giving instructions can lead to confusion or delays.

Select someone who can be available during daytime hours for quick questions and approvals. This helps us at Sustainable Design Build keep your project moving forward without unnecessary hold-ups.

Declutter Before Construction Begins

It may feel strange to deep clean before construction, but starting with a tidy space reduces chaos and protects your belongings. Our team can help move large furniture and appliances, but we recommend you take care of smaller items like décor, books, and curtains.

This is also the perfect opportunity to pare down what you no longer need. When your remodel or addition is complete, you will be glad you prepared your home so moving back in feels fresh and organized.

Decide Whether to Stay or Temporarily Move Out

For large-scale projects—like full home remodels or pop-top additions—many clients choose to move into temporary housing. This can make daily life easier and allow the build team to work without navigating around household routines. If you do move out, remember to factor in housing costs when setting your budget and plan ahead for the move.

If you plan to stay during construction, prepare for noise, dust, and plenty of foot traffic. If you work from home, designate a quiet space away from the active construction zones so you can focus during the day.

Have a Plan for Dust

Dust is a reality in any home project, but we take proactive steps to minimize it. Our team uses protective barriers, plastic sheeting, and zippered enclosures to separate work areas from the rest of your home. That said, dust can be persistent and sometimes travels through vents or under doors.

Before work begins, consider removing items that are difficult to clean, sealing ducts in affected rooms, and covering furniture you will not be using. We will also discuss our dust protection approach with you so you know exactly what to expect and when final cleaning will take place.

Create Safe Spaces for Kids and Pets

If you have children or pets, it is important to have a plan for their safety and comfort during construction. We recommend creating a “safe zone” in your home that is completely separate from the work area. This not only prevents accidents but also gives your family a space to maintain a sense of routine during the project.

Introducing your kids or pets to our team early on can also help them feel more comfortable with the activity in the home. Our crew works hard to be respectful of your household while keeping safety a top priority.

Start with the Right Team

The best preparation you can make for your home addition, ADU, or whole home remodel is choosing a trusted partner who can guide you through the process from start to finish. At Sustainable Design Build, our in-house designers, architects, and builders specialize in custom home construction throughout Denver.

Because design and construction happen under one roof, you get a streamlined experience, clear communication, and a cohesive vision for your home. Whether you are updating a single space or transforming your entire property, we are here to make the journey as seamless as the finished result.

Ready to talk about your project?
Contact Sustainable Design Build today to schedule a consultation. Let’s create a plan that brings your vision to life while keeping the process as smooth as possible.